Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax on money received by former U.S. presidents, their immediate family members, or their controlled businesses from civil lawsuits against the government. Under the law, any settlement or verdict awarded to these individuals would be subject to a 100 percent tax, and the payments would not be counted as taxable income for other purposes. To enforce this, the bill requires trustees and administrators to file public reports detailing these payments and imposes a $10,000 penalty for failing to do so. These rules would apply to any funds received on or after May 20, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe IMPACT to Save Moms Act directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to run a five-year demonstration project from 2027 to 2031, allowing states to test new payment models for maternity care under Medicaid and state child health plans. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals, with a specific focus on reducing disparities among groups that experience higher rates of maternal mortality and severe complications. To achieve these goals, the project requires states to consider alternative payment structures that account for pregnancy risk levels, include diverse care teams with training on bias, and address social factors affecting health. The bill also mandates that the federal government evaluate the project's impact on health outcomes and spending, and submit a final report to Congress with recommendations on whether to expand the program nationwide.

Maddy summaryThe Restoring Overtime Pay Act of 2026 raises the minimum salary required for certain employees to be exempt from federal overtime pay rules, starting at $45,000 per year and increasing annually until it reaches $75,000 by 2029. The bill also mandates that this threshold automatically updates each year to match the 55th percentile of weekly earnings for full-time salaried workers nationwide, with adjustments taking effect based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Additionally, the law modifies the duties test for exemption, requiring that at least 20 percent of an employee's time be spent on executive or administrative tasks rather than the current 40 percent standard. These changes directly affect employers and workers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act by redefining eligibility for overtime exemptions and establishing a new mechanism for adjusting salary requirements over time.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the House of Representatives' preference for a trade policy that prioritizes American workers, consumers, independent farmers, small businesses, and the environment over corporate interests. It calls for trade agreements to include binding labor and environmental standards, fair wage guarantees, and strict rules of origin to prevent companies from moving jobs overseas. The measure also supports strengthening domestic manufacturing requirements, maintaining tariffs against unfair trade practices, and ensuring that public procurement favors American-made goods. Additionally, it urges the inclusion of provisions to protect data privacy, regulate artificial intelligence, and ensure affordable access to medicine while preventing monopolies.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses the House of Representatives' view that the FDA should regulate mifepristone, a medication used for abortion, based on scientific evidence rather than political pressure. It highlights over 25 years of data showing the drug is safe and effective when prescribed via telemedicine or dispensed by mail and pharmacy. The bill advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to this care, particularly for marginalized communities facing barriers due to state-level restrictions. By citing numerous studies and medical organizations, the resolution calls for transparent, science-based decisions to maintain current access methods.

Maddy summaryThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 mandates that all public schools provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, regardless of income. It establishes specific funding rates for these meals, adjusts payments based on the use of locally sourced food, and eliminates the ability of schools to collect debt for unpaid charges. Additionally, the bill expands free meal access to summer programs, afterschool care, and incarcerated juveniles while updating poverty measurement standards across various federal education and nutrition laws.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution condemns the ongoing civil war in Sudan and calls for an end to external support provided to the warring parties, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. It urges the Trump Administration to stop supplying weapons or other assistance to these groups and to negotiate a peaceful settlement that restores democratic governance. The bill also highlights the severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people and demands that aid workers be granted safe, unrestricted access to deliver essential supplies. Additionally, it calls on the international community to support post-conflict reconstruction and establish a justice mechanism to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.

Maddy summaryThe YALI Act of 2025 establishes the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to support emerging leaders in sub-Saharan Africa aged 18-35, focusing on business, civic engagement, and public administration. It creates at least four regional leadership centers in Africa for training, expands the Mandela Washington Fellowship (for 25-35-year-olds with demonstrated leadership), and requires annual reports on program outcomes. The bill mandates partnerships with private sector entities to fund networking, entrepreneurship, and leadership development, while requiring the State Department to submit implementation plans within 180 days of enactment. The program expires five years after enactment, with reports assessing its impact on U.S.-Africa relations, including trade, governance, and youth empowerment.

Maddy summaryThe TREE Act prohibits the import and sale in the U.S. of goods linked to deforestation, starting in 2029, and directly affects companies that trade or sell commodities like cattle, soy, palm oil, and wood. To enforce this ban, the bill requires importers to submit detailed due diligence statements proving their products are deforestation-free, while also mandating increased customs inspections for goods from countries categorized as high or moderate risk. The U.S. Trade Representative will annually assess and rank countries based on their deforestation rates and environmental laws, with higher-risk nations facing stricter scrutiny and potential trade restrictions. Additionally, the law establishes civil penalties for violations and directs half of the collected fines toward providing financial assistance to developing countries for forest management.