Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

Maddy summaryHCONRES 102 is a non-binding symbolic resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility, introduced by multiple House members. It formally encourages the U.S. to observe the day with ceremonies and programs, celebrates transgender community achievements, and recognizes their ongoing fight for equality amid documented discrimination in employment, healthcare, housing, and public spaces. The resolution highlights transgender representation in politics (including 21 state legislators) and historical context, while acknowledging rising anti-transgender legislation. It directly affirms the transgender community's visibility and rights without creating new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 101 is a symbolic resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 22, 2024, by multiple cosponsors. It recognizes that people with disabilities face daily barriers accessing federally funded facilities and reaffirms support for the existing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. The resolution pledges to prioritize "universal and inclusive design" in future federal infrastructure projects but does not create new legal requirements or alter current accessibility standards. As a concurrent resolution, it has no binding effect and serves only to express congressional support for accessibility goals.

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 summaryThe Pink Tax Repeal Act prohibits businesses from charging different prices for substantially similar consumer products or services based on the gender of the intended users. It defines "substantially similar" as having no meaningful differences in materials, use, or design - meaning color alone (e.g., pink vs. blue packaging) cannot justify price differences. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce this under existing laws, and state attorneys general could also sue companies for violations on behalf of residents. This directly affects consumers who pay higher prices for identical or nearly identical items marketed to a specific gender, such as women’s razors or clothing.

Maddy summaryHRES 1109 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 1913 Woman Suffrage Procession in Washington, DC, where suffragists led by Alice Paul and Inez Milholland marched to demand voting rights for women. It honors the participants' courage during a protest that drew 500,000 spectators despite violent opposition, highlighting how this event advanced the national push for the 19th Amendment. The resolution does not create new laws but reaffirms support for voting rights equality, connecting the 1913 march to ongoing efforts to protect democratic access. It specifically acknowledges the intersectional struggles of women of color in the suffrage movement. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy effect.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HRES 1083) declares March 14 as "Black Midwives Day" to honor the historical and ongoing contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but urges federal, state, and local governments to address racial disparities in maternal care through initiatives like diversifying the perinatal workforce and expanding access to culturally congruent care. The resolution highlights systemic barriers Black birthing people face, including higher maternal mortality rates and lack of culturally competent providers, and calls for policy changes to support Black midwifery. It emphasizes recognizing the role of midwives in reducing health inequities without prescribing specific legislative action.

Maddy summaryHR 7801, the Sultana Steamboat Disaster Commemorative Coin Act of 2024, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins honoring the 1865 Sultana steamboat disaster - the worst maritime disaster in U.S. history, which killed nearly 1,200 people. The bill specifies three coin types ($5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar clad) to be minted between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027, with surcharges from sales directed to the Sultana Historical Preservation Society for museum development and artifact preservation. The coins will be sold at face value plus surcharges ($5-$35 per coin), and the funds must support constructing a museum, exhibits, and preserving disaster-related history. This bill does not create new laws but enables commemorative coin sales to fund a specific historical preservation effort.

Maddy summaryHRES 1101 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for collaborating with the Congressional Black Caucus to develop a "Black Wealth Agenda." It commits the House to outlining legislative priorities focused on closing the racial wealth gap through key areas like expanding Black entrepreneurship, reforming housing policies, building workforce development programs, and updating the federal minimum wage. The resolution emphasizes addressing systemic barriers in homeownership, education access, employment discrimination, and tax policy to advance economic equity for Black communities. It does not create new laws but directs the House to coordinate with the CBC on policy solutions targeting wealth-building opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide federal grants to public housing agencies to modernize public housing through energy efficiency upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and renewable energy systems. It requires all public housing to become "zero-carbon homes" that produce enough renewable energy to meet their own consumption within 10 years. The bill includes specific requirements for workforce development, hiring from low- and very low-income communities (40% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 90% after that), and contracting with resident-owned businesses (20% in year 1, 30% in year 2, 50% after that). It also mandates resident and community engagement in planning, and requires public housing agencies to meet specific energy efficiency and water quality standards. The bill directly affects all public housing agencies managing housing for low- and very low-income residents across the United States, including tribal housing entities.

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.