Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 817) formally recognizes four African American legislators - James Lewis, John Willis Menard, Pinckney B.S. Pinchback, and Josiah Thomas Walls - as former Members of the House. It states they duly won election during the Reconstruction Era (1869-1874) but were wrongly denied seats due to contested credentials. The resolution directs the House to recognize them as former Members and display oil portraits of them in a House corridor. This is a symbolic gesture of historical acknowledgment, not a legal change to their status or voting rights.

Maddy summaryHRES 819 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the 5-year anniversary of the October 27, 2018, antisemitic attack at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, which killed 11 people. It condemns antisemitism and references rising hate incidents, including the Anti-Defamation League’s 2022 report of record antisemitic activity (3,697 incidents). The resolution honors the victims, expresses solidarity with affected Jewish communities, and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combatting hate and protecting religious freedom. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect but serves as a formal statement of congressional stance.

Maddy summaryThe Student Support Act (HR 6091) establishes a federal grant program to address the critical shortage of mental health professionals in schools, authorizing $100 million annually through 2028. The bill sets specific target ratios for school-based mental health providers: one counselor for every 250 students, one psychologist for every 500-700 students, and one social worker for every 250 students. Funds would be distributed to states based on the number of children in poverty and total student enrollment, with states required to provide matching funds. This legislation directly affects public and private K-12 schools across the United States, particularly those serving low-income students who currently lack adequate mental health support.

Maddy summaryHR 6067, the Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act, amends the National School Lunch Act to improve nutrition programs for young children in child care settings. It requires annual eligibility reviews for proprietary child care centers (Section 2) and directs the Secretary to streamline the "serious deficiency" process, clarifying what constitutes serious noncompliance versus minor errors and establishing formal appeals procedures (Section 3). The bill also adjusts meal reimbursement limits for child care programs and mandates a study on third-meal reimbursement, while creating an advisory committee to reduce paperwork burdens for child care centers, family day care homes, and parents (Sections 4, 6). These changes aim to modernize program administration, reduce administrative complexity, and ensure fairer treatment for participating providers and families.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require employers with 5 or more employees to provide 56 hours of paid leave annually for employees experiencing pregnancy loss, failed fertility procedures (including IVF), failed adoption or surrogacy arrangements, or fertility-impacting diagnoses. Employees could also use this leave to care for a spouse or domestic partner facing these circumstances. Employers would need to provide clear notice of this policy and cannot discriminate against employees who use this leave. The bill applies to private sector employers, government employees, and others covered under the defined terms, with enforcement mechanisms to protect employees' rights.

This resolution urges the President to immediately call for and to facilitate de-escalation and a cease-fire in Israel and Palestinian Territories. The resolution also calls on the President to promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 784) symbolically designates October 15, 2023, as "National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day" to honor individuals and families who have experienced pregnancy loss or infant death. It asks the House to support the day’s goals, recognize the emotional impact of these losses, and request the President issue a proclamation encouraging public observance. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma around pregnancy and infant loss, which affects an estimated 1 million U.S. families annually. It directly acknowledges the experiences of those who have endured such losses without proposing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Ostomy Awareness Day. (Ostomy is a type of surgery that creates an opening in the abdomen that allows for the removal of bodily waste when an individual has lost normal functions of the digestive or urinary systems due to birth defects, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or other medical conditions.)