Rep. Wesley Bell

Maddy summaryHR 7395, the NO ICE ADs Act, prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from spending federal funds on television advertisements promoting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), recruiting for ICE, or improving ICE's public image. This bill directly affects DHS by restricting how it can use its budget for communication activities related to ICE. The key provision bans the obligation or expenditure of funds for any TV ads intended to advance ICE's brand, programs, or personnel recruitment. It does not alter immigration enforcement policies or create new legal requirements, only limiting specific advertising spending. The bill aims to prevent federal resources from being used to support ICE's public outreach efforts.

Maddy summaryHRES 1039 is a symbolic resolution supporting National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day observed annually on February 7. It highlights that Black Americans account for disproportionate HIV impacts (e.g., 39% of new diagnoses despite representing 12% of the U.S. population) and urges state/local health agencies to promote HIV testing, reduce stigma, and prioritize minority-led HIV services. The resolution encourages alignment with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and emphasizes culturally competent care, but does not create new funding or enforceable requirements. It serves as a non-binding endorsement of existing efforts to address racial disparities in HIV prevention and treatment.

Maddy summaryHRES 1035 is a non-binding House resolution condemning recent and proposed workforce reductions at FEMA, which the resolution states endanger the agency's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It specifically cites a 35% staffing shortage at FEMA (per GAO) and notes that over 2,000 permanent staff left FEMA in 2025, weakening disaster response during events like Hurricanes Helene and California wildfires. The resolution expresses concern that staffing cuts would delay aid, reduce assistance to vulnerable communities (including rural, coastal, and wildfire-prone areas), and undermine counterterrorism programs supporting first responders. It calls for a stable, adequately resourced FEMA workforce to ensure effective disaster management, without proposing new legislation or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2026 authorizes $20 billion annually from 2027 to 2031 to improve public school facilities nationwide. The bill provides grants to states to fund school construction, renovation, and modernization projects that focus on safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility, with priority given to schools serving high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Funds cannot be used for routine maintenance, athletic facilities, or vehicles, and must meet specific environmental, safety, and energy efficiency standards. The bill also includes specific provisions for repairing school foundations affected by pyrrhotite, a mineral that causes concrete deterioration, and requires use of American-made materials for construction projects.

Maddy summaryHR 7346, the Drain ICE Act of 2026, repeals specific funding provisions (sections 90003 and 100052) from the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and cancels all unspent funds allocated under those sections. This bill directly affects ICE’s detention budget by removing existing financial authority for detention operations. It does not change immigration enforcement practices or directly impact individuals; it solely modifies budgetary allocations. The bill focuses on eliminating funding mechanisms, not on policy changes for migrants or enforcement. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as specified.)

Maddy summaryHR 7335 establishes comprehensive humanitarian standards for individuals held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. The bill requires facilities to provide immediate health screenings within 12 hours (6 hours for high-risk individuals like children, pregnant people, or those with medical conditions), ensure access to adequate water, sanitation, food (with 2,000+ calories daily for adults), and age-appropriate shelter. It mandates specific facility standards including separate housing for males and females, accessible accommodations for people with disabilities, daily outdoor access for those detained over 48 hours, and proper medical equipment and personnel on-site. The bill also requires regular inspections, staff training on humanitarian protocols, and public reporting of sexual abuse complaints. These standards directly affect all individuals detained by ICE or CBP, with special protections for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant people, and those with medical needs.

Maddy summaryThe Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a program creating regional hubs focused on advancing defense-related technologies like AI, quantum, and cybersecurity. These hubs - designated from applications by eligible consortia (including universities, defense contractors, and local governments) - will accelerate research, foster partnerships with military installations, and build workforce pipelines. The program authorizes $375 million (2026-2030) to fund hubs, with federal grants covering up to 50% of costs, while mandating strict security protocols to protect sensitive research. It aims to distribute at least 10 hubs across diverse U.S. regions within three years, prioritizing areas near existing defense facilities.

Maddy summaryHR 4469, the PRESUME Act, simplifies eligibility for veterans exposed to radiation during military service. It removes the requirement for veterans to provide specific radiation dose evidence to qualify as "radiation-exposed veterans" under VA benefits. This change directly affects veterans who participated in nuclear testing or other radiation-related military activities and previously had to prove exact exposure levels. The bill amends 38 U.S.C. § 1112(c) to state the VA Secretary "may not require evidence of a certain dose of radiation" for this classification, streamlining access to medical benefits.

Maddy summaryThe Emergency Alert Grant Fairness Act requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open applications for its Next Generation Warning System grants for at least 30 days each year. It also explicitly includes public broadcasting entities (as defined in the Communications Act of 1934) as eligible recipients for these grants. This bill directly affects FEMA's grant administration process and public broadcasting organizations that provide emergency alert services. The key change is standardizing the application window and expanding eligibility to ensure public broadcasters can access funding for emergency alert systems.

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on December 31, 2025, which addressed "Reproductive Health Services" (90 Fed. Reg. 61310). This resolution directs Congress to disapprove the VA rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, meaning the rule would have no legal effect if passed. The bill directly affects the VA's implementation of reproductive health services for veterans, as it seeks to nullify the agency's existing policy. This is a procedural measure, not a substantive policy change, aimed solely at blocking the VA's rule through congressional action.