Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

Maddy summaryThe Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to increase financial aid for college students by raising the maximum Pell Grant amount to $15,000 by the 2031-2032 award year and ensuring the program is fully funded through mandatory spending rather than annual appropriations. The bill also expands eligibility for students who receive means-tested government benefits by automatically assigning them a lower financial need score, while simultaneously allowing Dreamer students - undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria such as graduating high school or serving in the military - to qualify for federal aid. Additional provisions restore the total number of semesters a student can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and adjust the rules for satisfactory academic progress to reduce penalties for students who struggle to meet grade requirements. Finally, the legislation restores Pell Grant eligibility for some students who previously received outside scholarships and sets the law's effective date for July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to protecting refugees and displaced persons by calling for the restoration of the Refugee Admissions Program and asylum protections. It urges federal officials to lift current bans on refugee entry, resume vetting for approved applicants, and increase humanitarian aid to host countries. The measure highlights the economic contributions of refugees and emphasizes the need for fair, humane policies that align with international obligations and domestic law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating June 21, 2026, as National ASK Day to promote the safe storage of firearms in homes. The bill encourages parents to ask visitors if there are guns in their house and, if so, whether those guns are locked and unloaded. It also urges medical and public health professionals to discuss gun safety and secure storage with their patients and parents. This symbolic measure aims to raise awareness about preventing accidental shootings and suicides among children by ensuring guns are stored safely.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens child labor protections by expanding the definition of hazardous work for minors, particularly in dangerous industries like mining and explosives, and requires the government to update these regulations every five years. It imposes strict rules on companies with federal contracts, prohibiting them from using child labor in their supply chains and holding them jointly liable if their subcontractors violate these rules. The legislation also increases penalties for violations, including higher fines for serious injuries or deaths, allows for stop-work orders, and enables victims to seek significant compensatory and punitive damages. Additionally, the bill mandates training programs to help identify and prevent child labor abuses and requires the Department of Labor to report annually on work-related injuries and deaths.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as Black Music Month to honor the historical and cultural significance of Black contributions to American music. It acknowledges the wide-ranging influence of Black music across various genres and its central role in the nation's history, including the civil rights movement. The bill calls on the public to celebrate this month by promoting diversity, performing Black music, and spreading awareness of its legacy.

Maddy summaryThe Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2026 aims to improve the immigration court process for unaccompanied children by guaranteeing them government-funded legal representation. Under this bill, the Department of Health and Human Services would appoint lawyers for these children as soon as they enter federal custody, ensuring they have an attorney for every stage of their case, even if they turn 18 or are reunited with family while proceedings are pending. The law also requires that children receive copies of their immigration files at least seven days before a hearing and allows them to have a lawyer present during interviews and detention facility visits. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reports on how many children received counsel and establishes rules for pro bono legal services to support these efforts.

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 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 summaryThe Early Childhood Mental Health Support Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to identify and review evidence-based interventions that improve the social, emotional, and behavioral health of children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This process includes selecting trauma-informed practices that support both child development and staff wellness while consulting with experts and the public before implementation. Following the review, the bill authorizes grants to diverse Head Start agencies across the country to adopt these proven methods and establishes a framework to evaluate their effectiveness over time. Additionally, the legislation funds up to five university centers to train future staff and provides $100 million in authorized funding for these activities from fiscal years 2027 through 2036.