Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Maddy summaryHR 5408, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requires employers to begin negotiating a first contract with a newly certified union within 10 days of written request. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, the parties must seek mediation, and if unresolved after 30 days of mediation, the dispute moves to binding arbitration by a three-member panel. The arbitration decision, based on factors like employer finances, industry standards, and cost of living, becomes binding for two years. This bill directly affects newly certified unions and their employers during initial contract negotiations, aiming to reduce delays that currently average 465 days.

Maddy summaryThe Fostering TRUST Act of 2026 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to notify Congress and local representatives whenever a veteran commits or attempts suicide within a VA facility or an associated care provider. This notification must occur within seven days of the incident and include the facility location, along with detailed personal data such as the veteran's demographics, service history, medical insurance status, and housing situation within 60 days. The bill also mandates that these reports include guidance on suicide warning signs, available support resources, and best practices for securing lethal means while ensuring the privacy and dignity of the veteran and their family.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The bill calls on the public to wear orange on the designated day to honor victims and promote awareness of gun safety. It highlights statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries to underscore the need for community discussions on making neighborhoods safer.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the CFTC Protection of Information and Data Act of 2026, modifies how the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shares trader data with various government entities. It allows the Commission to provide names, addresses, and trading volumes of market participants to Congress, federal agencies, state officials, and foreign futures authorities upon request, provided these recipients use the information only for specific legal or regulatory actions. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that sharing certain privileged information, such as attorney-client communications, does not waive legal protections, though it does not prevent the Commission from disclosing data to Congress or complying with court orders.

Maddy summaryThe Celiac Safety Act of 2026 officially classifies gluten-containing grains as a major food allergen under federal law, directly impacting the food industry and individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. This change requires manufacturers to label products containing wheat, rye, barley, or their crossbred hybrids with the same prominence as other major allergens like milk. The new labeling requirements will not take effect until 18 months after the law is enacted, giving businesses time to adjust their packaging and production processes.

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 is a non-binding resolution that expresses support for designating May 2026 as 'Renewable Fuels Month.' It aims to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are used in vehicles and aviation. The resolution recognizes how these fuels help lower consumer prices, create jobs in rural areas, reduce reliance on foreign oil, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Because this is a symbolic gesture rather than a law with enforceable rules, it does not change any existing policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Rural Hospital Revitalization Act of 2026 provides zero-interest loans to specific rural hospitals for building new facilities or renovating existing ones. To qualify, a hospital must be located in a county with fewer than 20,000 people, be at least 35 miles from the nearest hospital, have operated for at least 30 years, and demonstrate financial stability. The loans are initially interest-free for five years and can be refinanced later at standard rates if the hospital's financial situation improves, or renewed once under strict conditions if the hospital struggles financially. Additionally, receiving hospitals become eligible for technical assistance grants designed to help improve their operations and financial health.

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.