Rep. Debbie Dingell

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to fund state-run telephone check-in services for older adults (60+) and adults with disabilities who are socially isolated and lack support systems, with priority for rural and medically underserved communities. States would use grant funds to provide regular phone calls from volunteers or staff, with voluntary referrals to services like mental health care or nutrition programs - never mandatory interventions. The program requires annual reporting on participation, call frequency, and satisfaction, while excluding personal data, and authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2025-2027, effective October 2024. It directly affects vulnerable seniors and disabled adults facing isolation, particularly in areas with limited community resources.

Maddy summaryHR 6406, the "Last Servicemember Standing Medal Act," creates a new military service medal to honor specific service members. It authorizes the Secretary of Defense to award the medal to active-duty members who were the last surviving member of their unit after combat during a war or overseas operation, demonstrated extraordinary heroism in defense of the U.S., and received recommendations from their commanding officer and at least two peers. The medal is limited to one award per person, and if a recipient dies, the medal may be issued to their next-of-kin. The bill amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code to establish this recognition, with implementation to be expedited by Congress.

Maddy summaryHR 6296, the HCBS Relief Act of 2023, increases federal funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) by boosting the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by 10 percentage points for participating states during fiscal years 2024-2025. States must apply to use these funds to raise wages and improve working conditions for direct care workers (like home health aides), reduce waiting lists for services, and help individuals transition from nursing facilities back to community care. The bill requires states to spend funds by 2027 on specific activities, including paid leave, hazard pay, and supporting family caregivers, while reporting on outcomes like service access and beneficiary outcomes. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries receiving HCBS and the providers who serve them across participating states.

Maddy summaryThe Fair Warning Act of 2023 amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act to require employers with 50+ employees or $2 million+ annual payroll to provide 90 days' written notice before site closings or mass layoffs. The bill specifies that employers must notify affected employees, state dislocated worker units, local governments, and the Department of Labor, including details about the number of affected employees, reason for the layoff, recall date, and available benefits. Exceptions to the 90-day notice period include natural disasters, terrorist attacks, public health emergencies, and potential new business or financing. Employers who fail to provide required notice may face penalties, including back pay for affected employees. The bill also establishes a public database of layoff notices maintained by the Department of Labor for transparency.

Maddy summaryThe Election Day Act (HR 6267) would designate "Election Day" as a federal holiday by adding it to the list of designated holidays in U.S. Code (Title 5, Section 6103). This would require federal offices to close and provide federal employees a day off on Election Day, the established date for federal elections (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November). The bill amends the existing holiday list to insert "Election Day" after "Columbus Day." It does not change the election date but formalizes it as a federal holiday for government operations.

Maddy summaryHR 6105, the No Toxics in Food Packaging Act of 2023, prohibits the use of specific chemicals in food packaging by deeming them unsafe under existing law. It directly bans ortho-phthalates (like DEHP and DBP), PFAS, certain bisphenols (including BPA), styrene, and antimony trioxide in all food contact materials. The bill requires the FDA to consider vulnerable populations - such as infants, pregnant women, and workers - when evaluating alternative substances. The ban takes effect two years after the bill's enactment. This law primarily affects food manufacturers, packaging producers, and the FDA's regulatory oversight of food contact substances.

Maddy summaryHR 6173 establishes a pilot program to address technology-based abuse against victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It authorizes up to 15 grants of $2 million each to partnerships between tech-focused schools, domestic violence centers, and local governments to provide victims with devices and tech safety support. The bill also creates a separate $20 million grant program over five years to fund training materials for organizations helping victims navigate tech abuse. These programs directly affect victims facing digital stalking or harassment by abusers, aiming to improve safety through targeted resources and education.

Maddy summaryHRES 831 is a symbolic congressional resolution supporting October as "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but formally expresses the House of Representatives' support for the goals of raising awareness about domestic violence. The resolution urges Congress to continue highlighting domestic violence's impact and backing programs that prevent and address it. It directly affects public awareness efforts and serves as a non-binding statement of congressional support for victims and advocacy organizations.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week, celebrates the millions of people in the United States—especially veterans and their spouses—who benefit from Small Business Administration programs, and expresses appreciation for the continued service to the United States by the nation's veterans through small business ownership and entrepreneurship.

Maddy summaryHRES 827 is a non-binding House resolution expressing concern about the link between firearm violence, misogyny, and violence against women. It highlights that current federal law bans guns for domestic abusers only if they are married to or have children with their partner, leaving dating partners unprotected - a gap sometimes called the "boyfriend loophole." The resolution cites statistics showing domestic abusers with gun access are 5 times more likely to kill partners and that firearm-related domestic violence is 12 times more likely to be fatal. It urges further research into these connections and supports policies to prevent abusers from accessing firearms, referencing recent tragedies and studies.