Rep. Lucy McBath

Maddy summaryHR 7740, the African American History Act of 2026, authorizes $4 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and support teaching about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create digital and print materials, provide teacher training, and expand access to curriculum resources for K-12 and college classrooms. It requires annual reports to Congress on fund usage and expires in 2030. This program directly affects educators and students by enhancing classroom materials and professional development on African American history.

Maddy summaryHR 7685, the Healthy Hair Act, amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to classify hair straightening or smoothing products containing formaldehyde (or formaldehyde-releasing substances) as "adulterated" when sold across state lines after an 180-day grace period. It directly affects hair product manufacturers, salons, and workers who use or handle these products. The bill mandates a two-part study by the FDA and NIOSH on health impacts like cancer and respiratory issues for salon workers exposed to formaldehyde, requiring an initial report within one year and a final report within two years and two months. The study will inform future regulatory actions but does not ban formaldehyde products immediately.

Maddy summaryThe Military Family Diaper Partnership Act directs the Department of Defense to allocate $1 million annually (2027-2030) to the National Diaper Bank Network to establish a dedicated fund for distributing diapers and diapering supplies. The fund requires matching contributions from non-government sources equal to the federal amount, and only supports diaper banks that have served military communities within 20 miles of a base for at least five years. It provides diapers directly to military families in need and funds technical assistance, with the network required to submit annual reports to the Defense Secretary. The bill does not create new eligibility rules but channels existing resources through established community partners.

Maddy summaryHR 7599 creates a federal framework for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), allowing family members or law enforcement to petition courts to temporarily prohibit individuals from possessing firearms when they pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. The bill establishes a process for issuing ex parte orders (up to 14 days) followed by a hearing within 72 hours to determine if a longer-term order (up to 180 days) should be issued, requiring respondents to surrender firearms to U.S. Marshals or designated law enforcement. Courts must consider specific factors like recent threats, violence, substance abuse, or cruelty to animals before issuing orders, with no fees for petitioners. The law requires law enforcement training to address bias, includes annual reporting requirements, and ensures firearms are returned once the order expires and the individual is eligible to own firearms under federal law.

Maddy summaryHRES 1064 is a symbolic resolution designating February 16, 2026, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day" to honor historical contributions by Black aviation pioneers. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide recognition of these contributions, including through educational curriculum updates in schools and libraries. The resolution specifically highlights figures like Bessie Coleman, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Katherine Johnson, and urges support for greater diversity in aviation careers. This designation directly celebrates past achievements and aims to inspire future opportunities for Black professionals in aviation, without mandating any specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most employers to provide workers with earned paid sick leave. Employees would earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per year, which can be used for their own illness, medical care, caring for family members (including children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, or other family-like relationships), or addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking situations. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who use this leave and requires employers to inform employees about their rights. It ensures that workers who leave and return to the same employer within a year can reinstate their unused sick leave. This law would not override more generous state or local paid leave policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 12-member National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Council, appointed by the President with Senate approval, will include experts in African American history and culture who are not federal employees, with balanced representation (6 Democrats, 6 Republicans) and attention to diversity. Its duties include evaluating NEH programs related to African American history, preparing annual reports, and making recommendations to improve preservation and celebration efforts. The Council will operate for 10 years, with members serving five-year terms and receiving partial compensation for their service.

Maddy summaryHR 7417 reauthorizes and expands the WISEWOMAN program to include heart health screenings and education for low-income women. The bill directs the CDC to award grants for blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, health education, and referrals for heart disease prevention, building on existing breast and cervical cancer services. It specifically targets low-income women who are already served by the WISEWOMAN program or meet new eligibility criteria set by the Secretary. The expansion is funded with $250 million over five fiscal years (2027-2031), with services to be provided by current WISEWOMAN grantees or approved alternative providers.

Maddy summaryHRES 1040 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Greensboro Four sit-in during Black History Month. It commemorates the 66th anniversary of the February 1, 1960, sit-in at a Greensboro Woolworth's lunch counter, where four Black students challenged racial segregation. The resolution encourages states to include the Greensboro Four's history and contributions in school curricula. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but formally honors this pivotal civil rights moment.

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.