Rep. Janelle S. Bynum

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most employers to provide workers with earned paid sick leave. Employees would earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per year, which can be used for their own illness, medical care, caring for family members (including children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, or other family-like relationships), or addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking situations. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who use this leave and requires employers to inform employees about their rights. It ensures that workers who leave and return to the same employer within a year can reinstate their unused sick leave. This law would not override more generous state or local paid leave policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the process for the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) when considering actions against U.S. nonbank financial companies. It requires the FSOC to first determine that alternative solutions - such as new regulatory standards, agency actions, or a company's written plan - are not possible or insufficient to protect financial stability before voting on a formal determination. The change directly affects the FSOC and large nonbank financial companies that could face regulatory scrutiny. The key provision adds a new step to ensure the Council explores other options before taking significant action. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 3 sentences as specified.)

Maddy summaryHR 7417 reauthorizes and expands the WISEWOMAN program to include heart health screenings and education for low-income women. The bill directs the CDC to award grants for blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, health education, and referrals for heart disease prevention, building on existing breast and cervical cancer services. It specifically targets low-income women who are already served by the WISEWOMAN program or meet new eligibility criteria set by the Secretary. The expansion is funded with $250 million over five fiscal years (2027-2031), with services to be provided by current WISEWOMAN grantees or approved alternative providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish new safety standards for side underride guards on trucks and trailers within 18 months, with full compliance required within two years. The standards mandate that these guards prevent passenger vehicles from sliding under trucks during collisions, improve safety for vulnerable road users like motorcyclists, and include aerodynamic features to aid fuel efficiency. The bill also creates an advisory committee to monitor underride safety and mandates studies to better understand and prevent these crashes. It aims to reduce the thousands of deaths and injuries from underride crashes that have occurred over the past 50 years, as documented by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Maddy summaryThis bill would improve Medicare reimbursement for specific care services needed by people with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). It creates a new payment system for eight key services including specialized physician support, occupational therapy, speech pathology, physical therapy, dietary support, respiratory support, registered nurse support, and coordination of medical equipment. The bill sets a base payment of $800 for these services in 2027, with annual increases based on a specific formula. This directly affects ALS patients who would have better access to these services and the medical facilities that provide them.

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on December 31, 2025, which addressed "Reproductive Health Services" (90 Fed. Reg. 61310). This resolution directs Congress to disapprove the VA rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, meaning the rule would have no legal effect if passed. The bill directly affects the VA's implementation of reproductive health services for veterans, as it seeks to nullify the agency's existing policy. This is a procedural measure, not a substantive policy change, aimed solely at blocking the VA's rule through congressional action.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a HUD grant program to help developers offset state and local taxes and infrastructure fees for new housing projects. Developers must secure commitments from local governments to reduce property taxes by at least 50% on qualifying projects to qualify. Priority is given to projects increasing affordable housing, located near transit or job centers, using infill sites, or targeting workforce/senior housing needs. The program allocates $300 million annually (2027-2031) to cover up to 50% of eligible costs or $150,000 per developer, with grants lasting up to five years.

Maddy summaryHR 7244, the First-Time Home Buyers Match Act, establishes a 5-year pilot program to help low-to-moderate-income first-time homebuyers save for a home purchase. Eligible buyers (earning ≤120% of local median income, with ≤$75,000 in liquid assets) can receive annual matching funds equal to 50% of their savings - up to $5,000 per year - into a qualifying savings account. Funds must be used for down payments, closing costs, or specific home repairs, and function as a second mortgage repaid over 36 months. The program limits account balances to 10% of local median home values and requires HUD to report on participation, outcomes, and demographics.

Maddy summaryThe LIMBER Timber Act of 2026 creates three new federal tax credits to support the mass timber industry. It provides a 30% investment credit for businesses building mass timber manufacturing plants, a 50% credit for workforce training and hiring expenses in mass timber-related businesses (requiring at least 70% certified sustainable mass timber), and a $5 per square foot credit for constructing buildings with at least 50% of load-bearing components made of mass timber and 70% certified sustainable mass timber. These credits apply to manufacturers, construction contractors, and design firms working with mass timber - defined as engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber - and expire after December 31, 2030. The bill requires all credits to meet specific sustainability sourcing standards to qualify.