Rep. Laura Gillen

Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and manufacture of vehicles and related technology from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, to address national security concerns. The law defines prohibited items as connected vehicles, their software, and hardware components and sets different effective dates, with vehicle bans starting in 2027 and hardware restrictions beginning in 2030. A government official can grant exceptions for specific items after reviewing security risks and notifying Congress, while the agency must publish annual reports on enforcement actions and compliance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that antisemitic rhetoric from specific online personalities, including Hasan Piker and Candace Owens, is dangerous and contributes to hatred. It urges social media platforms to enforce their policies against hate speech and calls on public officials to condemn such conduct without exception. The bill does not impose new laws or penalties but instead highlights specific instances of alleged hate speech to emphasize the need for responsibility among influencers and technology companies.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames a U.S. Postal Service facility at 2200 South Salina Street in Syracuse, New York, as the "Wallie Howard Jr. Post Office Building." All official references in federal laws, documents, or records to this specific location will now use the new name. The bill has no policy impact beyond this administrative designation.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Tracks Act requires the Secretary of Transportation to update federal regulations within 30 days of enactment to apply specific safety standards to centralized computer-aided train-dispatching systems and centralized traffic control boards. This change directly affects existing and future deployments of these automated train control technologies used by railroads. The bill mandates that these systems comply with the safety requirements outlined in subpart H of part 236 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which covers critical safety protocols for train operations. By updating the regulatory framework, the legislation aims to ensure consistent safety oversight across all centralized train dispatching infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security grant temporary protected status (TPS) to Haitian nationals already residing in the United States. It requires the designation to begin on August 3, 2025, and last for 18 months, allowing eligible individuals to legally stay and work during that period. The bill directly affects Haitian nationals in the U.S. who qualify under TPS criteria, providing them temporary relief from deportation. The key provision is the mandatory 18-month TPS period with a specific start date, overriding other legal provisions that might otherwise prevent such a designation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that open water lifeguards qualify as first responders and emergency response providers. It recognizes their essential, lifesaving work and reaffirms their role in protecting lives, property, evidence, and the environment.

Maddy summaryThe SACRED Act adds a new federal crime to protect access to places of religious worship by prohibiting intimidating or harassing conduct within 100 feet of religious buildings. It directly affects individuals who engage in disruptive behavior near religious sites and those seeking to enter or exit them. The law defines prohibited actions as conduct that causes reasonable fear for physical safety or intentionally harasses people within 8 feet, with penalties ranging from fines up to $10,000 for nonviolent first offenses to potential life imprisonment if death results. The bill also establishes civil remedies allowing aggrieved individuals or religious organizations to sue for damages and injunctive relief, while permitting state and federal attorneys general to bring civil actions on behalf of affected persons. Importantly, the legislation explicitly preserves the right to peaceful expressive conduct like picketing and does not override existing state or local laws.

Maddy summaryThe Interstate Ferry Fairness Act allows privately owned ferries and ferry terminals operating between two adjoining states to receive federal funding for construction and purchase. Under this legislation, private ferry operators can apply for federal assistance if the Secretary of Transportation determines the project provides substantial public benefits or meets surface transportation needs. The bill also permits privately owned ferries to charge fares that cover operational costs plus a reasonable rate of return approved by the Secretary. These changes expand eligibility for the Ferry Boat Program beyond publicly owned vessels, while maintaining oversight on fare structures and fund usage.

Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025 This bill expands the membership of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee within the Veterans Health Administration by requiring the addition of one representative from the National Association of State Veterans Homes who holds a professional license in nursing home administration. Additionally, the committee must consult with the National Association of Veterans State Homes with respect to matters concerning the association.

Love Lives On Act of 2025 This bill extends entitlement for various benefit programs and services for surviving spouses of deceased members of the Armed Forces or veterans. The bill provides that the remarriage of a surviving spouse must not bar the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation or special pension benefits to such spouse. Additionally, the Department of Defense may not terminate the payment of an annuity for a surviving spouse under the Survivor Benefit Plan solely because the surviving spouse remarries. The bill also expands the definition of a dependent under TRICARE to include a remarried widow or widower whose subsequent marriage has ended due to death, divorce, or annulment.