Dear Friend,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education convened a hearing entitled, From Chalkboards to Chatbots: The Impact of AI on K-12 Education. Also, I participated in a press conference to highlight the Hunger Free Future Act.

More from the week: House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson canceled votes after legislation to was advanced to provide proxy voting for new parents. I am also including an update on the Summer 2025 internship applications and my next Passport Day.

For my full recap, please read below.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: The Impact of AI on K-12 Education

On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education convened a hearing entitled, From Chalkboards to Chatbots: The Impact of AI on K-12 Education. The hearing examined the role of advanced instructional technologies like artificial intelligence.

Advanced instructional technologies can be transformative, enhancing both teaching and learning. However, any implementation of AI technology in the classroom should maximize safety and privacy while also advancing equity and fairness in schools.

Recently, the Office of Education Technology (OET) at the Department of Education was eliminated as a part of the reduction in force at the agency. OET played an integral role in developing and implementing policies and initiatives on education technology. This includes guidelines for states and districts to follow and providing expertise and knowledge that many school districts might not be able to otherwise afford.

With artificial intelligence technology rapidly modernizing, the safety of students is much more of a focal point.

Hunger Free Future Act

In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress worked to include language that called for a reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan by 2022 and every five years thereafter. Based on that reevaluation, benefits were increased by an average of $36.24 per person, per month. This was the first time the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits had been increased since 2006.

To further solidify these gains and protect the program against future harm, alongside Representatives Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Jim McGovern (MA-02), I co-led the Hunger Free Future Act. This legislation would bar any changes to the Thrifty Food Plan that result in an increase in food insecurity.

On Tuesday, I participated in a press conference to highlight the legislation. Learn more about the Hunger Free Future Act here.

Floor Update

The House was set to consider a bipartisan discharge petition offered by Rep. Brittany Petterson (CO-07) Rep. Ana Paulina Luna (FL-13).

This discharge petition would have provided for consideration of legislation that would allow Members who are new moms and dads to vote by proxy for up to 12 weeks, excluding proxy votes from establishing a quorum.

Each week, the House considers a Rule that brings legislation to the floor. A Rule is a simple resolution, which must be passed by the House, that sets out the details of debate for a specific bill—how much time will be allowed for debate, inclusion of amendments, and other matters.  

House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson amended the Rule to table consideration of the discharge petition. The Rule to table the legislation failed as 9 Republicans joined with House Democrats in voting against the rule.

In response, Speaker Johnson pulled all other legislation from further consideration – sending Members home for the remainder of the week.

Summer 2025 Internships
 

Are you a college student, or recent graduate interested in public service? My Waterbury and Washington, D.C. offices are accepting applications for the Summer 2025 Internship Program.  

Interns will have the opportunity to connect directly with constituents, assist with constituent casework and correspondence, coordinate and conduct tours, research legislation, and develop community outreach.   

Additional information is available here.

 
Passport Day
 

Ahead of the peak travel season, my office will host another Passport Day at Waterbury City Hall on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10AM – 1PM.  

This is an opportunity to renew your passport or apply for the first time. Unlike Passport Day events hosted by my office in the past, passport applications will only be processed by appointment.  To schedule an appointment, please call 860-223-8412. The State Department has limited staff available to attend. You must have an appointment to attend this event.

Applications and fees will be collected on site, and photos can be taken at the event at no cost. No passports will be printed on-site. Passports will be mailed to you in accordance with routine processing times.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for your priorities.

That’s a wrap.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress