Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

Maddy summaryThe Food Deserts Act creates a federal grant program to help establish grocery stores in underserved communities by funding state revolving funds. States receive capitalization grants (up to $150 million for FY2022) to provide low-interest loans to grocery stores that meet specific criteria, such as selling unprocessed, affordable healthy foods and matching 20% of the loan with non-federal funds. Priority is given to stores hiring local workers, offering nutrition education, sourcing from local farms, and having established supply chains. The program directly supports grocery store operators in areas with limited access to fresh food, aiming to improve community health outcomes through increased access to nutritious options.

Maddy summaryHR 1136, the Albert Pike Statue Removal Act, directs the National Park Service to remove a statue honoring Albert Pike from its location near Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C. The bill mandates removal of the statue erected in 1898 under a prior congressional resolution and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to donate it to a museum or similar institution for indoor preservation. The recipient must display the statue only indoors; if displayed outdoors, ownership reverts to the federal government. This bill directly affects the physical location and future display of the statue, with no other policy changes.

Safe Charging Electrical Bikes and Scooters Act This bill establishes a program to provide grants for the installation of publicly accessible lithium-ion battery power charging stations for electric bicycles and scooters. Under the program, the Department of Transportation (DOT) may award grants to local governments for the acquisition or installation of safe lithium-ion battery power stations and storage for electric bicycles or scooters in public places. Public places include any public road or other publicly accessible location, such as parking facilities at public buildings and public parks or publicly accessible parking facilities owned or managed by private entities. DOT must also develop a publicly available educational program about the health and safety risks related to these types of lithium-ion batteries and how to buy, store, and charge the batteries. Further, DOT must conduct a study on the number of uncertified lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles and scooters that are currently available in the U.S. market. DOT must report on the study and provide recommendations for legislative or regulatory action to ensure the availability of certified and affordable lithium-ion batteries in the U.S. market.

This resolution recognizes the deadly impact colorectal cancer; acknowledges racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer, particularly in the Black community; and encourages actions to address colorectal cancer and those disparities.

Maddy summaryThe New Deal for New Americans Act of 2023 establishes a National Office of New Americans within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate federal efforts supporting immigrant and refugee integration. It creates several grant programs to provide legal assistance, English language training, and workforce development for immigrants, with specific provisions to reduce financial barriers to citizenship through fee waivers and modifications to English language requirements for seniors. The bill also establishes a "Proud to Be a United States Citizen Program" to promote naturalization and creates automatic voter registration for newly naturalized citizens. These provisions directly affect immigrants and refugees seeking citizenship and integration support, as well as federal agencies responsible for immigration services. The bill aims to improve access to citizenship, enhance integration into American society, and support refugees through comprehensive federal coordination.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) subpoena authority for investigations into specific violations. It allows the Postmaster General to issue subpoenas requiring production of records and testimony related to "covered offenses," including postal law violations, mail-related crimes under Title 18, certain federal laws, and mail-related drug offenses under the Controlled Substances Act. Subpoenas can demand records (like documents or evidence) and testimony from custodians about those records' authenticity, though they cannot require testimony in investigations under section 3005(a). The bill also restricts approval of subpoenas to the General Counsel, a Deputy General Counsel, or the Chief Postal Inspector.

Maddy summaryHR 1619 requires schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to provide fluid milk substitutes (like soy or almond milk) upon request by a student or their parent/guardian. The bill removes the previous requirement that substitutions needed a medical authority's written statement for most dietary needs, instead allowing requests based on the student's or parent's request alone. It aligns the definition of acceptable substitutes with current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This change directly affects students with dietary restrictions, making it simpler for schools to accommodate their needs without extra medical documentation.

Maddy summaryThe Dental and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023 (DOC Access Act) requires health insurance plans covering dental and vision care to allow providers (like dentists and optometrists) to charge patients the usual and customary rate for uncovered services, with a specific rule limiting dental cleanings to the network fee even if it exceeds annual coverage limits. It prohibits plans from restricting providers' choices of laboratories or suppliers for patient care. This law directly affects dental and vision care providers and the health insurance plans that offer these services. The bill establishes concrete billing and coverage standards to improve access to necessary dental and vision care.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - female telephone operators who served in the Army Signal Corps during World War I. They provided critical battlefield communications in France (connecting 26 million calls), wore military uniforms, and faced combat risks, but were denied veteran benefits for 60 years due to being classified as civilian contractors. The medal recognizes their pioneering service, devotion, and the decades-long struggle to gain military recognition. The award follows similar recognition for other WWII women veterans and aims to correct the historical injustice they faced.

Maddy summaryHRES 191 is a symbolic House resolution designating September 2023 as "National LEAD Month" to support greater diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. It expresses the House's backing for efforts to increase representation of underrepresented communities - such as racial minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities - across creative and leadership roles. The resolution encourages awareness campaigns, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs like bias training, mentorship partnerships, and inclusive storytelling. It does not create new laws or funding but urges industry stakeholders to prioritize equitable opportunities. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke and others in March 2023.