Rep. Deborah K. Ross

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 summaryHR 1083, the Caring for Survivors Act of 2023, increases financial support for surviving spouses of veterans. It amends Title 38 to raise dependency and indemnity compensation from a fixed $1,154 to 55% of the monthly compensation rate under section 1114(j), effective six months after enactment. The bill also modifies eligibility for survivors of veterans who died before 1993, ensuring they receive the greater of their current benefit or the new calculation. Additionally, it reduces the required continuous service rating period for survivors from 10 years to five years when a veteran was totally disabled at death. These changes directly affect surviving spouses, particularly those with veterans who died prior to 1993.

Maddy summaryHRES 1148 is a resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that condemns the Iranian government for supporting terrorism, regional proxy conflicts, and internal suppression of dissent - including its crackdown on protests following Mahsa Amini's death in 2022. It specifically calls for maintaining sanctions against Iran, supporting the Iranian Resistance's Ten-Point Plan (which advocates for a democratic, secular, nonnuclear Iran), and protecting Iranian political refugees in Albania. The resolution also affirms the Iranian people's right to self-determination under international law and urges the U.S. to recognize their struggle for freedom. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally expresses congressional stance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax credit for family child care providers who operate from their primary residence and hold state licenses. It allows qualifying providers to claim up to $5,000 in startup costs per year, including licensing fees, supplies, insurance, safety equipment, furniture, and required home renovations. The credit applies only once per provider (no repeat claims) and expires after 7 years. It directly benefits small-scale, licensed family child care providers serving at least two non-family children, aiming to reduce their initial business setup costs.

Maddy summaryThe STAMP Act of 2024 bans state and local governments from taxing menstrual products. It prohibits taxes on items like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, discs, and period underwear that meet industry standards. The law directly affects consumers purchasing these products and state/local governments that previously imposed such taxes. It takes effect 120 days after enactment, removing tax burdens on menstrual products nationwide.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes a federal grant program to improve swimming pool and spa safety, targeting states, Indian Tribes, and qualifying nonprofits (501(c)(3) organizations with pool safety experience). It requires applicants to already have state or tribal laws meeting minimum safety standards for pools built after a certain date. Grant funds must be used for at least 25% on hiring/inspecting drain covers and enforcement, with the remainder for public education on drowning prevention - prioritizing underserved, rural, or minority communities with higher drowning rates. The program is funded at $5 million annually from 2024-2028, with recipients required to submit annual reports on grant use and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHRES 1110 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2024 to commemorate March 2024 as National Women’s History Month. It formally supports the month’s goals, recognizes women and organizations advancing women’s history education, and highlights the intersectional contributions of Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, and disabled women throughout U.S. history. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of historical milestones and ongoing advocacy for gender equality. It directly affects all Americans by affirming the significance of women’s historical contributions through official congressional recognition.

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 summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1100) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to mark Duke University's 100th anniversary. It formally celebrates Duke's founding in 1924, recognizes its historical milestones (including medical advancements, desegregation, and athletic achievements), and encourages North Carolina residents to participate in anniversary events. The resolution directs the House Clerk to provide five copies to Duke University President Vincent E. Price. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it directly affects Duke University and its community through recognition, not legislative action.

Maddy summaryHR 7790, the Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2024, authorizes $15 million annually (2024-2028) through the National Science Foundation to fund grants for programs increasing participation of women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (including Black, Hispanic, Native American, and specific Asian subgroups), LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities in STEM fields. The grants support concrete activities like mentoring programs, STEM internships, K-12 outreach, and faculty recruitment initiatives designed to address documented disparities in STEM degree completion and career retention. The bill directly affects eligible institutions (e.g., universities, nonprofits) that apply for competitive funding to implement these targeted programs. It focuses on measurable policy changes through federal funding for evidence-based retention strategies, not on outcome predictions.