Rep. Al Green

Maddy summaryHRES 505 is a non-binding resolution recognizing June 19, 2023, as the annual observance of Juneteenth Independence Day. It acknowledges the historical significance of June 19, 1865, when Union troops announced the end of slavery in Texas, marking the first widespread celebration of freedom for formerly enslaved people in the U.S. The resolution encourages all Americans to observe the day through ceremonies and educational activities to honor this milestone in U.S. history. It does not create new policy or benefits but formally supports public recognition of Juneteenth as part of the nation's heritage.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all high schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to make a financial literacy course mandatory for graduation. It applies specifically to students in DoDEA high schools, beginning with those entering ninth grade one year after the bill's enactment. The law mandates that students complete this dedicated course before graduating, replacing any existing requirements for this subject. The course aims to teach practical money management skills to military-connected students as part of their high school curriculum.

Maddy summaryHR 4122, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Henrietta Lacks for her contribution to medical science through the HeLa cell line. The bill directs the Treasury to strike the medal recognizing how her cells enabled major medical advances, including the polio vaccine and cancer treatments, without altering any laws or policies. The medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution to commemorate her legacy in scientific research and bioethics. This is a purely commemorative measure with no direct effect on current legislation or affected individuals.

Maddy summaryHR 3962 establishes an Advisory Council to support victims of gun violence, directly affecting individuals impacted by gun violence (including survivors, witnesses, and relatives of victims) and the professionals who assist them. The council, composed of federal agency heads, victims, and victim assistance professionals, will assess needs, review existing programs, and compile accessible resources covering medical, financial, mental health, legal, and housing support. It must publish a public report within 180 days of enactment detailing best practices and gaps, with a follow-up report after two years. The council’s work will be shared online and distributed to congressional offices, state agencies, schools, and local prosecutors, with no new federal funding authorized for implementation.

Maddy summaryHR 4062, the Chief Risk Officer Enforcement and Accountability Act, requires large financial institutions (those with $50 billion or more in assets) to appoint a chief risk officer with specific risk management expertise. The bill mandates this officer to oversee enterprise-wide risk limits, implement risk-management systems, and report directly to both the company’s risk committee and CEO. It also requires companies to notify regulators within 24 hours of a vacancy, submit a hiring plan within 7 days, and publicly disclose if a vacancy persists beyond 60 days - during which time the company cannot grow its asset size. The law applies to both bank holding companies and large standalone banks without parent companies.

Maddy summaryHR 4032, the Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act, directs the FAA and Energy Department to lead efforts in creating policies and studying hydrogen's role in reducing aviation emissions and pollution. It requires them to set goals, review regulations, and gather input from airlines, manufacturers, airports, and hydrogen producers to enable hydrogen-powered aircraft. The bill mandates a report to Congress within one year detailing plans to update aviation policies and accelerate hydrogen adoption. This focuses on building the regulatory framework for hydrogen aviation, not on funding specific projects or outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal research agencies to develop guidelines addressing financial instability for graduate and postdoctoral researchers at institutions receiving federal funding. It mandates agencies to consider increasing stipends (adjusted for location and cost of living), improving access to healthcare, housing, transportation, and childcare, and reducing food insecurity. The bill also directs data collection on researcher financial struggles (disaggregated by demographics), funds a National Academies study on these issues, and requires a GAO report on agency implementation within three years. These provisions directly affect thousands of graduate students and postdocs conducting federally funded research across U.S. universities.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Venezuelans already living in the U.S. since before December 31, 2021, to apply for permanent residency. Eligible individuals must have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least one year (with limited absences) and cannot have certain serious criminal convictions. It waives some immigration barriers that would normally block permanent status and provides work permits while applications are processed. Family members (spouses, children, or unmarried adult children) of eligible applicants would also qualify. The bill does not change overall visa numbers or create new immigration pathways.

Maddy summaryThe GLOBE Act of 2023 requires the U.S. Department of State to document and report on violence and discrimination against LGBTQI people worldwide in annual country reports, with specific requirements to identify countries criminalizing LGBTQI status. It establishes a Special Envoy for LGBTQI Human Rights to coordinate U.S. government efforts internationally and creates targeted sanctions against foreign officials responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI individuals, including denying visas and imposing financial penalties. The bill also includes provisions to improve U.S. foreign assistance programs to better support LGBTQI communities, reform immigration processes to better protect LGBTQI asylum seekers, and ensure inclusive policies in diplomatic and consular settings. These measures aim to advance LGBTQI rights globally through diplomatic, financial, and policy mechanisms.

Woman on the Twenty Act of 2023 This bill bars the printing of any $20 note after December 31, 2026, which does not prominently feature a portrait of Harriet Tubman on the front face of the note. The Department of the Treasury shall release to the public the preliminary design of the $20 note prominently featuring a portrait of Harriet Tubman no later than December 31, 2024.