Rep. Dwight Evans

Maddy summaryThe FIGHT Act (HR 2742) amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically target animal fighting events, such as cockfighting, by defining "rooster" as any male chicken over six months old and banning the live broadcasting (simulcasting) of such events. It prohibits using the postal service or interstate transport to move roosters for animal fighting purposes and adds civil enforcement tools allowing citizens to sue violators after a 60-day notice period. Fines up to $5,000 per violation may be imposed, and property used in animal fighting ventures can be seized. These changes strengthen enforcement against animal fighting by expanding legal remedies for the public and authorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prioritize urban forestry assistance for communities with the lowest tree equity scores - measured by how tree canopy coverage aligns with community factors like income, race, health, and employment. It also creates a $30 million pilot program for public elementary and secondary schools to establish rooftop gardens, requiring at least 20% native plants, organic methods, and curriculum integration on urban agriculture or pollinator habitats. Schools in areas with high population density, respiratory illness rates, or low existing garden access receive priority for funding. The program mandates annual inspections of funded gardens and defines "tree equity score" using tools like American Forests' methodology.

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.

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 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 summaryHR 3255, the Freight Rail Workforce Health and Safety Act, requires major freight railroads (Class I carriers) to provide employees with at least 7 days of paid sick leave annually. This includes leave for personal illness, family care, preventive medical visits, and situations related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Employees can carry over unused days to the next year, and railroads cannot require workers to find replacements before taking leave or penalize them for using it. The law prohibits retaliation, such as termination or demotion, for requesting or using sick leave, and ensures paid sick leave is separate from existing vacation or holiday time.

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 summaryThe Firearm Safety Act of 2023 amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to remove firearms from an existing exclusion, reclassifying them as consumer products under federal law. This change would subject firearms to safety standards, testing, and oversight by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which currently does not regulate firearms under this framework. The bill specifically targets Section 3(a)(5) of the Consumer Product Safety Act, eliminating the exemption that previously kept firearms outside the definition of "consumer product." As a result, firearm manufacturers and sellers would now face CPSC requirements, such as safety testing, labeling, and reporting, similar to other consumer products.

This resolution reaffirms the central role of local frontline health workforces in achieving global health objectives. The resolution also urges greater global attention and support for local frontline health workers.

Maddy summaryHR 3276 establishes two pilot programs under the National School Lunch Act. First, it creates a $10 million, 3-year grant program to help schools serve 100% plant-based meals (no animal products) to students, prioritizing schools serving high proportions of low-income students and supporting culturally appropriate meal planning. Second, it creates a $2 million pilot to reimburse schools for costs of providing nondairy milk substitutes for students with dietary needs, targeting schools with high lactose intolerance rates. Both pilots require annual reporting on participation and outcomes, with the dairy substitute program ending after 3 years. The bill directly affects public school food authorities serving eligible students.