Rep. Lauren Underwood

Maddy summaryThe Child Care for Working Families Act creates a federal program to provide affordable, high-quality child care for working families with children under age 6. It would provide direct child care assistance through certificates or grants to parents, with no copayment required for families at or below 85% of state median income. The program requires states to implement quality standards for child care providers, including a tiered quality system and minimum wage requirements for staff (at least a living wage equivalent to elementary educators). The bill appropriates $20 billion for the program over five years, with additional funding for quality improvement initiatives and universal preschool services.

Maddy summaryHR 4396, the Uterine Cancer Study Act of 2025, mandates a study by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) into the potential link between chemical hair straighteners and uterine cancer, with a specific focus on higher incidence rates among women of color. The study will review existing research, examine impacts across all racial and ethnic groups, analyze different hair straightener types (including those with dyes or bleach), and assess whether the FDA should require additional safety testing for these products. HHS must submit its study methodology within 45 days of the bill's enactment, begin the study within 180 days, and deliver a final report to Congress within two years. This bill does not create new regulations but directs a specific research effort to gather evidence on a potential health concern. The study directly affects women, particularly women of color, who use hair straightening products and may face elevated uterine cancer risks.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to significantly increase federal research funding for uterine fibroids ($30 million annually from 2026-2030), expand coordination of NIH research, and establish a Medicaid data system to track treatment access and costs. It mandates public education on fibroid symptoms, prevalence (especially among Black women, who face higher risk and severity), and non-hysterectomy treatment options. The bill also requires disseminating evidence-based provider resources on managing fibroids while preserving fertility. These provisions directly affect the estimated 26 million U.S. women with fibroids - particularly women of color - and aim to address the current lack of research and treatment data.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to fund research on early detection and intervention for uterine fibroids, aiming to develop evidence-based approaches for healthcare settings. It authorizes grants to states to support screening (including advanced imaging), patient navigation services, and public education campaigns focused on early detection, with priority given to areas with socially vulnerable populations at higher risk. The bill also funds research into disparities in pain management during fibroid surgery and conditions like Asherman’s Syndrome. These provisions directly affect women with uterine fibroids, particularly in underserved communities, by expanding access to early detection services and targeted research.

Maddy summaryHRES 569 is a non-binding House resolution affirming that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental U.S. values and emphasizing the need to address ongoing discrimination in workplaces, schools, government programs, the military, and society. It does not create new laws but calls on federal, state, local governments, educational institutions, and businesses to adopt DEIA initiatives to remove barriers faced by marginalized groups, including Black, Latino, AANHPI, Indigenous, women, LGBTQI+, and disabled individuals. The resolution cites data showing persistent discrimination - such as wage gaps, housing segregation, health care disparities, and underrepresentation in leadership - to underscore how systemic inequities cost the economy trillions and limit opportunity. It encourages organizations to foster inclusive environments where all people can achieve their potential, without prescribing specific policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create and update guidance within 90 days (and every five years) to ensure hygienic handling of breast milk, baby formula, infant water, juice, and cooling accessories during airport security screening. The guidance must be developed with maternal health organizations and set standards to minimize contamination risks when these items undergo re-screening or additional testing. It also mandates a one-year audit by the DHS Inspector General to assess TSA compliance and evaluate how screening technologies impact the processing of these infant items. The bill directly affects traveling parents and caregivers who transport these essential supplies.

Maddy summaryHR 4272, the Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act, requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prioritize rural health care facilities (including mental health clinics) for direct loans and grants under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act from 2026 to 2031. Eligible entities can use these funds for medical supplies, expanding telehealth services, staffing (capped at 25% of funds), or renovating closed facilities. The bill also prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from making national reprioritizations within rural health funding programs during this period. It directly affects rural hospitals and clinics seeking federal support for infrastructure, technology, and services.

Maddy summaryHRES 558 is a symbolic House resolution commemorating the July 4, 2022, Highland Park, Illinois, Independence Day Parade shooting. It honors the seven victims - Katie Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Stephen Strauss, Jacquelyn Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, and Eduardo Uvaldo - who were killed, and supports the over 40 survivors and the Highland Park community. The resolution expresses the House's remembrance of the tragedy, acknowledges the community's healing efforts, and reaffirms commitment to reducing gun violence. As a commemorative resolution, it contains no new policies or funding provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from penalizing homeless individuals for engaging in life-sustaining activities on public land, such as sleeping, storing belongings, accessing food/water, or using public spaces. It requires federal agencies to provide accessible, free shelter alternatives (like tiny homes with basic amenities or parking with sanitation) if they cannot prove adequate indoor space is available without requiring daily reapplication or charging fees. Individuals harmed by violations can sue federal agencies for injunctive relief and attorney fees, and homeless people facing charges for basic survival activities may use "lack of shelter access" as a legal defense. The bill directly affects homeless individuals using federal public spaces, aiming to replace criminal penalties with housing access.

Maddy summaryHR 4152, the Safe Storage Saves Lives Act, requires gun sellers to offer a compatible gun lock with every firearm sale. It directly affects licensed gun retailers, who must make such locks available at the point of purchase. The bill amends federal law to mandate that sellers provide a secure storage device compatible with the firearm, with violations subject to $1,000 civil penalties. Funds from these penalties must be used for distributing free/reduced-cost locks or public awareness campaigns about safe storage.