Rep. Gabe Amo

Maddy summaryThis resolution, introduced around World Refugee Day, expresses congressional support for U.S. efforts to protect refugees and displaced persons globally and within the United States. It highlights that over 117 million people are displaced worldwide, references the U.S. resettling 60,000 refugees in fiscal year 2024, and calls on federal agencies to maintain the Refugee Admissions Program, uphold asylum protections, and support host countries. The resolution does not create new laws but reaffirms existing commitments to refugee resettlement, safety, and integration through current programs.

Maddy summaryThe Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2024 would double Federal Pell Grants, increasing the maximum award to $10,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year with annual inflation adjustments, and make Pell Grants a fully mandatory program rather than requiring annual appropriations. It would expand eligibility for students with negative student aid indexes (those with the lowest expected family contributions), provide Pell Grant eligibility for "Dreamer" students protected under DACA, and restore eligibility for students who previously lost it due to academic progress issues. The bill would also increase the total semesters of Pell Grant eligibility from 12 to 18. These changes would directly affect millions of undergraduate students, particularly students of color who currently rely on Pell Grants, with 3 in 5 African American students and half of Latino students depending on these grants. The bill would take effect for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Maddy summaryHR 8764, the Clean Hands Firearm Procurement Act, prohibits federal agencies from entering contracts with gun dealers who are identified as "covered firearms dealers" based on firearm tracing data. A dealer becomes "covered" if 25 or more firearms traced to them were recovered within 3 years of a crime during two of the past three calendar years. Federal agencies must then avoid contracting with such dealers for the current year and the two preceding years, with a 180-day implementation period. The law includes a national security waiver for the Defense or Homeland Security Secretaries, requiring immediate notification to congressional judiciary committees. This directly affects federal procurement decisions and gun dealers meeting the specified tracing thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act to explicitly include public employees - such as those working for federal, state, or local government agencies - under OSHA's coverage. It changes the definition of "employee" to specify that public sector workers are protected, removing previous exclusions. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment for most workplaces, but gives states and local governments without OSHA-approved plans up to 36 months to comply. This directly affects public service workers in government roles by bringing their workplace safety protections under the same federal OSHA framework as private-sector employees.

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.

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 resolution (HRES 1286) supports continued U.S. funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to expand access to vaccines in low-income countries. It directly aids children and communities in these nations by enabling immunization against preventable diseases like measles, malaria, and polio, which has averted an estimated 17.3 million deaths since 2000. Key provisions highlight Gavi's role in reducing child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases by 70%, achieving a $54 economic return for every $1 invested, and strengthening health systems through cold-chain infrastructure. The resolution urges sustained U.S. financial commitments to maintain Gavi's market-shaping impact, support malaria vaccine rollout, and ensure global health security.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays a Medicare policy that would have restricted coverage to only intravenous drugs for managing phosphate levels in kidney failure patients. It specifically postpones the implementation of the "oral-only" policy under Medicare's ESRD payment system until January 1, 2033, or until an intravenous drug for phosphate control receives FDA approval - whichever comes first. The bill directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who rely on oral medications for phosphate management. It ensures continued Medicare coverage for these oral drugs during the extended timeline, without changing the underlying payment structure.

Maddy summaryHRES 1279 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for designating June 2024 as "Black Music Month." It honors Black musicians, creators, and communities whose contributions have shaped American music across genres like blues, jazz, hip-hop, and gospel. The resolution calls on all Americans to recognize the month through actions that elevate Black music's artistry, promote diversity, and spread awareness of its historical impact. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate Black music's cultural significance. The resolution was introduced by multiple House members and refers to Black music's role in American history and the civil rights movement.

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.