Rep. Doris O. Matsui

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides FY2026 appropriations for various agencies and offices within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), except for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and management and oversight activities of the Office of the Secretary. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to DHS for  the Federal Protective Service, the Office of Inspector General, the Transportation Security Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and the Science and Technology Directorate. The bill does not provide appropriations for some agencies and activities that have been funded in prior DHS appropriations acts, including ICE, CBP, and management and oversight activities of the Office of the Secretary.

Maddy summaryHR 7335 establishes comprehensive humanitarian standards for individuals held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. The bill requires facilities to provide immediate health screenings within 12 hours (6 hours for high-risk individuals like children, pregnant people, or those with medical conditions), ensure access to adequate water, sanitation, food (with 2,000+ calories daily for adults), and age-appropriate shelter. It mandates specific facility standards including separate housing for males and females, accessible accommodations for people with disabilities, daily outdoor access for those detained over 48 hours, and proper medical equipment and personnel on-site. The bill also requires regular inspections, staff training on humanitarian protocols, and public reporting of sexual abuse complaints. These standards directly affect all individuals detained by ICE or CBP, with special protections for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant people, and those with medical needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), treating ALS-related deaths as qualifying for benefits regardless of how long the veteran had the disease before death. It requires surviving spouses to have been married to the veteran for at least eight continuous years prior to death to qualify for compensation. The changes apply to veterans dying from ALS on or after October 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the Veterans Affairs Secretary to submit a report within 180 days of enactment identifying other service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates that might warrant similar treatment.

Maddy summaryHR 7322, the True Shutdown Fairness Act, requires federal agencies to pay regular wages to most employees and contractor workers during government shutdowns in fiscal year 2026, instead of furloughing them. It applies to all standard federal employees (excluding those on emergency duty) and contractor workers whose jobs would normally halt during a funding gap. Agencies must pay covered employees within 7 days of the bill's enactment for ongoing shutdowns, and contractors receive reimbursement for costs incurred keeping workers paid. The bill also prohibits agencies from implementing layoffs or placing employees on administrative leave for more than 10 days during a shutdown.

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 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 7118, the Genomic Answers for Children’s Health Act of 2026, requires Medicaid to cover whole genome and whole exome sequencing for Medicaid-eligible children with specific medical needs, including genetic disorders, rare diseases, congenital anomalies, developmental delays, or intellectual disabilities. It mandates that this testing be ordered as a first-tier test by a physician and paid separately, not bundled with other services. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to convene stakeholders, conduct outreach to raise awareness, and publish a report within two years detailing state payment rates and usage data. Additionally, it directs a Comptroller General report assessing implementation barriers, workforce challenges, and payment alignment with market costs. The changes take effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThe Find It Early Act requires most health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and VA benefits to cover certain breast cancer screenings without cost-sharing for specific at-risk groups. It affects individuals at increased breast cancer risk (as determined by medical guidelines), those with dense breast tissue (as defined by the American College of Radiology), and others requiring screening due to factors like age, race, ethnicity, or family history. The bill mandates coverage for various screening methods including mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI, and other technologies at frequencies recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. This requirement takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026, removing financial barriers to early detection.

Maddy summaryHRES 996 is a resolution introduced by multiple House members to impeach Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, for alleged violations of law and the Constitution. It outlines three articles of impeachment: obstructing congressional oversight by denying access to detention facilities and withholding funds, violating public trust through warrantless arrests and excessive force (including tear gas on children), and self-dealing by awarding federal contracts to associates without competitive bidding. If approved by the House, this resolution would formally charge Noem, triggering a Senate trial to determine her removal from office. The resolution itself does not enact new policy but initiates the constitutional impeachment process against a sitting Cabinet official.

Maddy summaryHRES 995 is a symbolic resolution supporting Korean American Day, commemorating January 13 as the anniversary of the 1903 arrival of the first large wave of Korean immigrants to the U.S. It urges all Americans to recognize Korean Americans' contributions to U.S. society, economy, and U.S.-South Korea relations, honoring their historical journey and ongoing impact. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of cultural heritage.