Rep. Debbie Dingell

Maddy summaryThe Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act prohibits the President and federal officials from changing the official names of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, or Lake Ontario. The bill specifically nullifies Executive Order 14422, which had renamed Lake Ontario to Lake America, and bans any further attempts to alter these geographic names through similar executive actions. Additionally, it forbids the use of federal funds to implement or enforce the revoked order or any comparable measures.

Maddy summaryHR 1869 creates a new DOJ task force within the Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute international trade crimes, such as customs evasion, smuggling, and trade-based money laundering. It requires the DOJ to hire specialized prosecutors, coordinate with agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and focus on specific violations covered under statutes like 18 U.S.C. §§ 541-546 and 21 U.S.C. § 331. The bill authorizes $20 million in funding for fiscal year 2026 (with 80% dedicated to criminal prosecutions), mandates annual reports to Congress on enforcement activities, and requires the DOJ to develop multi-agency partnerships to address these crimes. This directly affects federal prosecutors, border enforcement agencies, and industries impacted by trade violations.

Maddy summaryThe BEDROCK Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to designate a senior official who will lead federal efforts to boost the competitiveness and supply-chain resilience of the U.S. biomanufacturing industry. This official is tasked with identifying barriers to private sector investment, mapping complex regulatory pathways across agencies like the FDA and EPA, and publishing a prioritized action plan to address vulnerabilities in critical inputs such as enzymes and cell lines. The bill also requires the government to create a public web resource that consolidates federal information and designates specific agency points of contact to help businesses navigate commercialization processes. These requirements are set to terminate five years after the law is enacted, with periodic reports submitted to Congress to track progress.

Maddy summaryThe STORMWATER Act extends the funding period for stormwater control infrastructure technology centers from fiscal years 2022-2026 to 2027-2031. It mandates that exactly five of these centers be established, rather than a range of three to five as previously allowed. Additionally, the bill requires that one of the designated centers be located in and focused on the Great Lakes region.

Maddy summaryThe SPF Act of 2026 requires the Director of the National Park Service to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing options for providing free or low-cost mineral-based sunscreen and other sun protection items to park visitors. The bill cites rising skin cancer rates and public health data to support the need for better access to protective measures in national parks. The required report must evaluate potential environmental impacts, ensure products are usable for all skin tones, and propose strategies for increasing visitor awareness about sun safety. Additionally, the report must include specific legislative recommendations for Congress to consider when supporting these efforts.

Maddy summaryThe Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025 establishes the Urban Bird Treaty Program, which provides grants and technical assistance to local groups - including cities, nonprofits, community organizations, and academic institutions - to protect and restore urban bird habitats. Key provisions include funding for habitat restoration (e.g., removing invasive species and planting native plants), reducing urban bird hazards, and engaging communities in monitoring and education. The program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, authorizes $1 million annually from 2026 to 2032 for projects focused on conserving urban bird populations through collaborative local efforts. It directly affects communities seeking to enhance green spaces and support bird conservation in populated areas.

Maddy summaryThe Green New Deal for Public Housing Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants to public housing agencies and tribal entities for the comprehensive rehabilitation, energy upgrades, and modernization of public housing stock. These funds are intended to transform properties into zero-carbon homes by installing renewable energy systems, electrifying appliances, and repairing infrastructure, while also establishing workforce development programs that offer training, apprenticeships, and stipends to residents and local low-income workers. The bill mandates strict labor standards, including prevailing wages and the use of U.S.-made materials, and requires agencies to maintain or increase the total number of public housing units while prioritizing resident participation through elected councils and community engagement processes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns a 2026 Department of Justice opinion that challenges the legal requirement to place people with disabilities in community settings rather than institutions. It directly affects individuals with disabilities who rely on federal protections to live independently and avoid segregation in facilities like nursing homes or psychiatric hospitals. The text affirms that the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in Olmstead v. L.C. mandates that states offer community-based services when appropriate and calls on the Justice Department to rescind its opinion. Additionally, it urges Congress to reverse recent cuts to Medicaid funding that support home and community-based services for people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThe Medicare at Home Act would expand Medicare coverage to include up to 20 hours per week of personal care services for seniors and people with disabilities in their own homes. To qualify, individuals must be enrolled in Medicare and certified by a doctor as needing assistance with at least two daily living tasks, such as bathing or dressing, while not already receiving duplicate long-term care from state programs. The bill requires a physician to create a care plan that includes help with activities like meal preparation and medication reminders, and it mandates a wage floor for home care workers. Financing for this new benefit would come through adjustments to monthly Medicare premiums, with specific rules set for how payments are made to agencies and individuals providing the care.

Maddy summaryHR 4541, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025, extends the funding period for the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness program. It amends the Public Health Service Act to update the program’s expiration date from 2026 to 2031. The bill directly affects young women aged 15-25 by ensuring continued access to breast health education and awareness resources. The key provision is a simple extension of the existing program’s authorization period, without altering its scope or requirements. This is a procedural reauthorization to maintain current services through 2031.