Rep. Al Green

Maddy summaryHRES 659 is a resolution recognizing the 25th Army Corps of the Union Army for capturing Galveston, Texas, on June 5, 1865, and liberating thousands of enslaved people. It specifically notes the Corps - composed mostly of African American soldiers - as the largest Black unit in the Union Army, highlighting their role in freeing people before General Granger's June 19 arrival (commonly associated with Juneteenth). The resolution thanks them for their military actions, including capturing Richmond in 1864 and spreading news of freedom across Texas. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summaryHRES 661 is a symbolic resolution honoring the 60th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It calls on Congress to address the unmet demands of the marchers, specifically decent housing, voting rights, and a fair wage. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but serves to commemorate the event and renew focus on these longstanding civil rights goals.

This resolution calls on the Senate to remove the name of Richard B. Russell from the Russell Senate Office Building and revert to the building's original name—the Old Senate Office Building.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 62 is a non-binding resolution proposing an annual commemorative event on or near August 20th to honor victims of U.S. slavery and prevent its recurrence. It encourages Congress, in consultation with the Library of Congress and Smithsonian, to hold a solemn Capitol event featuring a specific script where participants recite "Always remember" after each historical point about slavery's brutality and legacy. The resolution also urges all Americans to host similar events to educate about slavery's historical impact and ongoing effects like systemic racism. It does not create new laws or funding but formally expresses congressional support for memorializing slavery's victims. The resolution's "dialogue" includes reciting specific historical facts about enslaved people's suffering and resilience before the unifying phrase "Always remember."

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 656) honors John Brown for his lifelong opposition to slavery and his role in advancing the abolition of slavery in the United States. It specifically acknowledges his "relentless endeavors in his pursuit of liberty for all human beings" and his influence on the nation's path toward the Emancipation Proclamation. The resolution encourages all Americans to reflect on the nation's complex history while striving for a more inclusive Union that upholds the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 655) is a ceremonial recognition by the U.S. House of Representatives honoring Houston’s seven major Black newspapers - Houston Informer, Houston Defender, Forward Times, Houston Sun, Houston Style, African American News and Issues, and D-MARS.com - for their historical role in amplifying African-American voices, documenting community issues, and shaping Houston’s cultural landscape. It specifically acknowledges their contributions since founding dates ranging from 1919 to 2001, including their work on education, equality, socioeconomic issues, and community empowerment. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies, but formally commends these publications for their enduring legacy in journalism and community service.

This resolution condemns racism and invidious discrimination as evil and antithetical to the U.S. Constitution and declares unconditional war on racism and invidious discrimination in America. (Invidious discrimination generally refers to discrimination based on a classification that is arbitrary or irrational and not related to a legitimate purpose.) The resolution also expresses the intention of the House of Representatives to pass legislation establishing a Cabinet-level Department of Reconciliation. The department shall be charged with developing and coordinating the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate racism and invidious discrimination.

Maddy summaryThe Original Open for Business Act of 2023 requires most bank branches (depository institutions) offering in-person services to stay open until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays) and maintain at least four hours of Saturday service. This applies to all physical locations of banks and similar financial institutions as defined under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment, mandating these specific operating hours without exceptions for non-holiday weekends. It directly affects bank customers seeking in-person services outside traditional weekday business hours.

Maddy summaryHR 5214, the Original Open for Business Act of 2023, requires banks and credit unions with physical branches offering in-person services to extend their operating hours. Specifically, branches must stay open until 7 p.m. on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and provide at least 4 hours of service on Saturdays, starting 180 days after the bill becomes law. This applies to all branch locations meeting the definition of a "depository institution" under federal banking law. The bill does not apply on federal holidays and mandates these specific hours for all qualifying branches.

Maddy summaryHJRES 84 designates August 20 as "Slavery Remembrance Day" to commemorate the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in what is now Virginia on August 20, 1619. The resolution urges the President to issue an annual proclamation encouraging Americans to observe the day with ceremonies and activities reflecting on slavery's history. It specifically honors 21 Black Congress members from the Reconstruction Era as honorary cosponsors and calls for acknowledging the enduring impacts of slavery. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any group beyond establishing an annual observance.