Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to individuals who fought for or with the United States in the Pacific theater during World War II and subsequently became prisoners of war. The legislation specifically recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who defended locations such as Bataan and Corregidor, including Filipino soldiers and civilians who served alongside U.S. forces. To implement this award, the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange for the creation of a gold medal by the Secretary of the Treasury, which will be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for display. The act also allows for the production of duplicate bronze medals to cover the costs of the original gold medals, with any proceeds from these sales deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates the existing National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund as the America's Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance on federal lands. It directs revenue from recreation fees and a portion of energy development income into the fund, which must be used primarily for repairing critical infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings managed by agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The legislation establishes strict rules requiring that most funds go toward non-transportation projects, mandates transparency through public dashboards tracking project status, and sets aside a small percentage for matching private donations. Additionally, the bill increases entrance fees for foreign visitors to ensure they contribute to the fund, while prohibiting the use of these specific funds for land acquisition or employee bonuses.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of women enrolling in the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Coast Guard Academies. It formally designates a specific day to honor the history and achievements of female cadets and graduates, noting their significant contributions to military leadership and combat roles since 1976. The text highlights specific milestones, such as women earning the Army Ranger tab and commanding aircraft carriers, while acknowledging their continued service in both uniform and civilian sectors. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the progress made by women in the armed forces without altering any existing laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to protecting refugees and displaced persons by calling for the restoration of the Refugee Admissions Program and asylum protections. It urges federal officials to lift current bans on refugee entry, resume vetting for approved applicants, and increase humanitarian aid to host countries. The measure highlights the economic contributions of refugees and emphasizes the need for fair, humane policies that align with international obligations and domestic law.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting America's Herds Act creates a grant program for cooperative extension services to help prepare for and respond to New World screwworm outbreaks in livestock. Funds awarded through this competitive process can be used to train staff, support animal inspections, educate producers, and provide direct technical assistance on prevention and treatment. The Department of Agriculture must prioritize grants for states and Tribal communities at higher risk of the pest spreading and coordinate closely with veterinary and agricultural experts. This legislation aims to strengthen the nation's ability to detect and manage this specific animal health threat through improved readiness and education.

Maddy summaryHR 6162, the Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025, transfers approximately 9.89 acres of federal land (historically part of the Albuquerque Indian School) into trust for the 19 New Mexico Pueblos. The bill requires the General Services Administration to transfer administrative control of three specific land tracts to the Secretary of the Interior, who then holds the land in trust for the Pueblos' benefit. The land must be used for educational, health, cultural, business, and economic development purposes, while prohibiting all forms of gaming. This transfer is subject to existing encumbrances and requires relocation of federal tenants before the land transfer occurs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Awareness Month for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration, two rare and complex neurodegenerative diseases. The measure highlights the challenges faced by the approximately 32,000 Americans living with these conditions, including difficulties with diagnosis, limited treatment options, and the significant impact on families and caregivers. By officially recognizing this month, the House aims to encourage increased public awareness, promote research into better treatments and cures, and honor the resilience of the affected community.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program by an additional five years, allowing rural hospitals to continue receiving Medicare payment adjustments designed to help them compete with larger health systems. The legislation amends existing federal laws to change the program's timeline from a 15-year extension to a 20-year extension, ensuring these financial incentives remain in place for a longer period. It also includes specific rules for hospitals that joined the program later, ensuring they receive the same extended benefits during the final years of the new timeframe. The primary effect is to maintain current funding mechanisms for participating rural hospitals without altering the core rules of the demonstration.

Maddy summaryHR 2785 establishes a process for New Mexico land grant communities (descendants of historic Spanish/Mexican land grants) to continue noncommercial traditional uses on federal lands. It requires the federal government to create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New Mexico Land Grant Council within two years, detailing how to obtain permits for activities like water access, grazing, gathering small amounts of plants/wood, cemetery maintenance, and infrastructure upkeep. The MOU must include fee reductions for low-income community users and standardize processes for tribal consultation. The bill does not create new land rights but formalizes coordination for existing historical practices, ensuring federal land management plans consider these uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins must feature designs honoring victims and first responders (including the inscription "Never Forget") and will be sold only during 2027-2028. All surcharges ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin) collected from sales will fund the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, with no net cost to the federal government. The coins are legal tender but primarily intended for collectors, not circulation.