Rep. Michael Lawler

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Renewing the African American Civil Rights Network Act, extends federal funding for the African American Civil Rights Network by three years. The legislation directly affects the network's operations by amending the United States Code to change the authorization period from seven years to ten years. By updating this timeline, the bill ensures continued financial support for the organization's mission to promote civil rights and historical preservation. No new programs or policy changes are introduced; the measure solely focuses on renewing the existing funding authorization.

Maddy summaryThe SPF Act of 2026 requires the Director of the National Park Service to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing options for providing free or low-cost mineral-based sunscreen and other sun protection items to park visitors. The bill cites rising skin cancer rates and public health data to support the need for better access to protective measures in national parks. The required report must evaluate potential environmental impacts, ensure products are usable for all skin tones, and propose strategies for increasing visitor awareness about sun safety. Additionally, the report must include specific legislative recommendations for Congress to consider when supporting these efforts.

Maddy summaryThe No Antisemitism in Education Act of 2026 requires schools and universities receiving federal funds to treat antisemitism with the same seriousness as other forms of discrimination prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Under this law, institutions must use the official definition of antisemitism found in a prior presidential executive order to investigate complaints and enforce their own policies. The bill explicitly states that these requirements do not violate free speech rights or override existing state laws, ensuring that Jewish students and staff are protected from harassment and exclusion on campus.

Maddy summaryThe Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to update research priorities and funding allocations for water resources research institutes. The bill adds artificial intelligence to the list of research areas alongside private industry and increases federal funding authorization to $16 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. It requires 20 percent of these funds to support research addressing interstate water problems and allows grants for projects focusing on regional or multi-state water issues. The legislation also expands the types of research institutes eligible for funding to include those working on problems identified by Congress as having interstate significance.

National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act. [ sic ] This bill temporarily directs the Department of the Interior to award a grant to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for the expenses associated with operating and enhancing the community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness programs of the National Law Enforcement Museum.

Maddy summaryThe Empowering States to Protect Seniors from Bad Actors Act authorizes the Securities and Exchange Commission to distribute competitive grants to state securities commissions and insurance departments to combat financial fraud targeting individuals aged 62 and older. These funds can be used to hire staff for investigations, purchase technology and training equipment, develop educational materials for seniors, and strengthen state laws against exploitation. Each eligible entity may receive up to $500,000 annually, or $1,000,000 if the state agency handles both securities and insurance regulation. The bill appropriates $10 million per year from fiscal years 2025 through 2030 and requires the Commission to conduct annual audits and submit effectiveness reports to Congress at two and five-year intervals.

Maddy summaryThe Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act of 2026 establishes a bipartisan, 18-member task force to study how a lack of affordable housing affects various aspects of life and government spending. The group will evaluate impacts on areas such as education, employment, health, and regional economic growth, while also quantifying the costs imposed on federal, state, and local programs due to housing shortages. Members will be appointed by congressional leadership within 180 days of enactment and must submit a final report with recommendations to Congress before the task force terminates two years after all members are appointed.

Maddy summaryHR 5334, the SEED Act of 2025, expands the existing educator expense deduction under federal tax law to explicitly include early childhood educators. It revises the Internal Revenue Code to cover expenses for "early childhood educators" and broadens the educational levels affected to include "pre-kindergarten through grade 12." This change allows early childhood educators (such as preschool teachers) to deduct work-related expenses like classroom supplies and professional development costs, which they previously could not claim under the existing deduction for "kindergarten through grade 12" teachers. The amendment applies to expenses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summary# Summary of Digital Commodities and Blockchain Technology Regulatory Framework This comprehensive legislation establishes a new regulatory framework specifically for digital commodities and blockchain technology, creating a balanced approach that protects investors while fostering innovation. ## Key Components 1. **New Regulatory Structure**: - Creates new categories for digital commodity exchanges, brokers, and dealers under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) - Establishes "qualified digital asset custodians" as a new regulatory category - Defines "mature blockchain systems" with special regulatory treatment 2. **Core Requirements**: - Mandates segregation of customer assets and strict custody requirements - Requires robust risk management systems - Sets capital requirements for digital commodity brokers and dealers - Establishes new disclosure and reporting obligations - Defines "blockchain control persons" with special restrictions on selling digital commodities 3. **Innovation-Focused Provisions**: - Creates a "Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology" (FinHub) at the SEC - Establishes "LabCFTC" as a dedicated innovation lab within the CFTC - Provides exemptions for SEC-registered entities from certain CFTC requirements - Includes provisions for expedited hiring of digital commodities experts 4. **Studies and Research**: - Mandates studies on decentralized finance (DeFi) - Requires a study on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) - Directs a study on financial literacy among digital commodity holders - Requires a study on tokenized securities and derivatives 5. **Exclusions**: - Excludes decentralized finance activities from regulation - Excludes certain blockchain-related activities from regulatory requirements The legislation aims to create a functional regulatory framework that acknowledges the unique benefits and risks of digital commodities while ensuring investor protection, preventing market manipulation, and promoting the responsible development of this emerging technology within the United States. It seeks to prevent the shift of digital commodity development to less regulated countries by establishing a clear, balanced regulatory path.

Maddy summaryThe Public Service Homeownership Assistance Act would authorize the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide downpayment assistance loans to federal, state, tribal, and local government employees starting in 2027. These loans, which range from $10,000 to $20,000, are strictly limited to covering downpayments or closing costs for the purchase of a residential property with one to four units. Recipients must occupy the home within 60 days and continue to live there at least half the year to maintain eligibility. Repayment of the loan is not required immediately but begins upon the sale of the home, a cash-out refinance, or if the employee stops occupying the property for more than six months in a given year.