Rep. Gwen Moore

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 203) is a symbolic gesture supporting the designation of the week beginning March 5, 2023, as "School Social Work Week." It does not create new laws or policies, but rather expresses the House's recognition of school social workers' roles in addressing student mental health, barriers to learning, and community partnerships. The resolution encourages the public to observe the week through activities that highlight these professionals' contributions to student success. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct effect on legislation, funding, or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the income limit for deducting mortgage insurance premiums on federal income taxes. It raises the cap from $100,000 (single filers) / $50,000 (joint filers) to $200,000 / $100,000 annually, making this higher limit permanent. The change directly affects homeowners who itemize deductions and pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums. The amendment applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2021, as specified in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHR 1415 creates federal grants to help high-need schools hire or retain school social workers, aiming to achieve a ratio of one social worker for every 250 students (and one for every 50 students in high-need cases). The bill authorizes $100 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to local school districts, requiring funds to supplement - never replace - existing budgets. School social workers funded through these grants must provide mental health support, crisis intervention, trauma-informed services, and help address barriers like homelessness or food insecurity. The law also establishes a national center to share best practices on school social work staffing and outcomes.

Maddy summaryHR 1387, the Civics Learning Act of 2023, amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to strengthen civics education in public schools. It requires states to prioritize innovative civics teaching - including lessons on the Constitution, civil rights history, and community engagement - and allocates $70 million for grants to schools, with specific funding targets (30% for elementary, 30% for middle, max 40% for high school). The bill directly affects public elementary, middle, and high schools, particularly those serving high-need communities, by mandating new curriculum activities like service learning, student governance participation, and after-school programs. Grants must include reporting on how schools meet civics education goals, with the Department of Education required to submit annual progress reports to Congress.

Maddy summaryHR 1388 authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to honor the 1865 Sultana steamboat disaster, the deadliest maritime tragedy in U.S. history. It specifies three coin types ($5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar) with defined weights and compositions, to be sold at face value plus surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin, respectively). All surcharges collected will fund the Sultana Historical Preservation Society for museum development, including exhibits, artifact preservation, and facility construction. The coins are legal tender but intended for collectors, with sales limited to a one-year period starting January 2023.

Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act This bill allows a surviving spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient to receive a special pension concurrently with dependency and indemnity compensation.

This resolution calls for the federal government to establish a national biodiversity strategy, which must include a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters to protect biodiversity and address climate change by 2030 and other goals necessary to reduce the threats to biodiversity.

Maddy summaryHR 1369, the "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act," directs the U.S. State Department to review restrictions on Americans traveling to North Korea, particularly for humanitarian reasons like family reunions (affecting approximately 100,000 Americans with relatives there). It also requires the State Department to create a diplomatic roadmap for ending the Korean War through formal negotiations with North and South Korea, including establishing liaison offices. The bill mandates reports to Congress within 180 days detailing these reviews and strategies, without changing existing military deployments or U.S. policy on North Korea's nuclear program. It focuses on diplomatic engagement to replace the 1953 armistice with a permanent peace agreement.

Maddy summaryThe Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 makes several key updates to support Peace Corps volunteers. It increases readjustment allowances from $125 to $375, establishes protocols for safely returning volunteers whose service was interrupted by catastrophic events, and improves health care provisions including mental health services. The bill extends noncompetitive hiring eligibility for returning volunteers for up to three years and implements a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drug use. It also adds protections against retaliation for volunteers who report issues related to waste, fraud, or safety concerns. These changes aim to better support volunteers before, during, and after their service.

Maddy summaryThe Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2023 updates the 1986 Air Carrier Access Act to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities. It creates a private right of action (allowing individuals to sue for violations), sets new standards for accessible aircraft (including boarding equipment, seating, lavatories, and communication systems), and requires airports to provide accessible facilities and digital services. The bill establishes clearer complaint procedures with the Department of Transportation, including a 120-day investigation timeline and specific civil penalties for violations like delayed assistance or damage to assistive devices. These changes directly affect air carriers, foreign air carriers, and travelers with disabilities who face barriers such as inaccessible aircraft and inadequate assistance. The legislation aims to address ongoing issues including damaged assistive devices, inaccessible aircraft features, and inappropriate treatment of service animals.