Rep. Robert Garcia

Maddy summaryThe Postal Data Privacy Act of 2026 restricts the use of mail covers by requiring governmental entities to obtain a court order before accessing postal records for criminal investigations. To qualify for such an order, authorities must provide specific facts demonstrating that the requested data is relevant and material to an ongoing case, while state laws prohibiting mail covers would override federal requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that postal officials preserve relevant records for up to 180 days while a court order is being sought or renewed. These provisions directly affect federal and state law enforcement agencies as well as the United States Postal Inspection Service by establishing new procedural safeguards for accessing mail data.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, restricts the construction of large triumphal arches in the Washington, D.C. area to preserve visual sightlines. It specifically bans the building of any such arches within Lady Bird Johnson Park and prohibits the use of federal funds for these structures there. Additionally, the law prevents the erection of triumphal arches taller than 50 feet on any land managed by the National Park Service unless Congress explicitly approves them. These measures aim to limit new monumental structures that could obstruct views of the Arlington National Cemetery from the capital region.

Maddy summaryThe American High-Speed Rail Act expands federal funding and streamlines regulations to support the development of high-speed and higher-speed rail projects across the United States. It authorizes billions of dollars in grants for corridor planning, technology improvements, and construction, while allowing the federal government to cover up to 100% of project costs under specific conditions. The bill also introduces new provisions to facilitate land acquisition, prioritize border projects, and extend labor protections to workers involved in federally funded rail infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation defines higher-speed rail as trains traveling between 110 and 186 miles per hour and includes tax incentives for rail carriers that sell or lease property to support these projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Ending Fossil Fuel Bailouts Act of 2026, modifies federal bankruptcy laws to specifically target oil, gas, and coal companies. It requires these companies to prioritize paying worker wages and environmental cleanup costs over other debts, including those owed to shareholders. The legislation also prevents fossil fuel firms from abandoning their assets during bankruptcy and extends the time period for investigating fraudulent financial transfers to ten years. Additionally, it prohibits the transfer of certain federal energy leases if the company holding them files for bankruptcy. These changes aim to ensure that environmental liabilities and employee compensation are addressed before other financial claims are settled.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new federal standards requiring oil and gas companies operating on the Outer Continental Shelf to be certified as "fit to operate" before they can obtain or maintain leases. To receive this certification, companies must demonstrate a clean safety and environmental record over the past decade, maintain an investment-grade credit rating, and prove they have sufficient funds to cover future decommissioning costs. The legislation also mandates that operators place a significant portion of estimated decommissioning costs into interest-bearing escrow accounts and limits the time a well can be temporarily abandoned to three years, with a possible one-time extension to five years. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of the Interior to conduct annual compliance checks and submit detailed reports to Congress regarding enforcement actions and escrow account balances.

Maddy summaryThe Young Adult Tax Credit Act creates a new $500 monthly tax credit for individuals aged 18 to 24 who are U.S. citizens or residents, with the amount adjusted annually for inflation. This credit is refundable, meaning eligible recipients can receive the full benefit even if they owe no federal taxes, and it is distributed through monthly advance payments starting after December 31, 2026. To manage these payments, the bill establishes an online portal for taxpayers to manage their accounts and includes specific rules to prevent fraud and ensure funds are not subject to garnishment for debts like child support. The legislation also mandates a government outreach campaign to help eligible young adults, particularly those from underrepresented populations, understand and claim the credit.

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 Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act authorizes the creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women’s history, to be located within the National Mall Reserve in Washington, D.C. If the site is managed by another federal agency, the bill requires that agency to transfer the land after notifying Congress and relevant committees. The museum must ensure exhibits and programs accurately represent diverse women’s experiences by consulting a broad range of experts and community voices. The Smithsonian will submit biennial reports to Congress detailing how the museum meets these representation standards.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed after the law takes effect. It also requires that individuals currently sentenced to death under federal law be resentenced to a different punishment. This legislation directly affects the federal criminal justice system by eliminating capital punishment as a sentencing option.

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.