Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.

Maddy summaryThe Heating and Cooling Relief Act significantly expands the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income households with rising energy costs. It increases annual funding to $400 billion for fiscal years 2024-2033 (up from $2 billion), adds $1 billion yearly for cooling assistance during heat events, and expands eligibility to include households with a 3% energy burden. The bill requires states to provide protections against home energy shutoffs and late fees for program participants, and to prioritize energy-efficient, renewable energy solutions. It also creates new "just transition" grants to help communities move away from fossil fuels while reducing energy burdens for vulnerable households.

Maddy summaryHRES 131 is a symbolic resolution expressing support for designating February 16, 2023, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day." It recognizes the historical contributions of Black aviation professionals - from pioneers like Bessie Coleman and the Tuskegee Airmen to modern figures like Katherine Johnson - and encourages public acknowledgment of their achievements. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation urging schools and communities to educate about these contributions and support greater opportunities for Black Americans in aviation careers. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to promote awareness and inclusion in the aviation industry.

Maddy summaryThe Pregnant Women in Custody Act establishes new standards for care of pregnant women in correctional facilities across federal, state, tribal, and local systems. It prohibits using restrictive housing for pregnant women from confirmed pregnancy through 12 weeks after delivery (with limited exceptions), requires facilities to provide comprehensive healthcare services including prenatal and postpartum care, and mandates data collection about the health needs of incarcerated pregnant women. The bill also requires staff training on proper treatment, establishes protocols for unexpected childbirth, and mandates transfer of women with high-risk pregnancies to facilities with appropriate medical care. These provisions aim to improve health outcomes for both mothers and infants by addressing gaps in care for incarcerated pregnant women.

Maddy summaryHR 987 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins honoring Golda Meir, Israel's first female Prime Minister, and the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Israel relations. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar clad coins (max 750,000), with detailed weight and composition requirements. All coins will include Golda Meir's image, her name, and commemorative inscriptions, and will be sold during 2026. A surcharge ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars) will be paid to the American Friends of Kiryat Sanz Laniado Hospital Inc. to support its hospital operations.

Maddy summaryHR 782 prohibits state officials from interfering with abortion services provided across state lines. It specifically blocks states from restricting: (1) out-of-state patients traveling for legal abortions, (2) providers offering such services, (3) assistance for travel or care, or (4) the interstate shipment of FDA-approved abortion drugs. The bill allows the federal Attorney General or affected individuals to sue violators for injunctions, damages, and attorney fees. It directly affects patients seeking care in other states, healthcare providers, transportation services, and pharmacies handling FDA-approved abortion medications. The law focuses on preventing state laws from blocking access to legally permitted abortion services.

Maddy summaryHR 767 modifies the FDA's safety program for mifepristone (a medication used in medication abortion) to improve access. It requires the FDA to remove in-person dispensing rules, allow prescriptions via telehealth, and permit certified pharmacies to mail the medication directly to patients. This bill directly affects patients seeking medication abortion and healthcare providers who prescribe or dispense mifepristone. The changes apply specifically to mifepristone's safety program under federal law, ensuring broader access through existing pharmacy channels.

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring payment from a veteran for any contraceptive item that is required to be covered by health insurance plans without a cost-sharing requirement.

Maddy summaryThe Child Care for Every Community Act establishes a federal program to provide universal, high-quality child care and early learning services for all young children not yet required to attend school. It provides 90% federal funding for most programs (100% for migrant/seasonal farmworkers and Native American children) with a sliding fee scale based on family income (maximum 7% of income). The bill requires states, tribes, and localities to develop comprehensive plans ensuring services are accessible, culturally appropriate, and meet national quality standards. It specifically focuses on serving low-income children, children with disabilities, dual language learners, homeless children, and children in foster care. The program emphasizes coordination with schools and other community services to support children's development and school readiness.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes significant changes to US corporate tax rules to prevent tax avoidance through foreign operations. It requires corporations to calculate foreign income tax liabilities country-by-country, limits interest deductions for large international financial reporting groups, and modifies rules for "inverted corporations" (where US companies move tax residence abroad). The bill also creates new rules treating foreign corporations managed primarily in the US as domestic corporations for tax purposes. These changes aim to close tax loopholes related to outsourcing and foreign tax planning.

Maddy summaryHR 971, the Black History Matters Act, directs the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study Black history education in public elementary and secondary schools. The 3-year study will identify which schools require Black history curriculum, assess teaching quality through discussions and materials, and analyze how schools measure student understanding. It does not change school requirements but will produce a report for Congress on the current state of Black history education, including coverage of topics like slavery, Reconstruction, and systemic racism. The bill specifically defines "Black history education" as teaching the history of African Americans, including struggles against racism and discrimination. This is a procedural study bill, not a policy requiring new educational mandates.