Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Maddy summaryThis bill renames the existing IDEAS Program to the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program and directs the Secretary of State to expand it to increase global education opportunities for U.S. college students. The program will award competitive grants to universities and consortia to support study abroad initiatives, with a specific focus on helping low-income students, students of color, and minority-serving institutions participate. Funding priorities include encouraging travel to nontraditional destinations, particularly developing countries, and ensuring that grant recipients have robust health, safety, and security plans for students overseas. The legislation sets a long-term goal of having at least one million undergraduate students study abroad annually while requiring the Department of State to submit annual reports on progress.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the federal government to provide up to $70 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to help local law enforcement agencies combat the trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids. The funds are intended for eligible entities such as states, local governments, and tribal organizations to hire and train officers, purchase necessary equipment, and establish or expand multi-jurisdictional task forces that cross city or state lines. A specific requirement of the program is that at least 20 percent of the money must be set aside for direct grants to Indian Tribes and multi-jurisdictional task forces. To receive these funds, applicants must submit detailed plans explaining how they will use the money and agree to report on their progress, while the Attorney General is tasked with streamlining the application process to reduce paperwork. The legislation also mandates that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services provide training and technical assistance to support these efforts and submit annual reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a national resource center to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who belong to faith-based communities. It authorizes $2 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to fund grants for groups that provide training and technical assistance to religious leaders, service providers, and law enforcement. The program focuses on helping these stakeholders recognize spiritual abuse, respect cultural and religious needs like dietary accommodations, and address barriers such as religious divorce denial. To ensure accountability, the bill requires that all funded organizations prioritize victim safety over family privacy or religious doctrines that might otherwise restrict a survivor's exit from an abusive marriage.

Maddy summaryThe Moms Matter Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create two main grant programs aimed at improving maternal mental health and reducing health disparities among pregnant and postpartum individuals. The first program provides funding to community organizations and healthcare providers to expand services that integrate mental health care into prenatal and postpartum settings, with a specific focus on groups facing higher risks of mortality and morbidity. The second program offers grants to educational institutions to train and recruit a diverse workforce of mental health professionals who specialize in caring for pregnant and postpartum patients. Both initiatives require recipients to submit annual reports on their activities and outcomes, while the legislation authorizes $25 million and $15 million respectively for each program from fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act This bill expands interest rate protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and requires expanded training for and outreach to servicemembers regarding financial literacy and SCRA protections. The SCRA caps the maximum interest charged on any debt incurred by a servicemember prior to entering active duty at 6% annually if the servicemember's ability to pay is materially affected by active-duty status; servicemembers must provide notice and other documentation to creditors to receive this cap. The bill requires creditors to apply this cap to all of a servicemember’s obligations or liabilities with that creditor, regardless of whether a certain obligation or liability was specifically mentioned in the required notice provided by the member to invoke SCRA rights. Further, the bill requires creditors to provide all necessary mechanisms to ensure a servicemember is able to submit any required documentation. The bill also requires that the financial literacy training program provided to servicemembers include information about consumer financial protections afforded to such members and their dependents, including protections regarding interest rate limits under the SCRA. Additionally, the bill requires the military department concerned to provide written notice of benefits under the SCRA to servicemembers at the time they first enter military service and, for members of the reserve components, at the time they first enter service in the reserves and at any time when they are mobilized or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates May as Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month to highlight the growing prevalence of these illnesses across the United States. The bill cites data showing a significant increase in reported cases and emergency room visits for tick bites, emphasizing the need for public education and early detection. By supporting this designation, the House aims to encourage awareness and promote better clinical responses to Lyme disease and related conditions. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the issue.

Maddy summaryThe Supporting Newborn Parents Act of 2026 creates a new tax credit of $2,000 for each child born to a taxpayer during the tax year. To receive this credit, parents must have earned income, with the maximum amount limited to 20% of their earnings, and the benefit phases out as family income rises. The bill allows parents to request an advance payment of the credit shortly after a child's birth by providing their information when applying for a Social Security number. Additionally, the legislation requires the Treasury to establish an online portal to help parents understand how to make elections regarding advance payments and estimated income figures.

This resolution expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

This resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and counter acts of anti-Semitism. The resolution also honors the contributions of Jewish-American servicemembers and commits to ensuring all Americans, including Jewish Americans, can worship without fear of violence or persecution.

Maddy summaryHRES 64 is a non-binding House resolution affirming the U.S.-South Korea alliance. It highlights historical ties (dating to 1882), economic partnerships (including 2023 trade data), and security cooperation (like the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty), while celebrating Korean American contributions to U.S. society. The resolution formally supports strengthening security, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations and notes the 2025 anniversary of Korean liberation. It does not create new laws or funding, but serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support for the alliance.