Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3]
Democrat · OR · 8 bills sponsored
Modernize SSI Stipends Act
# Modernize SSI Stipends Act (HR 7573) Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would update the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides cash assistance to elderly, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources. While specific details aren't available in the provided information, the bill's title suggests it would modernize the payment amounts (stipends) that SSI recipients receive. SSI is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that helps some of the nation's poorest and most vulnerable citizens cover basic living expenses. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact SSI recipients—roughly 7-8 million elderly, blind, and disabled Americans who rely on these monthly payments. Changes to SSI stipends could also affect state governments, which often supplement federal SSI payments, and the federal budget. **Current Status:** As of the last update, HR 7573 remains in committee and has not advanced to a full House vote. The bill was introduced by Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Oregon) in the 119th Congress. For detailed provisions, the bill would need to be reviewed directly, as specific policy changes aren't outlined in this summary information.
FAST VETS Act
# FAST VETS Act Summary **What It Does:** The FAST VETS Act improves job training and employment services for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Specifically, it requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update a veteran's personalized vocational rehabilitation plan if their employment situation changes significantly—such as when their disability worsens or their original job goals become unrealistic. Currently, the VA only reviews these plans once a year, but this bill ensures they can be revised sooner if circumstances warrant it. **Who It Affects:** This law primarily benefits veterans who have disabilities connected to their military service and are enrolled in the VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment program. These veterans receive job training, skills instruction, and employment support to help them transition to civilian work. The bill also affects the VA, which administers these services. **Current Status:** The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official policy. It was introduced by Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR) during the 119th Congress.
Restoring Access for Detainees Act
# Restoring Access for Detainees Act (HR 5941) - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Restoring Access for Detainees Act would restore certain legal rights and protections for individuals in government custody. While specific details aren't available in the summary provided, bills with this title typically aim to ensure that detained individuals—whether in immigration detention, criminal custody, or other government facilities—have adequate access to legal representation, communication with family members, and fair hearing procedures. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact detained individuals and the facilities that hold them, including immigration detention centers, jails, and prisons. It could also affect legal service organizations that assist detainees, government agencies responsible for detention operations, and families of detained persons. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 5941 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced by Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR) but has not yet advanced to a full floor vote. The bill would need to pass committee review and secure support from both chambers of Congress to become law. *Note: For complete details on specific provisions, you may want to consult Congress.gov or the bill's full text.*
Shielding Students from Wildfire Smoke Act
# Shielding Students from Wildfire Smoke Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Shielding Students from Wildfire Smoke Act aims to protect students from health risks caused by wildfire smoke exposure. If passed, the bill would establish federal requirements and support to help schools in wildfire-prone areas reduce students' exposure to poor air quality during smoky conditions. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily affect students, teachers, and staff at schools located in regions vulnerable to wildfires, particularly in western states. Schools in these areas would need to implement protective measures and could receive federal assistance to do so. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 4976, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Maxine Dexter, a Democrat from Oregon. *Note: Specific details about funding mechanisms, required air quality standards, or implementation timelines are not available from the information provided. For complete details on key provisions, the full bill text would need to be reviewed.*
Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025
# Farmworker Smoke and Excessive Heat Protection Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would establish new workplace safety protections for farmworkers facing two specific environmental hazards: wildfire smoke and extreme heat. If passed, it would likely set federal standards requiring employers to provide protections such as respiratory equipment during smoky conditions and mandatory rest breaks or work-hour limitations during dangerously high temperatures. The bill aims to address health risks that agricultural workers face, particularly in western states prone to wildfires and regions experiencing heat waves. **Who It Affects:** The legislation primarily targets farmworkers and agricultural laborers, along with their employers. It would apply to farms across the country, with particular impact on agricultural operations in areas with frequent wildfires or extreme heat conditions. The bill could also affect agricultural businesses' operations and costs if they need to implement new safety measures. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4844 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR), whose district includes agricultural areas in Oregon.
Climate Health Emergency Act of 2025
# Climate Health Emergency Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Climate Health Emergency Act of 2025 (HR 4493) would formally declare climate change a public health emergency at the federal level. While the bill's full details aren't available in the provided information, such legislation typically aims to mobilize federal resources and establish new policies to address health impacts linked to climate change, such as heat-related illness, air quality problems, infectious disease spread, and mental health effects. **Who It Affects:** If passed, this bill would primarily affect federal health agencies (like the CDC and NIH), which would likely receive new authorities and funding to respond to climate-related health threats. It could also impact state and local health departments, healthcare providers, and the general public through new public health initiatives and potential changes to environmental or health regulations. **Current Status:** HR 4493 is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR) in the 119th Congress. For the bill to become law, it would need to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President.
Every Veteran Housed Act
# Every Veteran Housed Act (HR 3869) Summary **What the bill would do:** The Every Veteran Housed Act aims to address homelessness among military veterans by establishing or expanding housing programs and support services specifically for this population. While detailed provisions aren't listed in the basic information available, bills with this title typically focus on creating affordable housing options, providing rental assistance, and connecting homeless veterans with social services and mental health care. **Who it affects:** The bill would primarily benefit homeless and at-risk veterans, while also affecting the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies tasked with implementing new programs. Taxpayers would fund the initiatives, and veteran service organizations would likely play a role in implementation. **Current status:** As of now, HR 3869 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Maxine Dexter (D-Oregon). For the most up-to-date information on the bill's progress, amendments, or specific provisions, you can check Congress.gov.
Stop Musk Act
# Stop Musk Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Stop Musk Act would protect federal employees from being punished or fired if they resist, work around, or prevent actions by Elon Musk or people under his authority that would be unlawful or unconstitutional. Essentially, it creates legal protections for government workers who refuse to carry out orders they believe violate the law or Constitution. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects federal government employees. It's relevant because Elon Musk has been involved with the federal government through various roles and initiatives in recent years, making it possible he or his associates could have influence over government operations or directives. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. As a proposal from a Democratic representative, it reflects concerns from some lawmakers about potential government overreach, though it hasn't advanced to a floor vote.