Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson

Maddy summaryHR 1244 authorizes Congress to award a gold medal collectively to Africans and their descendants who were enslaved in the U.S. from 1619 to 1865, recognizing their contributions to America's economic foundation. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change, focusing on symbolic recognition of historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThe Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023 strengthens workers' rights to organize unions by making it harder for employers to interfere with organizing efforts. Key provisions include changing the definition of "employee" to make it more difficult to classify workers as independent contractors, prohibiting employers from threatening to permanently replace striking workers, and requiring employers to provide voter lists for union elections. The bill also creates a new electronic voting system for union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections for workers reporting labor violations, and increases penalties for unfair labor practices. These changes directly affect workers seeking to form unions, employers who may interfere with organizing, and labor organizations. The bill aims to make it easier for workers to exercise their right to collective bargaining under the National Labor Relations Act.

Maddy summaryHR 1222, the Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023, authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor the six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments established in 1866 (later consolidated into four regiments). The medal recognizes their service from the post-Civil War era through World War II, including roles in frontier protection, national park preservation, and combat during major conflicts. After awarding the medal, it will be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. This bill is purely commemorative, with no new policies or direct impacts on current laws or individuals.

Dr. Norman C. Francis Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Norman Christopher Francis in recognition of his contributions to the United States through his lifelong dedication to education, justice, and public service.

Maddy summaryThe Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023 addresses historical discrimination against Black farmers by the USDA through several key provisions. It establishes an Equity Commission to study discrimination and recommend solutions, creates an independent Civil Rights Oversight Board to review discrimination complaints, and provides land grants of up to 160 acres to eligible Black farmers at no cost. The bill also improves access to credit for socially disadvantaged farmers, requires the USDA to collect and publish data on racial disparities in its programs, and includes protections against discriminatory practices in the livestock industry. These measures aim to increase land ownership and economic opportunity for Black farmers while addressing systemic barriers they've faced for decades.

Maddy summaryThe Department of Peacebuilding Act of 2023 would establish a new Cabinet-level Department of Peacebuilding within the executive branch of the U.S. government. The department would include multiple offices focused on domestic and international peacebuilding, violence prevention, peace education, and conflict resolution, with specific offices dedicated to areas like peace education, domestic activities, international activities, technology, arms control, and human rights. It would create a Secretary of Peacebuilding position and require the department to develop policies addressing root causes of violence, promote nonviolent conflict resolution, and collaborate with existing federal agencies. The bill would mandate annual reports on progress toward peace in the United States and require consultation with other departments on matters related to conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Emancipation Statue Removal Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to remove the Emancipation Memorial from Lincoln Park in the District of Columbia. Interior shall donate the Emancipation Memorial to a museum or other similar entity. The recipient of the Emancipation Memorial may not store, display, or exhibit the memorial outside, but if the memorial is stored, displayed, or exhibited outside, ownership of the memorial will revert back to the federal government.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National Historic Site in Georgia as part of the National Park System. It specifically preserves the West Hunter Street Baptist Church (where Abernathy served as pastor during the civil rights movement) and honors his leadership role. The site cannot be formally established until the National Park Service acquires sufficient land (through donation or purchase), and requires a management plan within 3 years of funding. The bill directly affects the National Park Service, the State of Georgia, and local communities by designating this location for preservation and public interpretation.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides financial assistance to help low-income renters cover security deposits and moving costs. It directly affects families using housing choice vouchers (Section 8) and those receiving housing assistance through the HOME program. The law requires public housing agencies to use federal funds to pay for reasonable security deposits and moving expenses, and mandates that unused funds be returned to the agency for future use. It also directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to study alternatives to traditional security deposits and report findings to Congress within 180 days.

Maddy summaryHR 1088, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968) and the first Black candidate for a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image, which will be presented by Congress and then permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This bill commemorates Chisholm's legacy and achievements without creating new laws or affecting any current policies.