Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez

Maddy summaryHRES 1033 is a symbolic resolution designating February 28, 2024, as "Community Arts Education Day." It recognizes community arts education - which fosters creativity, cultural expression, and social connection through inclusive, participatory arts learning - as vital for building skills, belonging, and community healing. The resolution expresses the House’s support for this approach but does not create new programs, allocate funding, or change existing laws. It focuses solely on raising awareness of community arts education’s role in empowering diverse groups across all ages.

Maddy summaryHRES 1032 is a symbolic resolution designating the week of February 26-March 1, 2024, as "Public Schools Week" in the U.S. House of Representatives. It expresses congressional support for public education, highlighting its role in preparing students and communities. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it solely serves as a formal expression of backing for public schools. It directly affects no individuals or entities but aims to raise awareness about public education. This is a non-binding gesture, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Education to automatically send information about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility to college students with a zero expected family contribution (EFC) who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It directs the Secretary to provide written and electronic details about SNAP benefits, including how to apply and contact information for state SNAP agencies, in both formats. The bill mandates consultation between the Education and Agriculture Departments to design this communication. It directly affects low-income undergraduate students who qualify for federal aid but may not know about SNAP food assistance. The policy change aims to connect eligible students with existing nutrition support programs.

Maddy summaryHR 7329, the Election Day Holiday Act of 2024, would designate November 5, 2024 (and subsequent general elections) as a federal public holiday. This change would require federal offices to close and provide federal employees a paid day off on Election Day. The bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to add "Election Day" to the list of designated federal holidays, following Columbus Day. This directly affects federal employees and operations, ensuring they have a day off during general elections.

Maddy summaryHRES 1006 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing the birthday of reggae legend Bob Marley. It honors his legacy as a global cultural icon and advocate for peace, citing his musical achievements like "One Love" and "Redemption Song," as well as posthumous honors including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The resolution highlights his role as a Jamaican-born artist who used music to promote unity and human rights, including a UN Peace Medal for ending social unrest in Jamaica.

Maddy summaryHRES 1002 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year (celebrated as the Year of the Dragon in 2024). It acknowledges the holiday's 4,000-year history in China, its celebration across Asia (including Seollal and Tết), and its significance to Asian Americans and others in the U.S. The resolution expresses respect for those observing the holiday and wishes them a happy new year, but it does not create new laws, policies, or funding. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct effect on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts how credit reporting companies share homebuyers' credit reports during mortgage applications. It prevents companies from sending these reports to third parties (like marketers) just because a lender requested them for a mortgage. Only specific entities can receive the reports: the mortgage lender who originated the loan, the company servicing the loan, or the bank holding the homebuyer's account. This directly protects homebuyers' privacy by limiting unauthorized sharing of their financial data.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Rosa Parks by nationally recognizing Transit Equity Day. The resolution also encourages the use of public transportation and the continued work to make public transit accessible for all.

Ensuring Diverse Leadership Act of 2024 This bill requires that, when appointing a president, a Federal Reserve Bank must interview at least one individual reflective of gender diversity and one reflective of racial or ethnic diversity. The bill amends numerous banking-, finance-, and trade-related acts to make references to officials (including those to the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) gender-neutral.

Maddy summaryHRES 997 is a symbolic resolution expressing the House of Representatives' recognition of Bob Marley's cultural and social impact. It honors Marley's legacy as a reggae artist who promoted peace, unity, and social justice through music like "One Love" and "Redemption Song," while highlighting his role in advancing Jamaican culture globally. The resolution does not create legal obligations or affect any specific group - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute to Marley's influence on music, human experiences, and his advocacy for ending oppression.