Rep. Suzanne Bonamici

Maddy summaryThe Student Mental Health Rights Act (HR 3726) requires the U.S. Department of Education to study mental health disabilities and substance use disorders at colleges and universities. Within 120 days, it mandates a voluntary student survey on these conditions, followed by a comprehensive study within one year analyzing prevalence, college policies for students on leave, and best practices for support. The Department will then issue guidance to colleges on complying with existing disability laws (like the Americans with Disabilities Act) regarding accommodations for students with mental health needs. This aims to prevent discriminatory practices that might force students to leave campus or face barriers to returning.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the U.S. Postal Service to ship alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. It enables registered businesses (like wineries, breweries, and retailers) to mail alcohol directly to consumers, provided the recipient is at least 21 with valid ID, the shipment isn’t for resale, and state alcohol taxes are paid upfront. The Postal Service must establish rules for delivery, registration, and verification, while explicitly preserving all existing state, local, or tribal laws governing alcohol sales and shipments. The bill does not override state restrictions on alcohol delivery, and the Postal Service remains liable for violations under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Older Americans Act to better serve LGBTQI older adults (defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex individuals, and those living with HIV) by adding specific definitions and creating new support structures. It establishes an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging, led by a Director and Assistant Director, to coordinate services, advocate for this community, and collect data on their challenges. The bill also creates a National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging to provide training and resources to organizations serving LGBTQI older adults and requires data collection on discrimination against them in long-term care settings. These changes aim to improve access to culturally competent services and address the unique needs of LGBTQI older adults through concrete policy updates.

Maddy summaryHR 3639, the After Hours Child Care Act, creates a new Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to improve access to child care for parents working nontraditional hours (such as evenings, nights, or weekends). The bill directly affects working parents with young children and eligible child care providers who serve these families. It authorizes competitive grants (ranging from $25,000 to $500,000) to providers or partnerships with businesses/community organizations to expand after-hours care programs, establish workplace child care, or improve existing facilities. Grantees must cover 25% of costs, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services must report biennially on program impact to Congress.

Maddy summaryHRES 439 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for keeping the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as an independent federal agency, not subject to privatization. It highlights USPS's constitutional role, self-sustaining nature (relying on service revenue, not taxpayer funds), and its importance to rural communities, e-commerce, and over 600,000 employees. The resolution urges Congress to take action to preserve USPS's independence, emphasizing that privatization could raise prices, reduce services, and harm the nation's mail infrastructure. As a procedural resolution, it does not change law but formally states the House's position.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits corporal punishment (such as spanking or paddling) in all schools receiving federal funding, directly affecting students, school personnel, and school administrators. It requires schools to notify parents within 24 hours if corporal punishment occurs and establishes enforcement through civil lawsuits by students/parents, Attorney General actions, and Office for Civil Rights oversight. The bill mandates states to submit school climate reports and develop training programs on positive behavioral interventions to reduce exclusionary discipline practices that disproportionately affect students of color, students with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. It creates a grant program to help schools implement these approaches, with priority given to schools with high suspension rates and disciplinary actions. The bill does not apply to private schools or home schools that don't receive federal funding.

Maddy summaryThe AIR PUMP Act requires airlines to provide nursing crew members (like flight attendants and pilots) with reasonable break time to express breast milk for up to one year after their child's birth, as well as a private, non-bathroom space for this purpose. It specifically excludes breaks during critical flight phases and ensures accommodations won't compromise safety, security, or require significant costs (e.g., aircraft modifications). The bill includes anti-retaliation protections for employees who request accommodations or file complaints, and enforces these requirements through the Department of Labor using existing Fair Labor Standards Act mechanisms. This directly affects airline employees who are nursing parents and their employers, aligning airline workplace policies with federal breastfeeding protections.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 47 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Senate to provide "advice and consent" for ratifying the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which the U.S. signed in 1993 but has never ratified. Currently, the U.S. participates only as an observer in CBD negotiations without voting rights, limiting its influence on global biodiversity policies that affect national security and economic interests. The resolution notes the U.S. is already legally compliant with the CBD’s obligations under existing law and is a top international conservation funder. It argues that ratification would restore U.S. voting power and alignment with global efforts to address biodiversity loss, which impacts all Americans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 436) symbolically designates the week of May 22-26, 2023, as "Educator Mental Health Awareness Week" to highlight mental health challenges faced by teachers and school staff. It directly addresses educators, citing pandemic-era data showing high rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among teachers compared to the general population. The resolution expresses support for recognizing educator well-being as critical to student success but does not create new policies, funding, or enforceable requirements. As a non-binding resolution, it serves solely as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness.

This resolution supports (1) the goals of Wildfire Preparedness Week; and (2) resources and educational initiatives that communicate how affected communities can take preventative measures such as instituting early warning systems and reducing unplanned human ignitions, as well as how to safely and efficiently evacuate people and their animals.