Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

Student Loan Borrower Relief Act This bill revises income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans, including by reducing from 25 years to 15 years the maximum repayment period under these plans. Additionally, the bill makes changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, including by cancelling a portion of a borrower's student loans after every 12 months of eligible public service employment.

Time Off to Vote Act This bill requires an employer, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. The employer may determine the two-hour period, excluding any lunch break or other break. Taking such leave shall not result in the employee losing accrued employment benefits. The bill makes it unlawful for an employer to interfere with the right to take such leave or for an employer to discriminate against an employee for taking such leave. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for any employer to retaliate against an employee for (1) opposing any practice made unlawful by this bill; (2) filing a charge, or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this bill; or (3) testifying or preparing to testify in an inquiry or proceeding relating to such leave. The bill specifies penalties for employers who violate these provisions.

Energy Security and Independence Act of 2022 This bill addresses domestic industrial base and manufacturing capabilities for specified energy-efficiency and renewable energy systems and technologies (e.g., electric transportation systems), including by establishing a program to provide financial assistance for the construction of new facilities that manufacture components of specified energy-efficiency and renewable energy systems and technologies (or to retool, retrofit, or expand such facilities).

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution (HRES 1050) encourages Congress to adopt the Black Women Best (BWB) framework in policymaking to address systemic disparities affecting Black women. It does not create new laws but recommends using this framework - based on the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls' "An Economy for All" report - to center Black women's lived experiences in legislative decisions. Key issues highlighted include severe wealth gaps (Black women’s median wealth at $1,700 vs. $81,200 for White women), labor market discrimination, healthcare inequities, and housing barriers. The resolution specifically urges policymakers to prioritize frameworks like the BWB to develop more inclusive policies, without mandating any concrete legislative changes.

This resolution expresses support for legislation to provide child care assistance to all working families that need it; make childcare affordable and available to meet various job schedules; guarantee that all families eligible for childcare will receive it; improve the quality of childcare; expand access to Head Start and preschool services; and provide sufficient federal, state, and local investment to ensure resources for both high-quality jobs and affordable childcare.

Federal Contracting for Peace and Security Act This bill requires executive agencies to terminate their contracts with companies conducting business operations in Russia. This requirement ends when Russia takes steps to restore the safety, sovereignty, and condition of Ukraine. The bill shall not apply to the procurement of products or services for (1) the benefit, either directly or through the efforts of regional allies, of Ukraine; or (2) humanitarian purposes to meet basic human needs. The bill provides for a waiver where in the national interest of the United States.

Reporting Efficiently to Proper Officials in Response to Terrorism Act of 2021 or the REPORT Act This bill requires specified federal agencies to report to Congress concerning any act of terrorism that occurs in the United States. Whenever an act of terrorism occurs, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and, as appropriate, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCC), must submit to the appropriate congressional committees, as specified by this bill, an unclassified report not later than one year after the completion of the investigation by the primary agency conducting the investigation concerning the terrorist act. Such report shall (1) include a statement of the facts of the act of terrorism that are known at the time of such report; (2) identify any gaps in homeland or national security that could be addressed to prevent future acts of terrorism; and (3) include any recommendations for additional measures that could be taken to improve homeland or national security, such as changes in law enforcement practices or changes in law. If DHS, DOJ, and the FBI or, as appropriate, the NCC, determines any information required to be reported could jeopardize an ongoing investigation or prosecution, such entities (1) may withhold from reporting such information, and (2) shall notify the appropriate congressional committees of that determination.

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies and birth defects, such as reconstructive services and items. Coverage must include services and items that functionally improve, repair, or restore any body part that is medically necessary for normal bodily functions or appearance, as determined by the treating physician. Coverage limits and cost-sharing requirements for such services and items may not be more restrictive than those applicable to all medical and surgical benefits under the plan.

This resolution recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world, acknowledges the onset of Ramadan (the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims), and expresses respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this occasion.

Maddy summaryHR 7371 designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 55 Broadway in Greenlawn, New York, as the "Samuel Ballton Post Office." The bill updates all official U.S. government references - such as laws, maps, and documents - to use this new name for the location. This is a purely administrative change with no impact on postal services or policy. It affects only the facility's official identification and related government records.