Rep. Suzanne Bonamici

Maddy summaryHR 8673 establishes the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, a nonprofit entity to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology development. The Foundation will foster collaboration between NIST, researchers, industry, educational institutions, and nonprofits to accelerate the commercialization of federally funded research and provide direct support like fellowships and grants to NIST associates. Governed by a Board of Directors and required to become financially self-sustaining within five years, the Foundation must submit annual reports to Congress detailing its activities, finances, and progress toward strategic goals. The bill authorizes $1.5 million annually for NIST to fund the Foundation’s operations from 2025 through 2029.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal jury selection laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It updates definitions in Title 28 of the U.S. Code by adding "sexual orientation and gender identity" to the protected characteristics under "sex" and defining key terms like "gender identity" and "sexual orientation." The changes directly affect federal jury pools by requiring courts to consider these factors when selecting jurors and preventing discrimination in the process. The law clarifies that discrimination based on these characteristics - including associations with others who share them - is prohibited during jury selection. This is a concrete policy change to expand anti-discrimination protections in federal jury service.

Maddy summaryHR 537 authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor 60 diplomats who saved Jewish lives during the Holocaust by issuing visas and passports against their governments' orders, risking expulsion and personal danger. The medal will be presented to the next of kin of these diplomats, alongside representatives from their home countries, and permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This legislation recognizes the diplomats' humanitarian actions without creating new government programs or altering existing laws.

Maddy summaryHR 8691, the Restoring Justice for Workers Act, prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign arbitration agreements before any dispute arises (predispute agreements) or retaliating against workers who refuse them. It also sets strict requirements for postdispute arbitration agreements, mandating written consent after a 45-day waiting period, clear disclosure of workers' rights, and proof the agreement wasn't forced. The bill directly affects all workers (including independent contractors) and employers covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act, ensuring collective claims and concerted activity cannot be barred through forced arbitration. Key provisions make predispute arbitration agreements void and require voluntary, informed postdispute agreements with specific safeguards.

Maddy summaryThe Student Loan Servicers Accountability Act of 2024 requires the Department of Education to rigorously vet student loan servicers before awarding contracts, evaluating factors like past errors, consumer satisfaction, and ability to serve vulnerable borrowers (including language access and disability accommodations). It mandates specific contract terms, including placing loans in interest-free administrative forbearance during servicer errors, refunding overpayments, correcting erroneous credit reports, and providing credit toward loan forgiveness for periods affected by errors. The bill also requires a review of existing contracts and allows contract revocation for misrepresentation, while directing a Comptroller General study on loan transfer errors and their impact on borrowers' credit. This act directly affects the private companies that service federal student loans, impacting millions of borrowers who rely on these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans rental property owners (with 4+ units) and software services from using algorithms that coordinate pricing or lease terms among landlords, which could enable price-fixing. It specifically prohibits "coordinating functions" like collecting and analyzing rental data to recommend prices or occupancy levels, deeming such use a per se violation of antitrust law. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general can enforce these rules, and victims of violations can sue for triple damages. Pre-dispute arbitration agreements or waivers preventing class actions related to these violations are also invalidated.

Maddy summaryThe PROVE Act requires states to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote in federal elections, with their registration automatically activating upon turning 18. States may also permit pre-registration for younger minors. The bill provides $25 million in grants to states for programs promoting youth civic engagement, including modifying school curricula to teach election processes and encouraging use of the pre-registration system. It directly affects minors aged 16-17 and aims to increase their participation in federal elections.

Maddy summaryHR 8609, the Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act, creates two new offices within the Supreme Court: an Office of Ethics Counsel to advise justices on ethical matters like financial disclosures and gift acceptance, and an Office of Investigative Counsel to review formal ethics complaints. The Ethics Counsel provides biannual training to justices and submits annual reports to Congress on ethics advice given, while the Investigative Counsel handles complaints filed only by specific congressional leaders (e.g., committee chairs, Senate leaders) and can issue subpoenas for investigations. If a complaint is validated, the Investigative Counsel submits a report to the Chief Justice (or senior associate justice if the Chief is the subject) with findings and recommendations, which must be shared with relevant congressional committees. The bill establishes specific qualifications, pay rates ($180,000-$225,000 annually), and term limits for both offices’ staff.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1271) is a symbolic gesture expressing the House's support for designating June 7, 2024, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2024 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or policies but urges the public to wear orange, raise awareness about gun violence, and focus on community safety during summer months when such incidents often increase. The resolution references statistics on gun-related deaths and honors victims like Hadiya Pendleton, who was killed in 2013. It directly affects the public by calling on individuals and communities to participate in awareness activities. This is a non-binding, commemorative measure with no direct legal impact on legislation or regulations.

Maddy summaryHRES 1260 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating May 2024 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Awareness Month." It recognizes progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) as a rare neurodegenerative disease affecting approximately 30,000 Americans, with no known cure and symptoms including cognitive decline, balance issues, and speech difficulties. The resolution specifically supports raising public awareness, encourages research for better treatments and a cure, and commends efforts by patients, families, and organizations working to improve PSP care. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to increase visibility for this under-recognized condition.