Rep. Ted Lieu

Maddy summaryHR 7271, the Evan Anzoo Memorial Act, requires the Comptroller General to produce a report investigating deaths linked to USAID service cuts. The bill mandates a one-year report estimating 2025 deaths and five-year future deaths due to USAID stop-work orders, plus an assessment of whether specific individuals (like Evan Anzoo, 5, South Sudan, who died after losing HIV treatment) died because of lost USAID services. It also requires an interim update within 180 days and a list of other verified deaths tied to these service disruptions. The act does not change USAID policy but directs a factual review of impacts from prior USAID service reductions.

Maddy summaryHR 7238 establishes a Commission to investigate historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ service members in the military, including policies that led to discharges and denied benefits. The Commission will gather testimonies from affected veterans and servicemembers, study impacts on mental health, benefits access, and force readiness, and recommend remedies like record corrections and compensation. This bill directly affects LGBTQ+ veterans and current service members who faced discharge or denial of care due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Commission must submit a final report to Congress within one year, outlining findings and proposed actions.

Maddy summaryThe Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (HR 4323) allows victims of human trafficking to petition courts to vacate convictions for non-violent federal crimes (level A offenses) or expunge arrest records if those offenses were directly related to their trafficking victimization. The bill establishes clear procedures for filing these motions, requires courts to consider testimony from anti-trafficking service providers, and ensures confidentiality for petitioners. It also adds a new "human trafficking defense" that permits defendants to claim duress due to trafficking victimization in criminal cases. The law mandates reports to Congress on implementation, including the number of petitions filed and outcomes, to assess its impact on trafficking survivors.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 68 would require the President to remove U.S. military forces from Venezuela unless Congress has explicitly authorized their use through a declaration of war or a specific law. This applies to any U.S. Armed Forces currently stationed in Venezuela without such authorization. The resolution is based on the War Powers Resolution, which mandates congressional oversight of military deployments. It directs the immediate withdrawal of unapproved forces without adding new time limits or conditions.

Maddy summaryThe Language Access for All Act of 2026 requires federal agencies to ensure meaningful access to government services for people with limited English proficiency (LEP). Agencies must translate vital documents into languages commonly spoken in the U.S. (based on Census data), provide multilingual digital tools, interpretation services, and use bilingual staff as an alternative to professional interpreters. Each agency must create a language access plan within one year, detailing how it will serve LEP populations - including during emergencies - and annually certify compliance with technical standards. Noncompliance is treated as discrimination under civil rights law, with enforcement by the Department of Justice.

Maddy summaryHR 7178, the U.S.-Israel Anti-Killer Drone Act of 2026, requires enhanced U.S.-Israel cooperation to counter Iranian unmanned systems. The bill directs the U.S. and Israel to jointly develop, test, and deploy counter-drone technologies through their existing Operations Technology-Working Group, including sharing threat intelligence and conducting joint training. It increases annual funding for this cooperation from $55 million to $100 million and mandates detailed annual reports to Congress on progress, threat assessments, and the adequacy of current counter-drone capabilities. The bill directly affects U.S. and Israeli military forces by accelerating joint efforts to address threats from Iran-origin drones targeting U.S. allies and military assets in the Middle East.

Maddy summaryThe Full Cost of War Act (HR 7174) requires that any new authorization for military force or declaration of war must include funding for veterans' benefits. This funding covers medical care, disability compensation, and other earned benefits for veterans affected by the military operation, as jointly determined by the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The bill applies to authorizations enacted after its passage, ensuring these benefits are funded at the time of military authorization rather than later. It directly affects veterans of future military operations and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would administer the benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 7173, the Follow the Science Act, restricts political appointees from influencing National Institutes of Health (NIH) operations and grant decisions. It prohibits most political appointees (defined broadly as those in policy-making roles) from being employed by NIH or participating in grant reviews, funding selections, or policy implementation. The bill requires the NIH Director to report on past political appointee involvement in these activities to Congress within 30 days of enactment. These changes aim to ensure NIH decisions are based on scientific merit rather than political influence, with limited exceptions for other federal agencies.

Maddy summaryHR 3307, the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, directs the U.S. government to prioritize diplomatic and security cooperation with Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to support their role as a strategic gateway for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The bill requires the Secretary of State to institutionalize strategic dialogues with these countries, prioritize energy and defense cooperation in the region, and submit annual reports on implementation and multilateral initiatives. It also mandates studies on expanding U.S. bilateral programs (like those with Israel) to include Eastern Mediterranean partners and analyzing the Cyprus security center as a model. The bill does not create new funding but guides existing U.S. policy and coordination efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program to increase U.S. artificial intelligence research capacity by funding specific institutions. It provides competitive funding to institutions not in the top 100 for federal research spending, historically Black colleges, minority-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges, or consortia of these entities. Funds can be used for AI research programs, faculty development, student bridge programs, research resources, and integrating ethical AI practices. The program aims to broaden participation in AI from underserved communities and avoid duplicating existing federal AI initiatives.