Rep. Earl Blumenauer

Maddy summaryHRES 1177 designates May 5, 2024, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." The resolution expresses congressional support for this designation, calls on the public to commemorate affected individuals and show solidarity with families, and recommends the Department of Justice commission a new study on the crisis to update statistics since the 2016 report. It directly affects awareness efforts for Indigenous communities and families impacted by violence, while acknowledging ongoing gaps in addressing the crisis despite prior legislation like Savanna’s Act. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on recognition and data collection.

Maddy summaryHRES 1166 is a symbolic resolution expressing congressional support for Earth Day. It urges the President to issue an Earth Day proclamation, encourages Americans to take specific environmental actions (like addressing pollution and supporting indigenous stewardship), and calls for global efforts to advance climate goals. The resolution does not create new laws or directly affect any groups - it serves as a non-binding statement of support for environmental action. It references historical environmental milestones but focuses on reaffirming the need for year-round climate and environmental protection efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or moving operations at any processing and distribution center in a region that missed specific delivery targets in the previous year. It directly affects USPS operations in regions failing to meet two key 2023 performance goals: at least 93% on-time delivery for two-day first-class mail and 90.3% for three-to-five-day first-class mail. The restriction applies annually during any calendar year based on the prior year's performance data. The law aims to protect postal facilities in underperforming areas from closure due to delivery metrics.

Maddy summaryHR 3303, the Maternal Health for Veterans Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to annually report on maternity care coordination programs and maternal health outcomes for veterans receiving care through VA facilities or VA-contracted providers. The bill mandates the VA to collect data on maternal outcomes - including disparities affecting high-risk demographic groups - and submit recommendations to Congress by September 2028. It authorizes $15 million annually (2024-2028) for VA maternity care coordination programs, supplementing existing funding without reducing current resources. The law directly affects veterans using VA maternity services, aiming to improve care through data-driven strategies.

Maddy summaryHR 1083, the Caring for Survivors Act of 2023, increases financial support for surviving spouses of veterans. It amends Title 38 to raise dependency and indemnity compensation from a fixed $1,154 to 55% of the monthly compensation rate under section 1114(j), effective six months after enactment. The bill also modifies eligibility for survivors of veterans who died before 1993, ensuring they receive the greater of their current benefit or the new calculation. Additionally, it reduces the required continuous service rating period for survivors from 10 years to five years when a veteran was totally disabled at death. These changes directly affect surviving spouses, particularly those with veterans who died prior to 1993.

Maddy summaryHR 7946, the Climate Change Education Act, directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Climate Change Education Program within one year of enactment. The program requires states and school districts to develop climate literacy curricula for grades 4-12, aligned with state standards, ensuring students graduate with climate knowledge - including causes, impacts, and solutions - and integrates climate concepts into STEM, civics, and career education. It allocates $50 million annually (2025-2030) for grants, prioritizing environmental justice communities (40% of funds) and supporting teacher training, student-led projects, and partnerships with higher education and nonprofits. The bill mandates annual reports evaluating the program’s effectiveness and aims to build climate literacy across all educational levels.

Maddy summaryHR 7940, the Coal Cleanup Taxpayer Protection Act of 2024, changes bonding rules for coal mining reclamation. It bans self-bonding (where mining companies guarantee their own cleanup costs) for both federal and state programs, requiring operators to replace existing self-bonds within 90 days or at permit renewal. The bill also mandates states to submit detailed reports on past bond forfeitures and financial forecasts, and establishes new rules for surety bonds and collateral - prohibiting coal mines, equipment, or coal itself as collateral. These changes directly affect coal mining operators, state regulators, and federal oversight under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.

Maddy summaryHR 7849, the Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act of 2024, establishes a federal grant program to help homeowners in high-risk disaster areas make their homes more resilient. The program provides up to $10,000 per household (adjusted annually for inflation) for specific qualifying mitigation activities, such as reinforcing roofs, installing flood barriers, or creating fire-resistant landscaping. Homeowners must have an adjusted gross income under $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) and the work must meet FEMA-established standards. States and tribal governments administer the program, with funds intended to incentivize insurance companies to offer or increase coverage in vulnerable areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill would provide federal grants to public housing agencies to modernize public housing through energy efficiency upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and renewable energy systems. It requires all public housing to become "zero-carbon homes" that produce enough renewable energy to meet their own consumption within 10 years. The bill includes specific requirements for workforce development, hiring from low- and very low-income communities (40% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 90% after that), and contracting with resident-owned businesses (20% in year 1, 30% in year 2, 50% after that). It also mandates resident and community engagement in planning, and requires public housing agencies to meet specific energy efficiency and water quality standards. The bill directly affects all public housing agencies managing housing for low- and very low-income residents across the United States, including tribal housing entities.

Maddy summaryHR 7770, the Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell three commemorative coins honoring women who worked on the U.S. home front during World War II. It specifies $5 gold coins (max 50,000), $1 silver coins (max 400,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all to be issued between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollar), with all surcharge funds directed to the Rosie the Riveter Trust for maintaining the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. The coins will feature designs reflecting the legacy of diverse women workers and must meet specific weight, diameter, and composition standards.