Rep. Michael Lawler

Maddy summaryHR 6552, the Bank-Fintech Partnership Enhancement Act, mandates a study by the Federal Reserve, Comptroller of the Currency, and FDIC into how partnerships between banks and financial technology companies support new banking formations and community bank health. The study must examine specific benefits like reduced time-to-market for products, lower compliance costs, and improved technological capabilities, then identify potential legal or regulatory changes to foster such partnerships. The regulators must submit a report to Congress within six months of the bill's enactment. This is a procedural bill focused on research, not direct policy changes affecting businesses or consumers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to jointly study how "shelf charters" (pre-approved bank charters) and the "modified bidder qualification process" (a method allowing non-bank buyers to participate in acquiring failed banks) have been used since 2008. The study specifically examines their role in 2023 bank failures and assesses whether wider use could expand bidder pools, boost competition, protect the Deposit Insurance Fund, or reduce reliance on emergency Treasury actions. Regulators must submit a report within 270 days detailing findings, identifying regulatory barriers, and recommending changes to improve these tools. The bill directly affects federal banking regulators and the resolution process for failed banks, aiming to enhance how such institutions are handled.

Maddy summaryHR 6546, the Merger Process Review Act, requires the Inspector General of four federal banking regulators (the Federal Reserve, Comptroller of the Currency, FDIC, and NCUA) to annually review and report on how quickly and efficiently these agencies process applications for bank and credit union mergers. The reviews, conducted every three years starting one year after the bill's enactment, will analyze metrics like average processing times, identify delays, and recommend improvements to speed up the merger approval process. This directly affects banks, credit unions, and the federal agencies that oversee their mergers by mandating transparency and accountability in handling these applications. The bill does not change merger rules but requires regular, data-driven evaluations to reduce unnecessary delays in the approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently exempts fixed-income securities (like bonds, notes, and certificates of deposit) from a specific SEC disclosure rule (Rule 15c2-11) that was being applied to debt markets without proper regulatory process. It directly affects businesses raising capital through fixed-income markets, which the bill states are critical for thousands of companies. The exemption removes requirements originally designed for equity markets but mistakenly applied to debt markets. This change makes permanent an existing SEC exemption granted in 2023 and 2024. The bill aims to maintain clear regulatory separation between equity and fixed-income markets.

Maddy summaryThe Military Family Diaper Partnership Act directs the Department of Defense to allocate $1 million annually (2027-2030) to the National Diaper Bank Network to establish a dedicated fund for distributing diapers and diapering supplies. The fund requires matching contributions from non-government sources equal to the federal amount, and only supports diaper banks that have served military communities within 20 miles of a base for at least five years. It provides diapers directly to military families in need and funds technical assistance, with the network required to submit annual reports to the Defense Secretary. The bill does not create new eligibility rules but channels existing resources through established community partners.

Maddy summaryHR 2969, the Finding ORE Act, authorizes the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to enter into memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with partner countries that supply critical minerals and rare earth elements. The bill requires these MOUs to include cooperative mapping of mineral reserves, give U.S. or allied foreign country companies the "right of first refusal" for development, and facilitate U.S. private-sector investment through financial institutions like the Development Finance Corporation. It also mandates data protection for mapping information against unauthorized access by non-partner or non-allied countries. This legislation directly affects partner foreign countries (mineral sources), U.S. companies, and the U.S. Geological Survey, focusing on securing supply chains through international scientific collaboration.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual stipend for books, supplies, and educational materials under the Post-9/11 GI Bill from $1,000 to $1,400, effective immediately. It also establishes a new automatic annual adjustment starting in fiscal year 2026, tying stipend increases to inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Specifically, the stipend will rise each year by the percentage difference between the current CPI and the previous year’s CPI. This directly affects veterans using the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for their education expenses.

Maddy summaryHRES 1073 is a non-binding resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week" to recognize the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization’s role in developing agricultural education leaders and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaska’s State FFA Association. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups or policies; instead, it formally expresses the House’s support for this commemorative week. The resolution highlights FFA’s mission to prepare students for leadership and careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct legislative or financial impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryHR 3340, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, requires the U.S. Commerce Department to create a public online map system showing fishing restrictions and recreational access rules in federal ocean waters. The system will display areas open or closed to fishing, vessel restrictions (like motorized propulsion limits), and rules for marine protected areas, updated at least twice yearly. It prohibits sharing sensitive information, such as tribal cultural sites or private commercial fishing data, and explicitly excludes Tribal fishing areas from its requirements. This bill directly affects recreational boaters, divers, and the public by making ocean access information clearer and more accessible through a single online resource. The data will be developed with input from states, tribes, and the public to ensure usability and compliance with existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs U.S. agencies to support Iranian people's access to uncensored information and hold Iranian officials accountable for human rights abuses. It requires the State Department and FCC to report on technologies (like satellite networks and mesh systems) that could bypass internet restrictions in Iran, and authorizes $2 million annually to develop such tools. The bill also establishes a new "Iran Kleptocracy Initiative" at FinCEN to track corruption, freeze assets of Iranian regime officials and state-owned businesses, and coordinate with international partners. These measures apply to U.S. policy toward Iran but do not alter Iran's domestic laws; they focus on U.S. sanctions, technology development, and anti-corruption efforts targeting the Iranian regime.