Rep. Jamie Raskin

Maddy summaryHRES 371 is a symbolic resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for Public Service Recognition Week (May 7-13, 2023). It commends federal, state, and local government employees, as well as uniformed services members, for their contributions to public welfare - highlighting roles like veterans' care, disaster response, and infrastructure security. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves to honor public servants through words of appreciation. As a procedural resolution, it does not impose new requirements or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryThe Transit to Trails Act establishes a federal grant program to fund transportation projects connecting critically underserved communities - defined as areas lacking adequate park access, low-income, communities of color, or environmental justice areas - to public lands and recreational spaces. Eligible entities, including states, local governments, tribal organizations, and park districts, can apply for grants to develop transportation connectors (like bus routes) and culturally appropriate education materials, with priority for projects using low-emission vehicles and offering discounted fares for low-income riders. Grants range from $25,000 to $500,000, with federal funding covering up to 80% of costs, and recipients must report on demographics served and project outcomes. The program is funded at $40 million annually in its fifth year, aiming to improve mobility to parks and recreation in communities historically excluded from such access.

Maddy summaryHR 2757, the Puerto Rico Status Act, establishes a process for Puerto Rico to determine its political status through a plebiscite on November 2, 2025, offering three options: independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. If no option receives a majority in the initial vote, a runoff plebiscite would be held on March 8, 2026. The bill outlines transition processes for each option, including constitutional conventions, implementation steps, and provisions for citizenship, immigration, and economic benefits. It mandates bilingual voter education materials and requires oversight by the Elections Commission and the Attorney General to ensure fair representation of all options. This legislation directly affects Puerto Rico's residents by providing a structured process to choose their permanent political relationship with the United States.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 37 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing that Congress views climate change as an emergency requiring a massive national mobilization. It states that human-caused climate change severely impacts U.S. economic well-being, health, safety, and national security, and urges the President to use existing authorities to accelerate climate action. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but emphasizes the need for urgent, equitable efforts to reduce emissions, address environmental injustice, and support vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate impacts. It cites rising global temperatures, extreme weather costs ($165 billion in U.S. disasters in 2022), and the Inflation Reduction Act as context, while clarifying it does not declare an actual national emergency.

Maddy summaryHR 2965, the Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2023, establishes a federal pilot program to provide free or low-cost evidence-based skills training for family caregivers of children (ages 0-9) with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays. It authorizes $10 million annually to fund grants for eligible organizations (like nonprofits, health centers, and community groups) to teach caregivers practical strategies for communication, social engagement, daily living skills, and managing challenging behaviors. The program requires local stakeholder committees - including caregivers, healthcare providers, and community representatives - to ensure cultural relevance, and mandates annual evaluations to assess impacts on children's well-being and caregiver support.

This resolution affirms the importance of free expression and freedom of the press around the world and condemns threats to these freedoms. The resolution calls on the President and the Department of State to (1) urge foreign governments to bring to justice those who threaten or attack journalists, and (2) leverage foreign assistance to help expand access to independent media in countries where authoritarian regimes control the internet.

Maddy summaryHRES 356 is a non-binding House resolution supporting the designation of May 4, 2023, as a "National Day of Reason." It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups directly, as it is a symbolic gesture of support. The resolution encourages all citizens to observe this day, emphasizing reason, critical thinking, the scientific method, and free inquiry as vital to addressing societal challenges and advancing human welfare. It cites historical context, including the Founders' emphasis on reason and James Madison's views on knowledge as essential to liberty. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Raskin and others in May 2023, with no further legislative action noted.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits forced arbitration for race discrimination claims under federal, tribal, state, or local law. It makes pre-existing arbitration agreements unenforceable for disputes involving discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, allowing affected individuals to pursue cases in court instead. The law directly impacts employees, job applicants, and others facing alleged race discrimination who would otherwise be barred from court by mandatory arbitration clauses. It requires courts - not arbitrators - to decide if the law applies to a dispute, ensuring legal clarity for affected parties.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects living organ donors from insurance discrimination by prohibiting life, disability, and long-term care insurers from denying coverage, raising premiums, or altering policy terms solely because someone donated an organ while alive. It also updates the Family and Medical Leave Act to include recovery from organ donation surgery as a qualifying health condition, allowing donors to take protected leave for this purpose. Additionally, the bill requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to update public educational materials about living donation benefits, risks, and insurance protections within six months of enactment. These changes directly affect living organ donors, insurers, employers, and healthcare systems by ensuring fair access to insurance and workplace leave.

Maddy summaryHR 2955, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, establishes a Federal Work Group to improve data collection and best practices for youth in residential programs (like therapeutic schools, treatment centers, and group homes). The Work Group, composed of federal agency representatives and diverse stakeholders, must develop national data standards, create risk assessment tools, and issue biennial reports with recommendations to enhance safety, reduce restraints, and expand community-based alternatives. It directly affects youth with mental health, substance use, or disability needs placed in these facilities, as well as agencies overseeing them. The bill also mandates a National Academies study to examine funding, oversight, and barriers to community care. These mechanisms aim to standardize data tracking and promote less restrictive, trauma-informed care for youth in residential programs.