Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Temporary Protected Status for Iranian nationals currently in the United States who are unable to safely return home due to ongoing armed conflict and human rights abuses, while also addressing legal hardships caused by a government-imposed pause on processing their immigration applications. It defines eligible individuals as those lawfully present in the U.S. since December 2025 who have pending applications for status changes or work authorization that were delayed by this pause, excluding government officials or those with ties to the Iranian regime. Under the legislation, the Department of Homeland Security must grant these individuals temporary legal status and work authorization for an initial 18-month period, with automatic extensions if the processing delay continues, ensuring they do not accrue unlawful presence or face penalties for the government-caused backlog.

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 summaryH.R. 1350 is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House of Representatives' support for creating a National Day of Honor and Respect alongside Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The bill aims to honor immigrants and diverse backgrounds while encouraging positive interactions among citizens and reducing hate and discrimination. It also affirms the importance of promoting civic education and public service across the nation.

Maddy summaryThe Child Care Modernization Act of 2026 updates federal rules to help states create flexible child care systems that offer parents more choices across different settings like homes, centers, and schools. It expands eligibility for assistance to include children of parents who are job seekers, students, or those receiving health treatment, while also raising the income limit for some families. The bill requires states to use cost-based models to set payment rates that cover provider expenses and mandates the creation of new grants to help build and expand child care facilities. Additionally, it establishes new reporting requirements to track how much families spend on care and measures progress on improving workforce quality and access.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes U.S. sanctions against foreign individuals, entities, and vessels involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing), particularly targeting China as the primary perpetrator. It requires freezing assets and denying visas to those who own, captain, or operate vessels engaged in IUU fishing, while mandating annual reports on sanctions implementation. Exceptions include humanitarian aid, national security activities, and compliance with international agreements. The policy aims to protect global fisheries, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems from harmful fishing practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to improve special education services for children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafdisabled, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. It requires states to identify these students regardless of how they are currently classified, ensuring they receive specialized instruction in their primary language and access to qualified professionals. Key provisions mandate that state plans include specific strategies for language development, Braille instruction, and the use of assistive technologies, while also establishing a new national center to support research and training for educators of students with visual disabilities. Additionally, the legislation clarifies definitions for deafblindness and interveners, updates data reporting requirements to track these populations more accurately, and ensures early intervention services are delivered in natural environments to support language and communication milestones.

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 recognizing June 7, 2026, as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day to promote understanding and reduce stigma for individuals with the condition. The measure highlights that Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder affecting approximately 1 in 50 children, often accompanied by other mental health challenges. By designating this specific date, the House aims to encourage public awareness and compassion for those living with the disorder.

Maddy summaryThe Student Loan Refinancing Act of 2026 establishes a new program allowing borrowers to refinance existing Federal Direct and FFEL Program loans into new Federal Direct loans with fixed interest rates. The bill requires the Secretary of Education to offer these refinanced loans at interest rates equal to the current rates for new loans of the same type, while protecting borrowers from origination fees and ensuring the total repayment period does not increase. To facilitate this process, the legislation mandates a public awareness campaign and includes specific rules that allow payments made on the original loans to count toward income-driven repayment plans and public service loan forgiveness. Additionally, the act limits borrowers to refinancing their loans no more than twice within a ten-year period to prevent repeated refinancing.

Maddy summaryThe Abraham Accords Expansion Act of 2026 updates the legal framework for the Special Envoy to include Central Asia and the Caucasus in normalization efforts alongside existing regions. This change formally recognizes Kazakhstan as the first Central Asian nation to join the Abraham Accords and defines specific countries within the Caucasus and Central Asia regions. The bill requires the Special Envoy to coordinate with other federal agencies like Defense and Commerce while implementing these goals using existing authorities without requesting new funding. Additionally, the act allows the Special Envoy to appoint a Deputy Special Envoy with relevant regional expertise to assist in these expanded diplomatic activities.