Rep. Hillary J. Scholten

Maddy summaryThe Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2024 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisory employees. The Federal Labor Relations Authority will determine if each state's laws "substantially provide" for these rights, and if not, federal standards will apply to that state. These standards include the right to self-organization, collective bargaining, recognition of labor organizations, and procedures for resolving disputes. The bill preserves existing collective bargaining agreements and excludes certain employee categories like emergency services workers from some provisions.

Maddy summaryHR 3950, the TICKET Act, requires ticket sellers (including primary issuers and secondary markets like StubHub) to clearly show the total price and itemized fees (like service or delivery charges) before a customer selects a ticket. It also mandates sellers without actual ticket possession to disclose this upfront, preventing "speculative" sales. The bill applies to all event tickets sold online or through marketing, ensuring consumers see the full cost - including base price and all fees - before purchasing. The Federal Trade Commission enforces these rules under existing laws, treating violations as deceptive practices. This directly affects ticketing companies and secondary sellers by eliminating hidden fees and misleading sales tactics.

Maddy summaryHR 8231, the James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to actor James Earl Jones in recognition of his distinguished career in theater and film, and his role in advancing inclusion and equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds in the entertainment industry. The Treasury will strike the medal with an image and inscription of Jones, and may produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint's public enterprise fund. This bill serves as a ceremonial honor with no new legal requirements or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Investing in All of America Act of 2023 amends the Small Business Investment Act to expand eligibility for a leverage exclusion, allowing Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) to count more investments toward their leverage limits when funding businesses in low-income or rural areas, or in critical technology sectors vital to national security. It requires the Small Business Administration to adjust exclusion limits annually using the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation and to submit annual reports to Congress on economic activity and jobs generated by these investments. This bill directly affects SBICs and the businesses they support in designated underserved communities and strategic technology industries.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the EPA to establish new water quality standards and discharge limits for PFAS chemicals (like "forever chemicals") within strict deadlines. It mandates the EPA to publish human health criteria by 2027 and set industry-specific discharge limits for targeted sectors (e.g., chemical manufacturing, electroplating, landfills) by 2025-2027. The bill also requires immediate monitoring of PFAS discharges from these industries and wastewater treatment facilities, and allocates $200 million annually (2024-2028) to help treatment works address PFAS contamination. These changes directly affect regulated industries, wastewater systems, and communities near water sources contaminated by PFAS.

Maddy summaryHR 5917, the "Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act," expands sanctions against foreign individuals and entities that direct the use of civilians as human shields. It specifically adds members or agents of Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ) to the list of targets for sanctions when they order or control civilians to shield military objectives. The bill requires the President to justify sanction decisions to Congress within 120 days and extends the sunset date for related sanctions from 2023 to 2030. Additionally, it mandates a Department of Defense report within 120 days detailing strategies to counter human shield tactics used by groups like Hamas and PIJ, including plans for international coordination.

Maddy summaryHR 3303, the Maternal Health for Veterans Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually report on maternity care coordination programs and maternal health outcomes for veterans receiving care through VA facilities or VA-contracted providers. The bill mandates the VA to collect data on maternal outcomes - including disparities affecting high-risk demographic groups - and submit recommendations to Congress by September 2028. It authorizes $15 million annually (2024-2028) for VA maternity care coordination programs, supplementing existing funding without reducing current resources. The law directly affects veterans using VA maternity services, aiming to improve care through data-driven strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal wiretap and communications laws to protect reproductive health information. It requires government entities seeking to access communications (via warrant, subpoena, or court order) to certify under oath that they will not use reproductive or sexual health data - including information about abortion, contraception, pregnancy, or fertility treatments - to investigate or prosecute individuals seeking, providing, or facilitating such care. The bill explicitly defines "reproductive or sexual health information" to cover medical services, prescriptions, health conditions, and related activities. This applies to all federal law enforcement and government agencies handling communications requests. The law directly affects government entities and the privacy rights of individuals accessing reproductive healthcare.

Maddy summaryHRES 1109 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, DC, where suffragists led by Alice Paul and Inez Milholland marched to demand voting rights for women. It honors the participants' courage during a protest that drew 500,000 spectators despite violent opposition, highlighting how this event advanced the national push for the 19th Amendment. The resolution does not create new laws but reaffirms support for voting rights equality, connecting the 1913 march to ongoing efforts to protect democratic access. It specifically acknowledges the intersectional struggles of women of color in the suffrage movement. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy effect.

Maddy summaryHR 7770, the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell three commemorative coins honoring women who worked on the U.S. home front during World War II. It specifies $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all to be issued between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollar), with all surcharge funds directed to the Rosie the Riveter Trust for maintaining the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. The coins will feature designs reflecting the legacy of diverse women workers and must meet specific weight, diameter, and composition standards.