Rep. Josh Gottheimer

Maddy summaryThe Stand with Israel Act of 2026 would amend an existing federal law to block U.S. funding for United Nations contributions if Israel is expelled from the UN in a manner the U.S. government deems illegal. The bill requires that no federal funds be used for any payment to the UN until such expulsion is reversed. This provision would directly affect the U.S. government's ability to contribute to the UN budget, specifically limiting the Department of State and other agencies from using funds for UN participation. The bill does not define "illegal expulsion" but ties U.S. financial support to reversing any UN action against Israel.

Maddy summaryThe Customer Non-Discrimination Act (HR 7005) amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex - including sexual orientation and gender identity - in public accommodations. It expands the definition of "public accommodations" to cover stores, online retailers, banks, healthcare providers, transportation services, and other establishments offering goods or services. The bill clarifies that "sex" includes sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and sex stereotypes, and specifies that individuals cannot be denied access to facilities like restrooms based on their gender identity. These changes apply directly to businesses and service providers covered under the Civil Rights Act, ensuring broader protection against discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Maddy summaryHR 7004 prohibits federal elected officials, congressional staff, political appointees, and executive branch employees from trading prediction market contracts using material nonpublic information about government policy, actions, or political outcomes. It bans any purchase, sale, or exchange of these contracts when the individual possesses or could reasonably obtain such nonpublic information - defined as important investment details not available to the public. The bill directly affects government insiders who might otherwise trade on inside knowledge of upcoming decisions or election results through prediction markets. Key provisions clarify that covered transactions include any financial instrument tied to future government events, listed on platforms operating across state lines. This creates a specific insider trading rule for prediction markets, distinct from general securities laws.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 69) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims, survivors, and Giffords - now a prominent advocate for gun violence prevention - and recognizes her leadership in promoting civility and reducing gun violence. The resolution also commends Tucson residents and first responders for their resilience and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThe PLAY Act of 2026 expands tax benefits for families by allowing child and dependent care tax credits to cover youth physical activity expenses (like sports fees, fitness memberships, and equipment) up to $1,000 per taxpayer annually. It also increases dependent care flexible spending account limits to $10,000 ($12,000 for single parents) and creates a new $200 million HHS grant program to fund recreational youth sports. These grants, awarded to nonprofits, tribes, or local governments, must reduce family costs for non-competitive activities and cannot fund facility construction or elite sports programs. The bill directly affects families with children aged 4-18 and eligible community organizations aiming to increase access to affordable physical activity.

Maddy summaryHR 1600, the Crimea Annexation Non-Recognition Act, prohibits U.S. federal departments and agencies from taking any action that implies recognition of Russia's claim to Crimea, its airspace, or territorial waters. The bill states U.S. policy explicitly rejects recognizing Russia's sovereignty over Crimea and requires federal agencies to avoid any actions that could be interpreted as such recognition. This directly affects all U.S. federal agencies by restricting their activities related to Crimea, such as diplomatic engagements or aid programs that might imply acceptance of Russia's control. The bill does not impose new sanctions or funding changes but establishes a clear policy stance on diplomatic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 6958, the PROTECT Military Families Act, creates a new immigration parole pathway for family members of military personnel. It allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to parole into the U.S. spouses, parents, children, or widows/widowers of current active-duty service members, Selected Reserve members, or veterans (with non-dishonorable discharge) in one-year increments. The bill requires joint written justification from DHS, Defense, and VA for denials and mandates public posting of denial reasons without personal details. This policy change directly affects military families seeking temporary U.S. entry under specific military service conditions.

Maddy summaryHJRES 136 would require the President to issue an annual proclamation designating a day as "Democracy Day" each year. The proclamation must call on state and local governments, as well as educational authorities, to observe the day through programs and activities promoting civic engagement. The bill does not specify which date must be designated, leaving that decision to the President annually. This is a procedural measure focused on directing an existing executive action to foster democratic awareness, without creating new laws or altering existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes it a federal crime to steal packages from private or commercial carriers (like FedEx or UPS) before the recipient takes physical possession. It directly affects thieves who target delivery vehicles or curbside packages and carriers who report such thefts. The key provision amends federal law to explicitly include "any package... delivered by any private or commercial interstate carrier" under existing protections against embezzlement or theft. This expands current law, which previously covered packages in transit, to cover packages left for pickup by carriers. The law does not change delivery practices but creates new federal penalties for stealing packages during this specific handoff period.

Maddy summaryThe Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2025 expands reproductive health services for military members and veterans. It requires the Department of Defense to provide fertility preservation services, including cryopreservation of reproductive genetic material before deployment or hazardous assignments for active duty service members. The bill also mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide fertility treatment, counseling, and adoption assistance to veterans and their partners without regard to sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The law establishes coordination between military and VA health services to ensure continuity of care during the transition from active duty to veteran status. It includes provisions allowing veterans to maintain control over stored genetic material and make decisions about its use.