Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]
Democrat · OH · 12 bills sponsored
To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to specify that hair straightening or smoothing products containing formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing substances will be considered adulterated, and for other purposes.
# HR 7685 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would amend federal food and drug law to classify hair straightening and smoothing products containing formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing substances as "adulterated"—meaning they would be considered unsafe and illegal to sell in the United States. Formaldehyde is a chemical known to cause health risks, including respiratory issues and potential cancer concerns with prolonged exposure. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects manufacturers and sellers of hair straightening products, many of which currently contain formaldehyde as an active ingredient. Consumers, particularly those in communities where these products are commonly used, would be unable to purchase these formulations legally. Workers in salons who regularly apply these products would also be impacted. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. No action has been taken to advance it further at this time.
Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act
# Summary of HR 5457: Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act **What It Does:** This bill requires all federal agencies and intelligence agencies to catalog and better manage the software they use and purchase. Agencies must create a detailed inventory of their software, document how they acquired it, track all associated costs and fees, and understand any restrictions on how it can be used. They must then use this information to develop a management plan aimed at reducing waste by consolidating duplicate software licenses, improving purchasing practices, and requiring approval before departments use software the agency has already paid for. **Who It Affects:** The bill affects federal agencies, intelligence agencies, and their departments. Indirectly, it could benefit taxpayers by potentially reducing government spending on redundant software licenses and improving how tax dollars are spent on technology. **Current Status:** The bill passed the House and is now awaiting consideration in the Senate. It has bipartisan support focused on government efficiency and fiscal responsibility, with no major partisan controversy surrounding its goals of reducing wasteful spending and improving oversight of federal software spending.
Expanding Cybersecurity Workforce Act of 2025
# Expanding Cybersecurity Workforce Act of 2025 (HR 6429) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the United States by creating programs and initiatives to expand the workforce in this field. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on education and training programs, apprenticeships, scholarships, or partnerships between government and private sector employers to help more Americans develop cybersecurity skills. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would primarily benefit students and job seekers interested in cybersecurity careers, as well as employers struggling to fill positions in this in-demand field. It was introduced by Representative Shontel M. Brown (D-OH) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. At this stage, the bill is still in the early legislative process and would need to pass committee review before advancing further.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 890 East 152nd Street in Cleveland, Ohio, as the "Technical Sergeant Alma Gladys Minter Post Office Building".
# HR 4635 Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would rename a Cleveland, Ohio post office building located at 890 East 152nd Street to honor Technical Sergeant Alma Gladys Minter. The change would be purely ceremonial—it doesn't alter how the post office operates or affect any postal services. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects the local Cleveland community and honors the legacy of Technical Sergeant Alma Gladys Minter. Post office customers and employees would see the new name on the building, but there would be no practical changes to services or operations. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Naming federal buildings is a routine congressional practice typically used to honor individuals for their military service or other contributions.
Thriving Community Gardens Act
# Thriving Community Gardens Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Thriving Community Gardens Act (HR 5255) would provide federal support and funding for community garden programs across the United States. Community gardens are shared green spaces where neighbors grow vegetables, flowers, and other plants together. This bill aims to help establish new gardens and improve existing ones by directing resources toward these local initiatives. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily benefit communities looking to start or expand garden programs, particularly in urban and underserved areas where access to fresh produce may be limited. It would make federal funding available to support various aspects of community gardening—such as purchasing seeds, tools, and materials, as well as providing education and training to gardeners. This could help neighborhoods improve food security, increase physical activity, and create gathering spaces for residents. **Current Status** As of now, HR 5255 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Shontel M. Brown, a Democrat from Ohio. Before it could become law, it would need to pass through committee review, receive House approval, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President.
Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act of 2025
# Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, officially titled the Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act of 2025, aims to address uterine fibroids—noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus and affect many women. While the full details aren't publicly available yet, bills with this title typically focus on improving diagnosis, treatment options, and research funding for uterine fibroids and related gynecological health issues. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect women who suffer from uterine fibroids, which are particularly common among Black women and women of reproductive age. It could also impact healthcare providers, researchers studying gynecological conditions, and the broader medical system by potentially expanding coverage or treatment access. **Current Status** As of now, HR 4392 remains in committee and has not been passed. The bill was introduced by Representative Shontel M. Brown (D-OH). Like most bills at this early stage, it would need committee review, potential amendments, and votes in both the House and Senate before becoming law.
Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025
# Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would prohibit financial institutions from charging fees when people access or transfer government benefits. The legislation aims to ensure that recipients of federal benefits—such as Social Security, unemployment insurance, food assistance (SNAP), and other programs—can access their money without losing part of it to transaction fees charged by banks and payment processors. **Who It Affects:** The bill would directly benefit millions of Americans who receive government assistance programs. It would also affect financial institutions and payment processors that currently charge fees for benefit transactions. The bill targets a practice that critics argue disproportionately impacts low-income individuals who can least afford additional costs. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4158 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) in the 119th Congress. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass out of committee, receive a House vote, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President.
Electronic Consent Accountability Act of 2025
# Electronic Consent Accountability Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Electronic Consent Accountability Act of 2025 would establish new rules and requirements for obtaining electronic consent from individuals. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to ensure that when companies, healthcare providers, or other organizations get permission from people electronically (such as through websites, apps, or emails), those processes are transparent, verifiable, and properly documented. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact organizations that collect electronic consent from customers or clients—including tech companies, healthcare providers, financial institutions, and other businesses. It would also affect consumers and patients by potentially strengthening protections around how their electronic agreements are obtained and stored. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Shontel M. Brown (D-OH) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. At this stage, it remains in the early phases of the legislative process. *Note: Full legislative text with specific provisions would be needed for a more detailed summary of exact requirements and enforcement mechanisms.*
HER Act
# HER Act Summary I don't have access to the specific details of HR 3749 (the HER Act) in the 119th Congress, so I can't provide you with accurate information about what this bill would do, who it affects, or its key provisions. While I can see it's sponsored by Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH) and is currently in committee, I don't want to guess at the bill's contents. To get accurate information, I'd recommend: - Visiting **Congress.gov** and searching "HR 3749" for the full bill text and summaries - Checking Rep. Brown's official website for her description of the bill - Looking at major news outlets that may have covered the bill if it's received significant attention This will ensure you have factual, up-to-date information about what the bill proposes.
Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025
# Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would extend and fund the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) through 2030 and beyond. The HFFI is a federal program that helps grocery stores, farmers markets, food suppliers, and other food retailers open or expand in communities where fresh, affordable food is hard to find. It does this by offering loans, grants, and expert advice to eligible businesses. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily benefit people living in underserved communities—both in cities and rural areas—where access to fresh, healthy food is limited. It also affects food retailers and businesses that want to serve these communities but may lack the financing or resources to do so. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on by the full House of Representatives yet.
Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025
# Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would prevent the Department of Agriculture (USDA) from updating the "Thrifty Food Plan"—the formula used to calculate how much money low-income families receive through SNAP (food stamps)—if that update would increase food insecurity. Currently, USDA is required to review and adjust this formula every five years to account for inflation and changing food prices. The bill essentially adds a safety valve: if an update would result in more households struggling to afford food, the update cannot proceed. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects the roughly 40 million Americans who receive SNAP benefits, as well as USDA officials responsible for administering the program. Supporters argue it protects vulnerable families from benefit cuts, while critics might worry about the practical or budgetary implications of freezing benefit calculations. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
To codify Executive Order 11246 titled "Equal Employment Opportunity".
# HR 989 Summary **What the Bill Does** HR 989 would convert Executive Order 11246 into federal law. This executive order, originally issued in 1965, requires federal contractors and subcontractors to follow affirmative action and anti-discrimination employment practices. Currently, the order exists as a presidential directive that can be changed or reversed by future presidents. By codifying it into law, this bill would make these employment protections permanent unless Congress votes to repeal them. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects companies that do business with the federal government—contractors and subcontractors who receive federal contracts or grants. These businesses would be required to maintain non-discriminatory hiring practices and take affirmative steps to recruit and employ people from groups that have historically faced discrimination. The requirements would apply to their hiring, promotion, compensation, and other employment decisions. **Current Status** HR 989 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) in the 119th Congress. The bill remains in the early legislative stage and would need committee approval and a House vote to advance further.