Rep. John W. Mannion

Maddy summaryHR 5436 prohibits educational institutions from withholding a student's transcript if they used Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, even if the student owes money to the school. This directly affects veterans and service members who accessed education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill program. The bill adds a specific provision to U.S. Code (38 U.S.C. § 3328) making it illegal for schools to deny transcripts solely due to unpaid debts related to their GI Bill-funded education. The law ensures these individuals can access their academic records without financial barriers tied to their education benefits.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates May as Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month to highlight the growing prevalence of these illnesses across the United States. The bill cites data showing a significant increase in reported cases and emergency room visits for tick bites, emphasizing the need for public education and early detection. By supporting this designation, the House aims to encourage awareness and promote better clinical responses to Lyme disease and related conditions. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a compensation fund to provide financial support to law enforcement officers who actively defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and suffered injuries, emotional distress, or death as a result. The program is administered by a Special Master appointed by the Attorney General, who will review individual claims for economic and non-economic losses while ignoring any questions of negligence. Eligible officers can receive specific payments for their injuries or the death of a colleague, with a guaranteed minimum of $4.975 million for death claims, plus an additional equal distribution to all qualifying officers regardless of injury status. The legislation also includes provisions to reduce payouts by any other compensation the claimant has already received and grants the federal government the right to recover funds if they are later paid out in related legal settlements.

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 summaryThe Let Kids Play Act prohibits private equity firms and their affiliates from investing in or engaging in specific harmful practices within the youth sports industry. It defines "vulture practices" as actions that extract profit by imposing excessive debt, raising prices, cutting jobs, or restricting access to essential services and competing platforms. To operate in this sector, these firms must obtain certification from the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice proving they have never engaged in such behaviors and will not do so in the future. If a firm is designated as a vulture investor, it is required to divest its ownership stakes, return assets, refund fees, and forgive debts owed to the community and employees. The bill also establishes a Youth Sports Fund to receive disgorged funds for reducing participation costs and supporting local sports programs.

This resolution expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.

Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and manufacture of vehicles and related technology from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to address national security concerns. The law defines prohibited items as connected vehicles, their software, and hardware components and sets different effective dates, with vehicle bans starting in 2027 and hardware restrictions beginning in 2030. A government official can grant exceptions for specific items after reviewing security risks and notifying Congress, while the agency must publish annual reports on enforcement actions and compliance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" to honor the work of public school educators. It highlights the importance of teachers in the education system and notes that a majority of them support various policies, including protections for students and funding for public schools. The document also expresses the view that teachers should have a direct role in education policymaking at federal, state, and local levels. By issuing this designation, the House of Representatives aims to acknowledge the value of teachers and encourage government leaders to engage with them on issues affecting the classroom.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House of Representatives' sentiment to honor public servants for their dedication to the United States. It specifically acknowledges the work of federal, state, and local government employees, as well as uniformed service members, who deliver essential services and support the economy. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Public Service Recognition Week with ceremonies and activities that recognize these contributions. Because it is a symbolic expression of the House's feelings rather than a law with enforceable rules, it does not create new policies or mandate specific actions.