Rep. Bennie G. Thompson

Maddy summaryThe John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 would strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by updating the criteria for which states and localities must obtain federal preclearance before changing voting practices. It would establish new standards for proving vote dilution and vote denial by requiring courts to consider historical discrimination, racial polarization in voting, and whether voting practices disproportionately burden minority voters. The bill would also require states and localities to provide public notice of voting changes and share demographic data about polling locations. These changes would primarily affect jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations, aiming to prevent discriminatory voting practices before they take effect.

Maddy summaryThe Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 bans cosmetic animal testing in the United States, prohibiting companies from conducting or contracting such testing after its enactment (effective 1 year later). It also bans selling or transporting cosmetics developed using animal testing conducted after that date within U.S. interstate commerce. The law directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers operating in the U.S. market, requiring them to use non-animal testing methods for safety evaluations. Exceptions exist for foreign regulatory requirements or when no alternative testing methods are available for specific ingredients.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategy addressing untraceable firearms (ghost guns), defined as privately made or modified weapons lacking serial numbers. It mandates DHS agencies to produce annual threat reports on ghost gun use in terrorism, analyze cross-border smuggling patterns (especially U.S. firearms recovered in Mexico), and track airport security violations involving such weapons. The law also directs the Secret Service to research prevention methods and requires the Transportation Security Administration to report on firearm violations at checkpoints. These provisions focus on improving interagency coordination and data collection on ghost gun threats, without changing gun ownership laws.

Maddy summaryThe Green Ribbon Act of 2023 establishes a voluntary program to recognize schools and institutions meeting three environmental goals: graduating environmentally literate students, reducing emissions from buildings/operations, and achieving a net positive environmental impact on students and staff. It creates a federal award program where schools can earn recognition through State nominations, with $10 million authorized for fiscal years 2024-2029 to fund grants, honorariums ($10,000 per award), and technical assistance. The program directly affects K-12 schools, tribal schools, and institutions of higher education, requiring States to allocate at least 40% of grant funds to underresourced schools. Key provisions include updated criteria aligning with EPA and CDC health standards, annual reporting requirements, and a new Office of School Infrastructure within the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryHR 5433, the Child Care Stabilization Act, provides $16 billion annually from 2024 to 2028 to stabilize the child care sector through grants administered by the Health and Human Services Secretary. It directly affects licensed child care providers by offering stable funding to cover operating costs, while supporting higher wages for early educators without raising family fees. Key provisions include expanding access to high-quality, affordable care - especially for infants/toddlers, rural communities, and children with disabilities - and addressing shortages in underserved areas. The funding builds on existing American Rescue Plan resources, aiming to strengthen the child care workforce and increase available options for working families.

Maddy summaryHR 5369, the Tipped Worker Protection Act, requires employers to pay tipped workers the full federal minimum wage (currently $7.25/hour) instead of the current lower "tip credit" rate ($2.13/hour). It phases in this change over time, starting with a $3.60/hour cash wage in the first year, increasing by $1.50 annually until matching the standard minimum wage. The bill prohibits employers from keeping or using customer tips for any purpose (including covering costs like credit card fees) and mandates that all tips go directly to employees, with new rules governing voluntary tip pools. It directly affects restaurant, bar, and similar service workers who rely on tips for income.

Maddy summaryThis resolution supports designating August as National Black Business Month to honor the economic contributions of Black-owned businesses across the U.S. It recognizes that Black businesses, which contributed $83.6 billion in receipts in 2023 and employed over 1.3 million people, continue to face barriers like limited access to capital and higher loan denial rates. The resolution does not create new laws or programs but symbolically acknowledges their historical and current impact on the economy. It is a non-binding House resolution passed to raise awareness, not to mandate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 5322, the Time Off to Vote Act, requires most private employers (with 25+ employees) to provide two consecutive hours of paid leave for employees to vote in federal elections. Employers must grant this leave upon request, can schedule it during early voting periods if permitted by state law, and cannot include lunch breaks in the leave period. The bill prohibits retaliation against employees who take this leave and ensures it does not affect accrued employment benefits. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, enforced by the Department of Labor.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands SNAP eligibility for college students by modifying existing rules. It allows students attending higher education institutions (as defined by the Higher Education Act) to qualify for SNAP benefits if they have a zero expected family contribution (EFC) from FAFSA or meet specific criteria for independent student status under the Higher Education Act. The changes replace outdated language about "employment" with "attending school or working" and remove barriers that previously excluded many low-income students. This directly affects low-income undergraduate and graduate students who may face food insecurity while enrolled in college. The policy change takes effect 180 days after enactment.

Voters on the Move Registration Act of 2023 This bill requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to develop, and specified agencies to distribute, a statement providing individuals with information on how to register to vote and their voting rights. This information must be provided to individuals upon their participation in certain rental assistance programs or application for certain residential mortgages.