Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 521 Thorn Street in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the "Mary Elizabeth 'Bettie' Cole Post Office Building." It updates all official references in federal documents, maps, and records to use this new name, with no changes to postal services or operations. The bill is purely procedural and honors Mary Elizabeth "Bettie" Cole through a naming convention.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 2365, Public Law 118-66) directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Parkinson’s Project. It requires HHS to create and update a coordinated national plan for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and researching Parkinson’s disease and related disorders (including multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy), while coordinating federal research and care efforts across agencies like the NIH, CDC, and VA. The law mandates annual progress assessments, an advisory council with patient advocates and diverse experts, and annual reports to Congress on federal Parkinson’s programs and recommendations for improvement. It affects federal agencies managing Parkinson’s-related programs and aims to improve care coordination and research efficiency for patients and caregivers, with the law sunsetting in 2035.

Maddy summaryHRES 1332 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. It encourages the celebration of Pride Month to honor the historical struggles and achievements of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges they face. This resolution does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a formal recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights as human rights and highlights their integral role in American history. The resolution was introduced by multiple members of Congress and passed by the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryHR 8856, the Right to Trial Act, amends federal sentencing guidelines to protect defendants' constitutional right to a trial. It requires judges to consider whether a statutory minimum sentence would punish a defendant for choosing trial over a plea deal, and prohibits threatening harsher sentences for exercising this right. The bill adds specific factors for sentencing, including comparing sentences for similar cases where defendants accepted plea offers, and allows judges to impose sentences below statutory minimums to safeguard trial rights. This directly affects criminal defendants facing sentencing decisions in federal court who might otherwise be pressured into pleading guilty.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal framework for "extreme risk protection orders" (ERPOs) that temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a risk of harming themselves or others. Family members or law enforcement officers can petition a federal court for a temporary order (up to 14 days) based on probable cause, followed by a hearing within 72 hours to determine if a longer-term order (up to 180 days) is warranted. The bill requires clear and convincing evidence of risk at the hearing and mandates respondents to surrender firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours. It also includes provisions for reporting, training law enforcement on ERPOs, and a federal grant program to support state ERPO implementation, without preempting state laws.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 115 is a procedural resolution calling for a joint session of Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 2026. It directs both the House and Senate to convene together at Independence National Historical Park to commemorate the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific group; it solely schedules a ceremonial event honoring Philadelphia's historical role as the site where the Declaration was approved. This is a non-binding commemorative measure focused on marking a historical milestone.

Maddy summaryThe Gun Theft Prevention Act requires licensed firearm dealers to implement specific security measures, including locked cabinets, security systems, and site hardening, to prevent gun thefts. It mandates annual security plan certifications with inventory reconciliation, employee background checks before firearm possession, and 30-day reporting of stolen firearms to authorities. The bill increases inspections (annual for high-risk dealers, triennial for others) and establishes civil penalties of up to $20,000 for violations. These requirements apply to all federally licensed gun dealers nationwide, with a one-year transition period for implementation, while maintaining state law authority over firearm dealing.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth Independence Day, acknowledging its historical significance as the anniversary of the end of slavery in the U.S. (specifically referencing Union soldiers' announcement in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865). It does not create new policy but formally encourages all Americans to observe the day through ceremonies and educational activities. The resolution emphasizes Juneteenth's role in honoring African American freedom and its importance to U.S. history and cultural heritage. It follows the 2022 law that established Juneteenth as a federal holiday, focusing solely on symbolic recognition and annual observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates designated dog relief areas on the U.S. Capitol Grounds for visitors and staff with dogs. It requires dog owners to dispose of waste in sealed bags placed in trash receptacles, with fines of up to $100 for first violations and $500 for repeat offenses enforced by Capitol Police. Collected fines fund Capitol Grounds maintenance. The bill directly affects Capitol visitors, staff, and Capitol Police, and mandates that relief area designs follow ADA accessibility standards while preserving historic character.

Maddy summaryHR 8732, the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act, would establish new labor protections for domestic workers including nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers who work in private homes. The bill requires written agreements between employers and domestic employees, provides earned sick days, ensures fair scheduling practices, and prohibits unfair wage deductions for cash shortages or communications. It also creates a Domestic Employee Standards Board to recommend workplace standards and establishes a National Domestic Employee Hotline for assistance. The bill specifically targets domestic workers who have historically been excluded from labor protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Civil Rights Act, benefiting an estimated 2.2 million domestic workers in the U.S. who are disproportionately women of color and immigrants.