Rep. Elise M. Stefanik

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. universities from receiving federal research and development funding for five years if they previously accepted money from specific foreign governments for projects involving artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or quantum computing. The targeted foreign entities include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as organizations closely tied to these nations. By restricting access to future defense-related grants, the legislation aims to prevent institutions that have collaborated with these countries on sensitive technologies from participating in subsequent national security research.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. universities seeking federal research funding to certify that they do not operate permanent branch campuses in specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and others. The legislation defines a branch campus as a separate location that offers degree programs and has its own faculty and administrative control. If a university operates such a campus in a listed nation, it would be ineligible to receive federal research awards. The list of restricted countries also allows the Secretary of State to add additional nations as appropriate.

Maddy summaryThe MATCH Act requires U.S. agencies to align export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment with allied nations to prevent adversaries from accessing critical technology. It mandates a 150-day period for diplomatic efforts to secure countrywide denial policies from allied suppliers, after which U.S. jurisdiction would extend to equipment exported from countries not complying with these controls. The bill specifically targets semiconductor manufacturing equipment that the U.S. cannot currently produce in high volume and includes a list of Chinese companies deemed to warrant comprehensive restrictions. If allies fail to implement matching controls, the Act would allow the U.S. to regulate equipment exported from non-compliant allied countries and restrict servicing of restricted items at facilities in adversary nations. The legislation includes a sunset provision that expires five years after enactment, with annual reporting requirements to Congress on progress and compliance.

Maddy summaryThe ALERT Act (HR 7613) requires the Federal Aviation Administration to improve aviation safety through several key measures. It mandates the evaluation and potential implementation of enhanced collision avoidance systems (ACAS-Xa) for commercial aircraft and ACAS-Xr for rotorcraft, with specific deadlines for rulemaking and installation. The bill establishes committees to develop recommendations for safety technology requirements, requires safety risk assessments for air traffic controllers, and addresses operational procedures at high-traffic airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National. These provisions affect air carriers, air traffic controllers, rotorcraft operators, and Department of Defense aircraft operations. The act aims to enhance situational awareness and reduce midair collision risks through technology upgrades and improved safety protocols.

Maddy summaryThe Parents Decide Act requires operating system providers to collect users' dates of birth when setting up accounts and using the system, with parental verification needed for anyone under 18. The bill mandates that app developers be able to access this information to verify user ages and gives parents control over what their minor children can access on their devices. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with creating specific regulations within 180 days on how to verify parental consent, protect collected data, and implement these requirements, with enforcement through existing FTC unfair practices laws. The provisions take effect one year after enactment, and the FTC must report to Congress on implementation within 18 months.

Maddy summaryThe GRACIE Act of 2026 provides federal grants to state child welfare agencies to help them record and keep all interviews related to child abuse and neglect investigations. Under this bill, states receiving funding must create or update rules requiring electronic recording of these interviews and store the recordings securely for at least five years. The funds can only be used for costs directly tied to conducting and retaining these recordings, including audio or video capture. States must also establish access controls that limit who can view the recordings while allowing caregivers to request copies in certain legal situations. The program is authorized for six years, with up to $30 million available annually from 2026 through 2031.

Maddy summaryThe American Security Robotics Act of 2026 prohibits federal agencies from purchasing or operating unmanned ground vehicles made by foreign entities from certain countries. This ban applies to mechanical devices that move on land, such as autonomous patrol robots or surveillance vehicles, and extends to contracts where these systems are used by federal agencies. The law allows exceptions for specific national security purposes like counter-terrorism, research, or when the foreign technology is modified to remove data transfer capabilities and cybersecurity risks. Four federal departments - Homeland Security, Defense, State, and Justice - are authorized to request exemptions from these restrictions if they demonstrate a national interest.

Maddy summaryHR 3447, the Chip Security Act, requires manufacturers to equip specific advanced integrated circuits (classified under export control numbers like 3A090) with security mechanisms before exporting them. These mechanisms must verify location and prevent unauthorized access, diversion, or tampering. The law mandates this for covered chips within 180 days of enactment, with a follow-up assessment within one year to develop additional security requirements. It directly affects U.S. chip exporters and importers of these high-tech products, aiming to strengthen export control compliance and national security.

Maddy summaryThe Guidance Clarity Act requires federal agencies to include a clear statement on all guidance documents, explaining that the guidance does not have the force of law and is not binding on the public or the agency. This statement must be prominently displayed on the first page of the document and specify that it is intended only to clarify existing legal requirements. Agencies must begin using this statement 30 days after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issues implementing guidance, which OMB must provide within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects all federal agencies that issue guidance under specific legal authority, ensuring transparency about the non-binding nature of such communications.

Maddy summaryHR 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, prevents federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or tackle on public lands and waters managed for hunting or fishing. It directly affects hunters and anglers using federal lands (like national wildlife refuges, public forests, and BLM lands) by blocking nationwide restrictions on lead products. The bill allows limited exceptions only for specific locations where wildlife decline is directly linked to lead use, and the restriction must align with state law or get approval from the state wildlife agency. This changes how federal land managers can regulate lead, requiring state coordination for any local restrictions.