Rep. Maxwell Frost

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 summaryHR 7803, the "Save Medicare Act," renames Medicare Advantage plans to "Alternative Private Health Plan" for all federal references, including in the Social Security Act. It requires health plans to stop using "Medicare" in their titles after enactment, imposing a $100,000 civil penalty per violation. The change applies to all Part C Medicare plans and mandates a full transition by October 15, 2023, with a temporary period allowing both terms to be used during the switch. This bill directly affects private health insurers offering Medicare Part C plans and federal agencies managing Medicare programs. The policy change is solely about terminology, not benefits or coverage.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act reforms the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which transfers surplus military equipment to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The bill prohibits the transfer of specific military-grade items, including controlled firearms (like automatic weapons), ammunition, grenades, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, and silencers. For any permitted transfers, non-federal agencies must notify their local community, get approval from their local governing body, and certify the equipment's necessity for specific public safety or emergency purposes. The bill also mandates increased accountability for all transferred property, prohibits agencies from taking ownership, and requires the return of equipment if an agency is involved in widespread civil liberties abuses using that property.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Fair Future Act, seeks to remove a specific provision from the Fair Housing Act that currently allows landlords to refuse to rent to individuals based on their source of income. The change directly affects housing providers and tenants by eliminating the legal basis for income source discrimination in rental decisions. The mechanism involves deleting paragraph (4) of Section 807(b) of the Fair Housing Act, which currently permits landlords to deny housing to applicants relying on government assistance or other specific income sources. If enacted, this would expand protections under existing fair housing laws to cover discrimination based on the source of a tenant's income.

Maddy summaryThe Railway Safety Act of 2026 establishes new safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials, including speed limits, enhanced reporting, and stricter tank car standards. It mandates that high-hazard trains carrying flammable liquids or toxic materials be limited to 40 mph in urban areas, while requiring railroads to provide real-time information to emergency responders. The bill also increases penalties for safety violations, requires more frequent inspections of rail equipment, and creates a new emergency response assistance program to help communities affected by hazardous materials incidents. Additionally, it authorizes funding for research into safer tank cars and defect detection systems, and requires the Federal Railroad Administration to improve its safety workforce management.

Maddy summaryHRES 1087 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. It acknowledges decades of scientific support for fluoridation, including CDC recognition as a top public health achievement, and highlights its cost-effectiveness in reducing dental treatment costs. The resolution encourages states and localities to maintain or adopt optimal fluoridation levels but does not create new legal requirements or directly affect any specific group. It serves as a symbolic endorsement of existing public health practice, referencing support from major health organizations.

Maddy summaryHR 7728, the Connect the Grid Act, requires Texas' ERCOT grid to connect with neighboring power systems by repealing its special exemptions from federal grid regulations. It mandates minimum power flow capacity between ERCOT and other grids (SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection) ranging from 2.5 to 12.6 gigawatts, with specific deadlines for new transmission projects by 2037. The bill directs grid operators to prioritize using existing infrastructure, degraded land sites, renewable energy access, and community engagement - including environmental justice and Tribal communities - in planning new transmission. It also increases federal funding for transmission projects and requires a study on benefits of connecting with Mexico’s grid.

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 summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to employ at least one full-time, board-certified OB-GYN at every federal prison housing female inmates. It mandates specific services including menstrual care, contraception, prenatal care, cancer screenings, and postpartum support, along with patient protections like informed consent and the right to refuse non-emergency care. The bill also requires initial OB-GYN visits within 14 days of incarceration and establishes a process for referrals to other specialists without delays. Annual reports to Congress will track facility compliance, staffing vacancies, and health outcomes like prenatal visits, childbirths, and pregnancy-related deaths.