Rep. Ted Lieu

Maddy summaryThe IDEA Full Funding Act (HR 2598) mandates specific annual federal funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), directly affecting schools and students with disabilities nationwide. It requires the federal government to appropriate either a fixed dollar amount or a specified percentage (increasing annually from 4.5% to 40%) of a calculated total - based on the number of eligible students and average per-pupil costs - starting in fiscal year 2026 through 2035. The bill sets clear, escalating funding targets, with the higher of two calculated amounts (dollar figure or percentage) becoming available for obligation each fiscal year. This establishes a binding financial commitment to address long-standing underfunding of special education services under IDEA.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Data at the Border Act requires U.S. border agents to obtain a warrant based on probable cause before accessing the digital contents of electronic devices belonging to U.S. persons at the border. It prohibits denying entry or delaying entry based on a refusal to provide access credentials, digital content, or online account information, and limits border agents to four hours to determine if a U.S. person will voluntarily provide access. The bill mandates written consent with clear notice of rights for voluntary data access, requires destruction of improperly accessed data, and includes emergency exceptions for immediate threats to life, national security, or public safety. It also requires the Department of Homeland Security to report annually on how often border agents access digital data and under what circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State Department to obtain specific congressional authorization and submit a detailed reorganization plan before making any structural changes. The plan must cover impacts on diplomatic operations, consular services, workforce transitions, and risks to U.S. foreign policy interests. If the department bypasses these requirements, federal funds cannot be used for State Department efficiency activities or official travel by politically appointed officials. The bill directly affects State Department leadership and congressional committees, mandating strict oversight before any reorganization takes effect.

Maddy summaryHR 2559, the Taiwan Allies Fund Act, authorizes $40 million annually (2026-2028) from existing foreign aid funds to support countries maintaining or strengthening unofficial ties with Taiwan, particularly those facing economic or diplomatic pressure from China. The bill directs funds to help eligible countries diversify supply chains, counter Chinese propaganda, develop health initiatives as alternatives to China's "Health Silk Road," and advance Taiwan's participation in international organizations. Countries receiving funds cannot get more than $5 million per year, and the State Department must coordinate with Taiwan and report annually on fund usage and effectiveness. This is a targeted financial assistance program, not a policy change affecting Taiwan's status or U.S. diplomatic recognition.

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to address workplace violence in health care, social service, and similar sectors. Specifically, Labor must issue an occupational safety and health standard that requires certain employers to take actions to protect workers and other personnel from workplace violence. The standard applies to employers in the health care sector, in the social service sector, and in sectors that conduct activities similar to those in the health care and social service sectors. Among other elements, the standard must require each employer to (1) develop a workplace violence prevention plan, (2) promptly investigate incidents of workplace violence, and (3) provide relevant training and education to employees.  The bill requires certain hospitals and skilled nursing facilities to comply with this standard as a condition of Medicare participation.

Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches Act or the FISCAL Act This bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to require that schools offer plant-based milk. Under current law, schools must provide a substitute for fluid milk for students whose disability restricts their diet (on receipt of a written statement from a licensed physician). Schools may also substitute a nondairy beverage for fluid milk for students who have an identified medical or other special dietary need (on receipt of a written statement from a medical authority or a student's parent or legal guardian). The bill eliminates the exceptions and documentation requirements. Instead, schools participating in the school lunch program must offer all students a plant-based milk option that is consistent with (1) the most recent U.S. Dietary Guidelines, or (2) USDA-established nutritional standards if the milk is not included under those guidelines.

Maddy summaryHR 2585, the Armenian Genocide Education Act, establishes a federal program through the Library of Congress to develop educational resources about the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide for K-12 schools. It requires the Librarian to create and distribute accurate teaching materials, provide teacher training workshops, and maintain an online resource hub focused on the genocide's history, lessons, and prevention of hate. The program directly supports local educational agencies, independent schools, and educators by offering professional development and curriculum resources. It defines key terms like "denial" and "distortion" to guide the educational content, aiming to improve understanding of this historical event and its relevance to preventing modern-day hate crimes.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HCONRES 23) expresses Congress's support for International Transgender Day of Visibility, observed annually on March 31. It encourages Americans to recognize and celebrate transgender community achievements while acknowledging ongoing challenges like discrimination in employment, healthcare, and public accommodations. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally endorses the day's purpose through non-binding statements of support and recognition. It directly affects the broader public by promoting awareness and respect for transgender individuals' rights and contributions.

Maddy summaryThe Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 requires Medicare to cover medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with eating disorders starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with eating disorders, including an estimated 1.6 million people on Medicare Part B, with specific focus on underserved groups like 420,500-560,700 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color beneficiaries. The bill mandates coverage through registered dietitians or nutrition professionals, requiring at least 13 hours of services in the first year (including initial assessment) and 4 hours annually thereafter, with referrals from physicians or psychologists. This addresses a current gap where Medicare does not cover medical nutrition therapy for eating disorders at any treatment level. The policy change aims to improve access to a critical treatment pillar for a condition with high mortality rates and significant healthcare costs.

Maddy summaryHR 2508, the ENCRYPT Act of 2025, prevents states from requiring technology companies to build backdoors into their products or services that would allow surveillance or decryption of user data. It specifically blocks states from mandating that companies alter security functions to enable government access to encrypted communications (like messages or files) or from banning encrypted products like smartphones or apps. The law applies to most internet-connected devices and services sold to the public that operate across state lines, directly affecting tech companies and state governments. This creates a uniform national standard, overriding any conflicting state laws about encryption.