Rep. Suzanne Bonamici

Maddy summaryThe NWR Modernization Act of 2023 directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to upgrade its Weather Radio network, which broadcasts critical weather and hazard alerts, to improve accessibility and reliability for all Americans. Key provisions include transitioning from older copper-based systems to internet-based communication, adding transmitters in rural and underserved communities (including Tribal lands and national parks), and developing backup systems to maintain alerts during outages. The bill also requires NOAA to consult with private partners to enhance mobile and online access to broadcasts, ensuring real-time alerts reach people in both urban and remote areas without relying solely on physical receiver proximity.

Maddy summaryHRES 319 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 24, 2023, recognizing the federal government's duty to develop a Green New Deal. It states the House believes the government should create a comprehensive plan to address climate change and economic inequality through a 10-year national mobilization. The resolution outlines goals like achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, creating high-wage union jobs, upgrading infrastructure, and prioritizing frontline communities, but it does not establish binding policy or funding mechanisms. As a non-binding resolution, it serves as a statement of legislative intent rather than a law.

Maddy summaryHRES 289 is a resolution recognizing the week of April 11-17, 2023, as the sixth annual "Black Maternal Health Week" to raise awareness about maternal health disparities. It highlights that Black women in the U.S. face disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related deaths (2.6 times more likely than White women) and complications, driven by systemic inequities. The resolution urges national attention on these issues and supports policy solutions like the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to address racial gaps in maternal care. As a non-binding recognition, it does not enact new laws but aims to amplify community-driven efforts to improve outcomes.

Maddy summaryHR 2723 (Local Farms and Food Act of 2023) reforms the Local Agriculture Market Program to support local food systems. It extends funding periods to 2024-2028, increases annual funding to $75 million for program grants and $30 million for partnerships, and creates simplified application processes for projects under $100,000. The bill defines "food hub" to include businesses aggregating and distributing local food products, and adds new project categories like farmers market staff support and food safety equipment. It directly affects small local farms, food hubs, and rural communities by improving access to grants and reducing administrative barriers for market development.

Maddy summaryThe Strengthening Organic Agricultural Research (SOAR) Act of 2023 increases annual funding for organic agricultural research and extension programs, directly supporting organic farmers, researchers, and institutions. It authorizes $60 million in 2024, rising to $100 million annually after 2028, for the Organic Research and Extension Initiative, and creates a new $10-20 million annual program to study transitioning from conventional to organic farming. This new program requires grants to prioritize partnerships with organic producers and specific educational institutions (1890/1994 colleges, Hispanic-serving institutions) while focusing on barriers, ecosystem benefits, and improved transition methods. Finally, the bill mandates a USDA economic impact analysis of organic agriculture, examining effects on rural economies, labor, environment, and community dynamics, to be completed within three years of enactment.

This concurrent resolution honors Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first professionally trained Black nurse in the United States, for her contributions to the nursing profession. It also supports the goals and activities of National Nurses Week.

Maddy summaryHRES 375 is a ceremonial resolution supporting National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2023), recognizing nurses' contributions to healthcare. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges nurses' roles as frontline caregivers, patient advocates, and key contributors to public health. The resolution encourages the public to observe the week through recognition and activities, highlighting nurses' impact across all healthcare settings. It directly affects the nursing profession by affirming their value, though it has no binding effect on legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryHRES 372 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for designating May 2023 as "Mental Health Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally urges the nation to recognize mental health as a priority. The resolution supports reducing stigma around mental illness, expanding access to mental health services, and emphasizing that mental well-being is as important as physical health. It highlights the need for greater awareness and resources, particularly for youth, veterans, and communities of color facing mental health disparities, but does not mandate any specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2023 amends the Horse Protection Act to ban specific devices used to cause pain (soring) in horses at shows, particularly affecting Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses. It defines prohibited "action devices" (like boots or chains causing friction) and requires licensed, conflict-free inspectors at events to enforce rules. The bill increases penalties for violations to up to $5,000 fines or 3 years in jail, and mandates longer disqualifications for repeat offenses (180 days → 1 year → 3 years). Horse show organizers, exhibitors, and participants must comply with these new inspection and penalty requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 390 is a resolution recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It formally honors the historical contributions of AANHPI communities to the United States, highlighting their diverse cultural impact and achievements across U.S. history. The resolution emphasizes celebrating these contributions while acknowledging ongoing challenges, such as anti-Asian hate crimes, and references key milestones like the 125th anniversary of *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*. As a symbolic recognition resolution, it does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislation.