Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez

Maddy summaryThis House resolution marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by formally honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. The bill acknowledges the ongoing health challenges faced by survivors and responders, highlighting the role of the World Trade Center Health Program in providing long-term medical support. It also credits charitable organizations and community groups that have continued to assist victims' families and veterans over the past two decades. Finally, the resolution urges the American public to observe the anniversary with ceremonies and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remembering the events and lessons of that day.

Maddy summaryThe El Salvador TPS Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals from El Salvador. This designation would remain in effect until a date 18 months after September 9, 2026. The bill directly affects eligible residents of El Salvador by providing them with legal protection and work authorization during this specified period.

Maddy summaryThe NSF REU Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands the National Science Foundation's program that funds summer and academic-year research experiences for undergraduate students in STEM fields. The bill requires that at least half of the participants at each funded site be recruited from institutions with limited research opportunities, such as community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and rural schools. It authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support these grants, which must cover student stipends, travel, housing, and mentor training. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the NSF track student outcomes for at least three years after their degree and submit a report to Congress on program effectiveness and recruitment strategies.

Maddy summaryThe Stamps for Staying Connected Act of 2026 requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide postage stamps to inmates who lack funds or sufficient postage and wish to send mail. This provision applies to all types of correspondence, including legal matters and administrative filings. To prevent abuse, such as trading stamps among prisoners, the bill limits distribution to five first-class domestic stamps per week for general use. However, this weekly cap does not apply to stamps needed for legal proceedings or administrative remedy filings.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to acquire a statue honoring baseball player and humanitarian Roberto Clemente for permanent display in the U.S. Capitol or on its grounds. The legislation requires that artists from diverse backgrounds, including the Puerto Rican community, be considered for the commission, with public announcements made to reach these candidates. Funding for the project is authorized through transfers from the Capitol Preservation Fund, capped at a total of $500,000.

Maddy summaryThe 8(a) Small Business Integrity and Stability Act of 2026 extends participation in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program by one year for small businesses that were active between January 2025 and September 2026. The bill also allows specific "covered concerns" to be reinstated into the program if their participation was previously terminated due to non-compliance with a federal information request or if they voluntarily withdrew during early 2026. Additionally, it freezes the rules regarding social disadvantage determinations at their June 11, 2026 status for participants who were already classified under that category by that date.

Maddy summaryThe Green New Deal for Public Housing Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide grants to public housing agencies and tribal entities for the comprehensive rehabilitation, energy upgrades, and modernization of public housing stock. These funds are intended to transform properties into zero-carbon homes by installing renewable energy systems, electrifying appliances, and repairing infrastructure, while also establishing workforce development programs that offer training, apprenticeships, and stipends to residents and local low-income workers. The bill mandates strict labor standards, including prevailing wages and the use of U.S.-made materials, and requires agencies to maintain or increase the total number of public housing units while prioritizing resident participation through elected councils and community engagement processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the No TSA Data for ICE Act, prohibits the Transportation Security Administration from sharing passenger data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It specifically bars these agencies from using TSA information or data from private brokers to perform immigration enforcement functions. Additionally, the legislation prevents the denial, suspension, or early termination of Trusted Traveler programs like PreCheck and Global Entry if an individual's participation in First Amendment-protected activities is the reason. The law defines the restricted data as personally identifiable information about flight passengers obtained from the TSA or private sector entities.

Maddy summaryThe Equity in STI Testing Act requires Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover screening tests for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia without charging beneficiaries any out-of-pocket costs. The bill directly affects patients enrolled in these federal health programs by eliminating copayments and deductibles specifically for these preventive screenings. It also mandates that the Indian Health Service provide these tests to eligible Native Americans at no cost, regardless of whether the services are typically authorized under their purchased or referred care systems. These changes take effect on different timelines depending on the specific program, with some provisions applying immediately upon enactment and others starting in the following calendar year.

Maddy summaryHR 4541, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025, extends the funding period for the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness program. It amends the Public Health Service Act to update the program’s expiration date from 2026 to 2031. The bill directly affects young women aged 15-25 by ensuring continued access to breast health education and awareness resources. The key provision is a simple extension of the existing program’s authorization period, without altering its scope or requirements. This is a procedural reauthorization to maintain current services through 2031.