Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

Maddy summaryHRES 708 is a symbolic resolution designating the week of September 18-23, 2023, as "Malnutrition Awareness Week." It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes malnutrition as a significant issue affecting vulnerable groups, including children (particularly Black children, who are nearly 3 times more likely to experience food insecurity), older adults (up to 50% at risk), and hospitalized patients. The resolution supports existing federal programs like the Older Americans Act and school nutrition initiatives, while acknowledging the high costs of malnutrition (e.g., $51 billion annually for older adults) and urging access to screening and nutrition counseling. It primarily aims to raise public awareness and honor professionals working on malnutrition prevention.

Maddy summaryThis bill encourages colleges and universities to develop evidence-based campus mental health and suicide prevention plans, without creating new mandatory requirements. It directs the Education Secretary to coordinate with the Health Secretary and align efforts with existing federal programs like the 21st Century Cures Act and Garrett Lee Smith Act. The Secretary must report to Congress on these efforts within one and three years of enactment. The bill focuses on voluntary collaboration with experts and existing initiatives, not regulatory changes.

EITC Age Parity Act of 2023 This bill modifies the age requirement for the earned income credit. Under current law, an individual taxpayer must have attained age 25, but not age 65, to claim the credit. This bill reduces the base year to age 18 and eliminates the age 65 cap on the credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to mandate that auto manufacturers bidding on vehicle assembly contracts disclose detailed workforce information for each plant involved. Specifically, contractors must provide average and range of hourly wages, temporary worker counts, and any OSHA or National Labor Relations Act violations at each manufacturing location. It also requires written agency permission - and additional disclosures - if a contractor seeks to shift production to a new plant, with notification to affected labor unions. The law directly affects auto manufacturers competing for federal vehicle assembly contracts and aims to increase transparency around labor practices.

Maddy summaryThe Protect America's Children from Toxic Pesticides Act would require the Environmental Protection Agency to complete pesticide registration reviews within 15 years, with automatic suspension of pesticides that miss deadlines. It mandates the EPA to review pesticides banned in the European Union or Canada, with automatic cancellation if the ban is not found to be clearly erroneous. The bill would ban organophosphate pesticides, neonicotinoids, and paraquat, prohibit continued sale of suspended or canceled pesticides, and require full disclosure of inert ingredients on product labels. It also establishes new protections for farmworkers by requiring bilingual labels, mandating incident reporting, and imposing penalties for non-compliance. These changes would directly affect pesticide manufacturers, farmers, farmworkers, and communities seeking to protect public health and the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to require all U.S. colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to create detailed anti-harassment policies covering physical, online, and institution-sponsored settings. It mandates policies prohibiting harassment based on race, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, religion, and other protected characteristics, including harassment via institutional email, computers, or electronic messaging. The bill also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund colleges developing prevention programs, victim support services, and training for students and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. These policies and grants must comply with existing civil rights laws like Title IX but add specific requirements for reporting and prevention.

Maddy summaryThe REDUCE Act of 2023 imposes an excise tax on virgin plastic resin and certain single-use plastic products, starting at 10 cents per pound in 2024 and increasing to 20 cents per pound by 2026 (with annual inflation adjustments). The tax applies to manufacturers, producers, and importers of plastic products, with exemptions for small businesses producing less than 10 tons annually. Revenue from the tax will fund the Plastic Waste Reduction Fund, which will support recycling infrastructure, reuse systems, and marine debris cleanup efforts. The bill specifically excludes medical products, certain packaging, and hygiene items from the tax requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 718 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of September 23, 2023, as "Bruce Springsteen Day" to honor the musician's contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a non-binding expression of congressional support. The resolution highlights Springsteen's career, his connection to New Jersey (where he was born), and his impact on American music and culture. It specifically recognizes his birthday as the designated day and his work addressing themes like working-class life and national unity. This is a ceremonial gesture with no legal or policy consequences.

Maddy summaryHR 5610 establishes a 15-member Commission to examine historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ service members and veterans. The Commission will document policies targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in the military since WWII, gather testimonies from affected veterans, and analyze impacts on mental health, benefits access, and financial stability. It must hold public hearings, examine how discrimination affected racial minorities and women within the military, and recommend solutions like record corrections, improved benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans, and better diversity training. The Commission will submit a final report to Congress within one year, proposing concrete steps to address past harms and improve inclusion in the military.

Maddy summaryHRES 698 designates the week of September 18-24, 2023, as "Rail Safety Week" in the United States. It expresses congressional support for efforts to reduce highway-rail grade crossing incidents, fatalities, and injuries - directly affecting drivers, pedestrians, and communities near railroad crossings. The resolution encourages public education on rail safety, references existing initiatives like Operation Lifesaver, and cites 2022 data showing 274 deaths at grade crossings. It has no binding effect but promotes awareness through symbolic recognition of ongoing safety campaigns. (HRES 698, introduced September 18, 2023)