Rep. Bill Foster

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Immigrants From Legal Exploitation Act of 2026 aims to combat fraud by increasing criminal penalties for individuals who falsely represent themselves as immigration lawyers or provide fraudulent services. It requires non-lawyer immigration service providers to identify themselves on applications and allows victims of unauthorized practice of law to withdraw and resubmit their immigration forms without penalty. The bill also empowers the Attorney General to issue civil injunctions against fraudulent providers and mandates that convicted fraudsters reimburse their clients for services rendered. To support legitimate legal aid, the legislation authorizes funding for outreach programs and grants to nonprofit organizations that provide direct legal assistance to immigrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Energy to create a competitive facility called the Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed to develop and test new methods for processing essential raw materials. The Testbed will focus on improving technologies to reduce energy use, water consumption, pollution, and costs while enhancing worker safety and waste management. Funding of $150 million for 2027 and $25 million annually through 2031 is authorized to support the facility, which may be located at one or more sites involving national laboratories, universities, and private companies. The program includes requirements to transfer research results to industry and ensure that intellectual property remains within the United States.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the House of Representatives with specific documents regarding a freeze on federal payments to five states. The requested materials include communications about how the payment freeze was decided, records of the tweet that announced it, and details on funding drawdowns, disciplinary actions, and data sharing plans related to those states. The bill specifically targets documents concerning Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Child Care, and Social Services Block Grant programs in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. If the agencies possess the records, they must submit them to Congress within 14 days of the resolution's adoption.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic pre-approval systems for medical services by 2028 and meet transparency reporting standards starting in 2027. Plans must publicly report data on approval/denial rates, appeal outcomes, response times, and technology use for pre-approval requests, including details on how denials relate to clinical criteria. It establishes a 24-hour response timeframe for certain requests and mandates annual reviews of pre-approval requirements based on data and input from seniors and providers. The law directly affects Medicare Advantage plans, seniors enrolled in these plans, and healthcare providers who submit pre-approval requests. These changes aim to make the pre-approval process faster, more transparent, and more accountable for seniors seeking covered medical services.

Maddy summaryThe Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act of 2026 directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the nation's capacity for treating opioid-use disorders. This evaluation will assess the availability of inpatient and outpatient programs, including detoxification, stabilization, and rehabilitation services, with specific attention to geographic gaps and needs for specific demographics like pregnant women and American Indians. The report will also examine the use of evidence-based treatments and identify barriers to reporting real-time overdose data. Ultimately, the bill aims to provide Congress with a comprehensive overview of current treatment resources and challenges within the healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThe Expanding Opportunities for Recovery Act of 2026 directs federal funding to states to improve access to opioid addiction treatment for individuals who lack health insurance or face coverage barriers. These grants must be managed by state substance abuse agencies and used to provide evidence-based services, such as medication-assisted treatment, based on medical recommendations. The legislation explicitly limits grant funds to cover no more than 60 consecutive days of treatment per person and requires states to report data on treatment outcomes and usage. Additionally, the bill mandates that the federal government evaluate the program's effectiveness and share results publicly while offering technical assistance to participating states.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the fourth anniversary of the July 4, 2022, Independence Day Parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, which resulted in seven deaths and over 40 injuries. It formally honors the seven victims by name and acknowledges the bravery of the numerous law enforcement officers, first responders, and medical personnel who assisted during the attack and in the aftermath. The document also recognizes the ongoing efforts of volunteer counselors supporting the community and expresses continued support for Highland Park as it marks this tragic milestone.

Maddy summaryThe National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026 establishes a new nonprofit corporation to create a nationwide network of digital fabrication facilities, known as fab labs, with a specific goal of placing at least one in every congressional district while prioritizing underserved communities. This independent organization will coordinate the expansion of these labs, which contain tools for 3D printing and electronics manufacturing, and serve as a resource for training leaders and maintaining a national registry. The bill mandates that the corporation's board includes representatives from diverse sectors such as education, Tribal communities, and the private sector, with initial members appointed by congressional leaders. Additionally, the nonprofit is authorized to accept private and government funding to distribute to local partners for establishing and operating these facilities, while it must submit annual activity reports to relevant congressional committees.

Maddy summaryThe Investor Choice Act of 2026 prohibits companies, brokers, and investment advisers from forcing customers into mandatory arbitration or class-action waivers for future disputes. Under this law, securities exchanges cannot list stocks from issuers that require arbitration in their bylaws or contracts, and financial firms are barred from entering into agreements that limit a client's choice of legal forum or ability to join group lawsuits. The bill applies to new contracts signed after its enactment, while existing agreements containing these prohibited clauses become void unless arbitration proceedings were already started before the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryHR 8278, the "Fostering the Use of Technology to Uphold Regulatory Effectiveness in Supervision Act," requires several federal financial regulatory agencies to assess their technological capabilities and procurement practices. These agencies, including the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and CFPB, must evaluate how their current technology impacts their ability to supervise financial institutions in real-time and identify opportunities to streamline how they acquire new systems. The bill mandates that these agencies then jointly submit a report to Congress every five years. This report will detail their technology use, procurement processes, workforce capabilities, and plans for future tech upgrades to enhance financial system oversight.