Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Harnessing Opportunities by Pursuing Expungement Act of 2023 or the HOPE Act of 2023 This bill authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to states and local governments to reduce the financial and administrative burden of expunging convictions for state cannabis offenses. The bill also requires DOJ to study and report on (1) the effects on an individual of a criminal record report of a conviction for a criminal offense related to cannabis, and (2) the costs incurred for incarcerating an individual for a criminal offense related to cannabis.

Maddy summaryHR 2678, the Ending Trading and Holdings in Congressional Stocks (ETHICS) Act, prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading most stocks, commodities, and derivatives (defined as "covered investments"). The bill requires existing investments to be divested or placed in qualified blind trusts within 120 days, with exemptions for diversified funds, government bonds, and certain small business investments. It establishes civil penalties of $500 per violation or 10% of the investment value for noncompliance and mandates online public disclosure of financial information to increase transparency. The law applies to congressional staff beginning January 31, 2023, for new terms of service.

This resolution recognizes the importance of the Islamic faith and expresses deep respect for Muslims in the United States and worldwide in honor of Eid al-Fitr (the conclusion of Ramadan).

Maddy summaryHJRES 54 proposes a constitutional amendment stating that only natural persons (human beings) have rights protected by the U.S. Constitution, explicitly denying constitutional rights to corporations, limited liability companies, and other artificial entities. It would require governments to regulate or restrict corporate political contributions and spending to ensure equal access to elections, mandate public disclosure of all political spending, and clarify that campaign finance rules do not violate the First Amendment. This amendment directly affects corporations and other artificial entities by removing their constitutional standing in legal challenges and subjecting their political activities to stricter government oversight. If passed, it would fundamentally change how corporations interact with election laws and constitutional protections, though it preserves press freedom under Section 3. The bill is a proposed amendment requiring ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution.

Maddy summaryHR 2439, the Ally’s Act, requires most private health insurance plans to cover hearing-related services and devices for qualifying individuals. It mandates coverage for cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, maintenance, upgrades every five years, hearing assessments, surgery, and rehabilitation, without separate cost-sharing or medical necessity reviews. This directly affects people with hearing loss who need implantable devices, as defined by a physician or audiologist. The law applies to group health plans under the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, and Internal Revenue Code, taking effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2025.

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas and health professional shortage areas. Current law provides for an increase of up to 200 positions per fiscal year beginning in FY2023, with a total increase of 1,000 positions; each hospital may receive up to 25 additional positions. Current law also provides for an additional increase of up to 200 positions for FY2026, with at least 100 of these positions for psychiatry or related specialties; each hospital may receive up to 10 additional positions. The bill provides for an additional increase of 2,000 positions per fiscal year from FY2025-FY2031; during this period, each hospital may receive up to 75 additional positions in total under the bill and current law. Additionally, one-third of the positions that are made available under the bill must be allocated to hospitals that are already operating above applicable resident limits. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on strategies to increase the diversity of the health professional workforce, including with respect to representation from rural, low-income, and minority communities.

Maddy summaryThe Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 would protect access to abortion services by prohibiting states from imposing restrictions that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures. The bill would ensure people can obtain abortion services before fetal viability without unnecessary limitations like mandatory waiting periods or biased counseling, and after viability when necessary to protect the patient's life or health. It would preempt state laws that conflict with these protections and allow for civil enforcement actions to challenge restrictive state laws. This bill directly affects people seeking abortion services (including transgender and nonbinary individuals who can become pregnant), health care providers, and states that have implemented abortion restrictions.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 32 is a symbolic resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 30, 2023. It encourages Americans to observe the day through ceremonies and activities, celebrates transgender achievements, and recognizes the community's fight for dignity amid ongoing discrimination and anti-trans legislation. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it is a non-binding statement of support, referencing over 700 anti-trans bills introduced in 2021-2023 that target education, healthcare, and identity documents. It directly acknowledges transgender individuals and their contributions without altering any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThe Fossil Free Financing Act of 2023 requires large banks (with over $50 billion in assets) to create and implement plans to reduce their financed emissions - greenhouse gases linked to their investments - in line with science-based climate targets. Key requirements include ending all new fossil fuel projects by January 2023, stopping thermal coal financing by 2025, eliminating all fossil fuel financing by 2030, and achieving zero financed emissions by 2050. The bill prohibits using carbon offsets in these plans and mandates banks to prioritize communities disproportionately impacted by fossil fuel dependence. Banks must submit annual plans to the Federal Reserve, which can impose penalties for noncompliance, including loss of deposit insurance. The law also expands oversight of nonbank financial firms contributing significantly to climate emissions.

Maddy summaryThe International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023 creates a permanent Special Envoy at the State Department to coordinate U.S. efforts against discrimination and violence targeting LGBTQI+ people globally. The bill requires the development of an annual global strategy to address criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. It also mandates that U.S. country reports on human rights practices include detailed information about laws and practices affecting LGBTQI+ communities. The legislation authorizes U.S. foreign assistance programs to support LGBTQI+ rights through health services, legal protections, and community capacity building. This bill aims to strengthen U.S. diplomatic engagement on LGBTQI+ rights as part of broader human rights policy.