Rep. Michael Lawler

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a new grant program to support caregivers of seniors, people with disabilities, or those with chronic illnesses. The Department of Health and Human Services would distribute up to $250 million over five years to nonprofit organizations for services like meals, transportation, mental health support, and wellness programs. Nonprofits would need to submit applications and report annually on how they used funds and what outcomes they achieved. The program aims to reduce caregiver burnout and build support networks while adapting to changing needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026, aims to enhance Taiwan's energy security by increasing U.S. liquefied natural gas exports to Taiwan and improving the resilience of its energy infrastructure. The legislation authorizes U.S. government agencies to coordinate with Taiwan on energy projects, provide technical assistance for cybersecurity and physical security improvements, and establish a joint U.S.-Taiwan Energy Security Center. It also directs an assessment of redirecting U.S. LNG exports currently sent to China to Taiwan and encourages Taiwan to maintain and expand its nuclear power capabilities. Additionally, the bill provides for insurance on vessels transporting critical goods to Taiwan and clarifies that the measures do not alter the U.S. One China policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require infant formula manufacturers to conduct standardized testing for specific pathogens and microorganisms in both their facilities and finished products. It mandates that companies report positive test results to the FDA within one business day and retain records of these findings for inspections. The legislation also requires the FDA to notify congressional committees within one business day of receiving positive test results or issuing certain inspection classifications. Additionally, the bill establishes clear inspection standards that apply to all infant formula products regardless of where they are made.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals who receive wildfire relief payments to exclude those amounts from their taxable income. It directly affects people who suffer financial losses from federally declared forest or range fires after December 31, 2014. The key provision states that relief payments for expenses like additional living costs, lost wages, personal injury, or emotional distress are not taxable, but only to the extent those losses are not already covered by insurance or other compensation. The tax exclusion applies to payments received after December 31, 2025, and ends for payments received after December 31, 2032.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an independent National Weather Safety Board to investigate severe weather disasters that meet specific criteria, such as being declared major federal disasters or causing at least 10 fatalities. The seven-member board would be appointed by the President with Senate confirmation and would have the authority to examine how federal agencies like the National Weather Service, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers prepared for and responded to these events. The board would develop a system to receive disaster information, vote on whether to investigate specific incidents, and issue subpoenas to gather testimony and data from relevant entities. After completing investigations, the board must submit preliminary and final reports to Congress with findings and recommendations for improving disaster preparedness and response, while also making its recommendations and implementation status public online.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Red Star Service Banner as an officially recognized symbol to honor U.S. service members and veterans who died by suicide, as well as first responders who died by suicide. The banner features a white field with a blue border and a single red star, and it may be displayed at private residences, workplaces, public buildings, community spaces, and other appropriate locations to recognize the sacrifice of those who died and support their families. The legislation clarifies that displaying the banner does not create new eligibility for benefits, requires VA approval for individual display, or establish any legal status beyond recognition. It also allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to promote awareness of the banner in coordination with the Department of Defense without requiring additional funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to create a safety standard that classifies and labels electric bicycles and off-road electric devices sold in the United States. The Commission must analyze past crash data, consult with manufacturers and safety experts, and establish clear definitions for different device types along with minimum age recommendations. Manufacturers will be required to permanently label their products with classification details, motor power, maximum speed, and age limits, while sales of misclassified or modified devices will be prohibited. The bill also authorizes funding for grants to help law enforcement and other agencies collect safety data and provides for ongoing analysis of accidents and injuries related to these devices.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides economic support to communities affected by stranded nuclear waste or decommissioned nuclear plants. It creates three main mechanisms: (1) a modified first-time homebuyer tax credit for residents in designated communities, (2) a $500,000 prize competition for innovative economic alternatives to nuclear sites, and (3) two grant programs - $15 per kilogram of stored nuclear waste or up to 80% of tax revenue losses (phased down over 8 years) for communities facing economic hardship from plant closures. The bill directly affects local governments in 15 states (including California, Illinois, and New York) with decommissioned plants or stored waste, as defined in the law. Funding authorization totals $110 million annually through 2036, with grants limited to one per community per year.

This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 the Young Fishermen’s Development Grant Program, which supports local and regional training, education, outreach, and technical assistance initiatives for young fishermen.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a program focused on researching how environmental factors, such as air pollution, chemicals, and heavy metals, may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The legislation would establish collaborative research centers at universities and medical institutions to study these environmental links, train scientists, and share findings with the public and healthcare professionals. The program includes provisions for creating a national data system and information clearinghouse to track disease patterns and environmental exposures across different communities. Funding of up to $50 million annually through 2031 is authorized to support these research efforts, with biennial reports required to Congress on progress and outcomes.