Rep. Bill Foster

Maddy summaryThe Protect Local Funding Act prohibits federal agencies from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a specific proposed rule regarding federal financial assistance scheduled for publication in May 2026. This legislation directly affects the Office of Management and Budget and other federal agencies by legally blocking them from acting on that particular regulation. By preventing the enforcement of this rule, the bill aims to stop a specific administrative action that could impact how federal funds are distributed. The measure does not alter existing funding programs but rather serves as a procedural barrier to a future regulatory change.

Maddy summaryThe Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Parent PLUS Loan Fairness and Responsibility Act of 2026 allows parents to transfer their existing federal student loans directly to their adult children under specific conditions. To qualify for this transfer, the loan must be in good standing, have been used for the child's education, and the child must be at least 18 years old with demonstrated ability to repay based on income and credit history. Once transferred, the child becomes the sole borrower responsible for the debt, while the parent is relieved of all repayment obligations and the loan retains its original terms and forgiveness eligibility. The bill also ensures that payments made before the transfer count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness and that the transferred amount does not affect the child's future borrowing limits.

Maddy summaryThe Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 aims to improve the immigration court process for unaccompanied children by guaranteeing them government-funded legal representation. Under this bill, the Department of Health and Human Services would appoint lawyers for these children as soon as they enter federal custody, ensuring they have an attorney for every stage of their case, even if they turn 18 or are reunited with family while proceedings are pending. The law also requires that children receive copies of their immigration files at least seven days before a hearing and allows them to have a lawyer present during interviews and detention facility visits. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports on how many children received counsel and establishes rules for pro bono legal services to support these efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026, allows public housing utility allowances to cover high-speed internet service, equipment, and installation fees for families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches. The legislation sets the covered internet cost at the lowest monthly rate available in the area while explicitly permitting families to choose more expensive plans or bundled services if they prefer. Additionally, the bill requires internet service providers to offer a specific filtering technology that blocks visual content harmful to minors, ensuring a level of protection comparable to existing certified standards. These changes directly affect households living in public housing by expanding the types of living expenses that can be subsidized through their utility benefits.

Maddy summaryThe Know Your Rights Act directs the Attorney General to create a new Office of Legal Access Programs within the immigration review system to educate detained noncitizens about their legal rights and immigration procedures. This office would develop orientation programs that provide information in English and the five most common languages spoken by detainees, aiming to help individuals make informed decisions while reducing costs and delays in immigration proceedings. The law requires these educational services to be offered within five days of a person entering custody and mandates that the government consider vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied children and those with serious mental disabilities, for special attention. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that providing this information does not create any new legal rights or benefits that can be enforced in court.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new National Nuclear Forensics Center within the National Nuclear Security Administration to coordinate the federal government's efforts against nuclear terrorism. The center will oversee planning, research, and training to improve the nation's ability to analyze nuclear materials and attribute their origins. It also repeals a previous law and updates related statutes to officially transfer this authority from the Department of Homeland Security to the Department of Energy. Additionally, the legislation requires the development of a university program to train experts in nuclear forensics within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to officially reject a final rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan programs. If passed, the measure would prevent the new regulations from taking effect, leaving the previous rules in place. The bill directly impacts borrowers, lenders, and the Department of Education by nullifying the specific changes outlined in the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" proposal. It is a procedural action that uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the agency's policy without altering the underlying law.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins must feature designs honoring victims and first responders (including the inscription "Never Forget") and will be sold only during 2027-2028. All surcharges ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin) collected from sales will fund the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, with no net cost to the federal government. The coins are legal tender but primarily intended for collectors, not circulation.

Maddy summaryThe No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal money to pay specific settlements involving high-ranking government officials and their close associates. It bars payments to the President, Vice President, their immediate families, cabinet members, senior executive staff, political appointees, and individuals connected to these roles, as well as any entity owned by the President or Vice President. Additionally, the bill restricts settlements related to claims about the January 6 Capitol attack, foreign election interference, or previously dismissed lawsuits, while requiring Treasury reports for large settlements and allowing the government to seek repayment if rules are broken.