Rep. James A. Himes

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online system allowing taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. The legislation prohibits the Treasury Department from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide tax preparation or filing services, and it voids any existing contracts with such restrictions. The program would use IRS data to simplify filing, include customer support, be available in multiple languages, and allow users to file even if they are not required to. It also enables taxpayers in participating states to file state and local returns alongside their federal returns, with funding provided to states that meet certain standards.

Maddy summaryThe DISCLOSE Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency in election spending and prevent foreign influence. It expands the ban on foreign money to cover federal, state, and local elections, including ballot initiatives and judicial nominations, and criminalizes using corporations to conceal these funds. The bill mandates that organizations spending over $10,000 on campaign-related activities, such as independent expenditures or judicial nomination advocacy, disclose their beneficial owners and top donors. Additionally, it establishes new "Stand By Every Ad" disclaimers for political communications, requiring the highest-ranking official to approve the message and, for certain ads, list their top funders. These provisions directly affect non-candidate organizations, individuals involved in political and judicial nomination spending, and foreign nationals.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases FHA loan limits for manufactured home purchases, home improvements, and accessory dwelling units under the National Housing Act. It raises the maximum loan amount for single-section manufactured home purchases to $106,405 and multi-section homes to $195,322, while setting a $75,000 cap for home improvements. The bill also requires annual adjustments to these limits based on HUD's methodology and mandates a HUD study comparing off-site construction (including manufactured/modular homes) to site-built housing on cost, quality, maintenance, and applications like accessory dwelling units. It directly affects borrowers seeking FHA financing for these housing types.

Maddy summaryHR 7740, the African American History Act of 2026, authorizes $4 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and support teaching about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create digital and print materials, provide teacher training, and expand access to curriculum resources for K-12 and college classrooms. It requires annual reports to Congress on fund usage and expires in 2030. This program directly affects educators and students by enhancing classroom materials and professional development on African American history.

Maddy summaryHR 7599 creates a federal framework for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), allowing family members or law enforcement to petition courts to temporarily prohibit individuals from possessing firearms when they pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. The bill establishes a process for issuing ex parte orders (up to 14 days) followed by a hearing within 72 hours to determine if a longer-term order (up to 180 days) should be issued, requiring respondents to surrender firearms to U.S. Marshals or designated law enforcement. Courts must consider specific factors like recent threats, violence, substance abuse, or cruelty to animals before issuing orders, with no fees for petitioners. The law requires law enforcement training to address bias, includes annual reporting requirements, and ensures firearms are returned once the order expires and the individual is eligible to own firearms under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most employers to provide workers with earned paid sick leave. Employees would earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per year, which can be used for their own illness, medical care, caring for family members (including children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, or other family-like relationships), or addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking situations. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who use this leave and requires employers to inform employees about their rights. It ensures that workers who leave and return to the same employer within a year can reinstate their unused sick leave. This law would not override more generous state or local paid leave policies.

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations for various agencies and offices within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), except for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and management and oversight activities of the Office of the Secretary. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to DHS for  the Federal Protective Service, the Office of Inspector General, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and the Science and Technology Directorate. The bill does not provide appropriations for some agencies and activities that have been funded in prior DHS appropriations acts, including ICE, CBP, and management and oversight activities of the Office of the Secretary.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the process for the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) when considering actions against U.S. nonbank financial companies. It requires the FSOC to first determine that alternative solutions - such as new regulatory standards, agency actions, or a company's written plan - are not possible or insufficient to protect financial stability before voting on a formal determination. The change directly affects the FSOC and large nonbank financial companies that could face regulatory scrutiny. The key provision adds a new step to ensure the Council explores other options before taking significant action. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 3 sentences as specified.)

Maddy summaryThe Bridges not Bumpers Act of 2025 creates a working group to improve data sharing about bridge clearances for commercial vehicles, requiring better GPS navigation tools, clearer height labeling on rental vehicles (over 5,700 lbs), and warnings to renters. It mandates that rental companies provide height information and warnings about bridge clearance, while also addressing liability for inaccurate GPS data. The bill establishes a national clearinghouse for bridge strike data and funds research grants to identify high-risk locations and improve infrastructure. It directly affects commercial truck drivers, GPS navigation providers, and rental car companies with fleets of 5+ vehicles, aiming to reduce bridge strikes through better information and infrastructure planning.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 68 would require the President to remove U.S. military forces from Venezuela unless Congress has explicitly authorized their use through a declaration of war or a specific law. This applies to any U.S. Armed Forces currently stationed in Venezuela without such authorization. The resolution is based on the War Powers Resolution, which mandates congressional oversight of military deployments. It directs the immediate withdrawal of unapproved forces without adding new time limits or conditions.