Rep. Jamaal Bowman

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals to deduct auto insurance payments for household members from their income when applying for federal or state assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid. It directly affects people seeking benefits by reducing their calculated income, potentially making them eligible for more aid. The deduction applies to payments made for passenger vehicles registered under state law, covering all household members. This change modifies how income is calculated for eligibility, without altering the benefits themselves.

Maddy summaryHRES 1355 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors lineworkers who maintain electrical infrastructure under hazardous conditions, including during disasters, and commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while troubleshooting an electrical outage. The resolution encourages public recognition of these workers' contributions but does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHRES 1353 is a resolution introduced by House members to impeach Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas. The resolution outlines three articles of impeachment alleging Thomas failed to disclose gifts and financial transactions with donor Harlan Crow over 15 years, refused to recuse from cases involving his spouse's financial interests, and participated in cases concerning the 2020 election results despite his spouse's involvement in efforts to overturn them. These allegations claim Thomas violated federal ethics laws requiring judicial disclosure and recusal to maintain impartiality. The resolution would be referred to the Senate for trial if passed by the House, but it is not a law that would directly affect anyone beyond the impeachment process.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1354) is a formal House of Representatives impeachment action against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, introduced by multiple Democratic representatives on July 10, 2024. It alleges two violations: (1) Alito failed to recuse himself from three election-related cases (Trump v. United States, Fischer v. United States, and Trump v. Anderson) despite flying flags associated with the 2020 election denial movement outside his homes, which the resolution claims demonstrated bias; and (2) Alito allegedly failed to disclose luxury travel gifts from donors, violating financial disclosure laws. The resolution argues these actions breached his judicial oaths and federal recusal statutes (28 U.S.C. § 455) and financial disclosure requirements (5 U.S.C. §§ 13103-13104). As a procedural resolution, it initiates impeachment proceedings but does not change law or policy; the Senate would need to hold a trial for removal.

Maddy summaryHR 8825, the Right to Vote Act, establishes a fundamental right for all citizens of legal voting age to vote in federal elections. It directly affects voters across all states and territories by prohibiting government actions that make voting harder (like restrictive ID laws or reduced polling places) unless those actions are the least restrictive way to serve a significant government interest. The bill creates two legal standards: "retrogression" (diminishing voting access) and "substantial impairment" (making voting significantly harder), allowing voters to sue in federal court to challenge such restrictions. Courts must expedite these cases, and the law applies to all federal elections occurring on or after September 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 2365, Public Law 118-66) directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Parkinson’s Project. It requires HHS to create and update a coordinated national plan for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and researching Parkinson’s disease and related disorders (including multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy), while coordinating federal research and care efforts across agencies like the NIH, CDC, and VA. The law mandates annual progress assessments, an advisory council with patient advocates and diverse experts, and annual reports to Congress on federal Parkinson’s programs and recommendations for improvement. It affects federal agencies managing Parkinson’s-related programs and aims to improve care coordination and research efficiency for patients and caregivers, with the law sunsetting in 2035.

Maddy summaryHRES 1331 is a non-binding House resolution supporting Immigrant Heritage Month by recognizing immigrants' economic, cultural, and military contributions to the United States. It cites data showing immigrants contributed $1.9 trillion to the economy in 2021, made up 20% of entrepreneurs, and serve in critical roles like healthcare and agriculture. The resolution calls on elected officials, educators, and the executive branch to counter anti-immigrant rhetoric, educate the public about immigrant contributions, and protect immigrant communities. It does not create new legal obligations but aims to raise awareness and promote inclusion.

Maddy summaryHRES 1332 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It encourages the celebration of Pride Month to honor the historical struggles and achievements of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges they face. This resolution does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a formal recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights as human rights and highlights their integral role in American history. The resolution was introduced by multiple members of Congress and passed by the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHR 8911, the Worker Rights and Support Act, requires most employers to provide specific breaks to employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. It mandates 30-minute meal breaks after 6 hours of work (unpaid unless work continues), 10-minute rest breaks every 4 hours (paid), and medical breaks (up to 20 minutes per need, paid) for documented health conditions. The bill ensures breaks are paid if employees aren't fully relieved of work duties or can't leave the premises. It does not override collective bargaining agreements or stricter state laws, and adds enforcement penalties for violations of these break requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 8859, the Deafblind DATA Act, requires the Census Bureau to create and publish a new annual table starting in 2026 showing the number of people in the U.S. who reported both hearing and vision loss in the American Community Survey. This table will display data by state, including sex, race, age, and economic factors like employment and income, without revealing personal details. The bill directly addresses the lack of a centralized count for deafblind individuals, who currently aren't accurately represented in census data. By cross-referencing existing survey responses, the Act aims to provide a clearer national picture to better understand and serve this population's needs.