Rep. Emanuel Cleaver

Maddy summaryHRES 1354 is a non-binding resolution honoring Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans, who died in the line of duty on September 15, 2021, while serving with the Independence Police Department in Missouri. The resolution recognizes his life, including his Medal of Valor award for heroism, his inclusion in the Smithville Education Foundation’s Wall of Fame, and his organ donation that saved seven lives and enhanced 37 others (including a kidney transplant for a fellow officer). This resolution does not create new laws or affect policies - it solely expresses the House’s tribute to his service and legacy.

This resolution honors the memory and legacy of Officer Daniel Vasquez, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The resolution also expresses condolences to his loved ones.

This resolution condemns the Supreme Court's holding in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (that there is no constitutional right to abortion) and expresses a commitment to instituting judicial reform and supporting access to abortion and the communities affected by the Court's ruling. It also urges the executive branch to advance reproductive justice.

This resolution reaffirms the goals of World Refugee Day and the commitment of the United States to promote the safety and well-being of refugees and asylum seekers.

This resolution expresses support for the goals and values of the 54th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and for efforts to strengthen housing protections, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.

Maddy summaryHRES 1067 is a symbolic House resolution honoring three Missouri police officers who died in the line of duty during March 2022: Corporal Benjamin Cooper (Joplin), Officer Jake Reed (Joplin), and Patrolman Lane Burns (Bonne Terre). It expresses condolences to their families, recognizes the sacrifices of all law enforcement officers, and acknowledges the need for adequate resources for rural departments. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds - it is a ceremonial expression of support and remembrance. It specifically references the March 2022 incidents where six officers were shot in Missouri, with three fatalities.

This resolution condemns racism and invidious discrimination as evil and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution and declares unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination in America. (Invidious discrimination generally refers to discrimination based on a classification that is arbitrary or irrational and not related to a legitimate purpose.) The resolution also expresses the intention of the House of Representatives to pass legislation establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation. The department shall be charged with developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that (1) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) rights are human rights and protected by the U.S. Constitution; (2) LGBTQIA+ Pride Month should be celebrated; and (3) all Americans should be treated equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Afghan Adjustment Act This bill expands eligibility for special immigrant visas to certain Afghan nationals (and accompanying spouse and children) and addresses related issues. The Department of Homeland Security may provide such visas to Afghan nationals who provided qualifying service as a member of the Afghan Air Force or other specified entities and meet eligibility requirements, such as passing a background check. Currently, special immigrant visas for Afghan nationals are generally only available to those who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. Such visas shall also be available to an Afghan national who is a qualifying relative of a veteran or member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill also modifies procedures for providing lawful permanent resident status to certain classes of Afghan nationals, such as by (1) providing a streamlined process with specified vetting requirements for certain individuals, including those who provided support to the U.S. government in Afghanistan; and (2) preserving the eligibility of certain battered spouses whose eligibility for such status stemmed from a marriage that has terminated. Furthermore, the Department of State (1) must respond to inquiries from Members of Congress about specific applications from Afghan nationals seeking special immigrant or refugee status; and (2) establish an office in Afghanistan to perform certain tasks, such as issuing visas, if no U.S. embassies are operational in Afghanistan. The President must establish a task force to develop and implement a strategy to assist Afghan nationals who qualify for admission to the United States.

Backlog Justice Act of 2022 This bill requires certain actions to address the backlog of untested sexual assault kits. For example, the bill (1) directs the Bureau of Justice Assistance to establish a publicly accessible online database regarding untested kits, and (2) requires the Department of Justice to provide an increased amount of certain grant funding for states that have in place electronic evidence tracking systems for these kits.