Rep. Suzanne Bonamici

Maddy summaryThe John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2023 would strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by updating the criteria for which states and localities must obtain federal preclearance before changing voting practices. It would establish new standards for proving vote dilution and vote denial by requiring courts to consider historical discrimination, racial polarization in voting, and whether voting practices disproportionately burden minority voters. The bill would also require states and localities to provide public notice of voting changes and share demographic data about polling locations. These changes would primarily affect jurisdictions with a history of voting rights violations, aiming to prevent discriminatory voting practices before they take effect.

Maddy summaryHRES 691 is a symbolic resolution designating September 17-23, 2023, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week." It does not create new laws or affect any policies; instead, it formally recognizes community school coordinators who help build partnerships between schools and communities. The resolution thanks these coordinators for their work supporting students and families, and encourages public participation in events during that week. This is purely a gesture of appreciation, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThe Humane Cosmetics Act of 2023 bans cosmetic animal testing in the United States, prohibiting companies from conducting or contracting such testing after its enactment (effective 1 year later). It also bans selling or transporting cosmetics developed using animal testing conducted after that date within U.S. interstate commerce. The law directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers operating in the U.S. market, requiring them to use non-animal testing methods for safety evaluations. Exceptions exist for foreign regulatory requirements or when no alternative testing methods are available for specific ingredients.

Maddy summaryHRES 688 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for designating September 16-23, 2023, as "National Estuaries Week." It highlights estuaries' critical role in the U.S. economy, noting they support 39% of jobs, 47% of economic output, and 68% of commercial fish by value. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about estuaries' ecological importance - such as providing habitat for fish, flood control, and carbon sequestration - and encourages efforts to protect and restore them. It does not create new laws or funding but symbolically acknowledges ongoing conservation work by federal, state, and community partners.

Maddy summaryThe Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2023 authorizes $1 billion to $1.25 billion annually (2024-2029) to fund youth employment programs for eligible youth aged 14-24, including both in-school and out-of-school youth. The bill establishes two main program types: summer employment programs requiring 4+ week placements at minimum wage, and year-round programs requiring 180+ days of employment with employer wage contributions (at least 25% of wages). Key provisions include mandatory work-readiness training, career counseling, financial literacy education, and supportive services like transportation, child care, and housing assistance. The bill also creates a competitive grant program for local community partnerships to improve high school graduation rates and connect youth with employment opportunities in high-skill, high-wage industries.

Maddy summaryThe No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act would deny tax deductions for employers who attempt to influence employees' decisions about union activities, including unfair labor practices like firing workers for organizing or using captive audience meetings. It targets expenses related to union-busting tactics, such as consulting fees and other costs used to sway workers' opinions about collective bargaining. Employers would need to report these expenses on tax returns and would no longer be able to deduct them from taxable income. The bill aims to prevent employers from using tax-deductible expenses to influence union elections, aligning with existing rules that deny tax deductions for political spending. It would apply to expenses incurred in taxable years beginning 240 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Arts Education for All Act requires states to integrate arts education into their plans for improving student achievement across all subjects. It mandates schools to report on arts course offerings, teacher qualifications, and student participation rates, with special attention to high-poverty schools and students with disabilities. The bill creates new pathways for arts teacher certification, requires professional development for teachers to integrate arts into core subjects, and establishes national assessment of arts education. This legislation directly affects all public K-12 schools, teachers, and students nationwide, with a focus on expanding arts access for underserved populations.

Maddy summaryHRES 682 is a symbolic resolution designating the week beginning September 11, 2023, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It does not create new programs or funding but formally recognizes Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) for their role in educating Hispanic students and underserved communities. The resolution calls for the public to observe the week with ceremonies during Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting HSIs' contributions to higher education access and economic mobility. This resolution affects no specific entities or policies, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryHR 5433, the Child Care Stabilization Act, provides $16 billion annually from 2024 to 2028 to stabilize the child care sector through grants administered by the Health and Human Services Secretary. It directly affects licensed child care providers by offering stable funding to cover operating costs, while supporting higher wages for early educators without raising family fees. Key provisions include expanding access to high-quality, affordable care - especially for infants/toddlers, rural communities, and children with disabilities - and addressing shortages in underserved areas. The funding builds on existing American Rescue Plan resources, aiming to strengthen the child care workforce and increase available options for working families.

Maddy summaryHR 5428, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act, prevents employers from deducting certain expenses related to influencing workers' decisions about union representation. It targets spending on tactics like anti-union meetings, workplace surveillance, or consultants during organizing campaigns, making these costs non-deductible for tax purposes. Employers must report such expenses on their tax returns, including details about the activities and amounts spent. The bill aims to remove tax incentives for employer interference in union elections, aligning with federal labor law protections for workers' collective bargaining rights.