Rep. Madeleine Dean

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026, allows public housing utility allowances to cover high-speed internet service, equipment, and installation fees for families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches. The legislation sets the covered internet cost at the lowest monthly rate available in the area while explicitly permitting families to choose more expensive plans or bundled services if they prefer. Additionally, the bill requires internet service providers to offer a specific filtering technology that blocks visual content harmful to minors, ensuring a level of protection comparable to existing certified standards. These changes directly affect households living in public housing by expanding the types of living expenses that can be subsidized through their utility benefits.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month to highlight the importance of mental well-being and reduce stigma. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement acknowledging the rising rates of mental illness, suicide, and disparities in care across the United States. The text cites various statistics regarding anxiety, depression, and access to treatment to underscore the need for public awareness and continued efforts by medical and community organizations. Ultimately, the bill encourages citizens and institutions to use this month to promote mental health resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Maddy summaryThe Celiac Safety Act of 2026 officially classifies gluten-containing grains as a major food allergen under federal law, directly impacting the food industry and individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. This change requires manufacturers to label products containing wheat, rye, barley, or their crossbred hybrids with the same prominence as other major allergens like milk. The new labeling requirements will not take effect until 18 months after the law is enacted, giving businesses time to adjust their packaging and production processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act, modifies how the United States evaluates foreign countries' efforts to combat human trafficking. It requires these nations to demonstrate serious and sustained actions, such as banning the purchase of commercial sex acts, educating buyers about exploitation, and reducing international sex tourism. These new criteria will be used in future annual reports to determine whether a country meets the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking. Consequently, the bill directly affects how the U.S. government assesses and categorizes the anti-trafficking progress of other nations.

Maddy summaryThe Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 establishes a working group to evaluate how the United States can support Taiwan in producing secure, China-independent drone components. This initiative aims to address security risks posed by Chinese-sourced parts in commercial drones by facilitating public-private partnerships and streamlining certification processes for Taiwanese manufacturers. The bill also creates a cooperative framework to help regional allies acquire these secure drones and includes provisions for fast-tracking export controls and cybersecurity reviews for qualified Taiwanese suppliers. While the legislation authorizes funding for these efforts, it explicitly states that it does not change the official U.S. position on Taiwan's international status.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to officially reject a final rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan programs. If passed, the measure would prevent the new regulations from taking effect, leaving the previous rules in place. The bill directly impacts borrowers, lenders, and the Department of Education by nullifying the specific changes outlined in the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" proposal. It is a procedural action that uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the agency's policy without altering the underlying law.

Maddy summaryThe DONOR Milk Act establishes new federal regulations to improve the safety and oversight of pasteurized donor human milk, which is milk collected from mothers and given to infants other than their own. This legislation requires facilities that produce or store this milk to undergo annual inspections, including unannounced visits, to ensure they meet food safety standards. To support these facilities in complying with the new rules, the bill authorizes an $8 million grant program to help with equipment upgrades and necessary certifications. These changes directly affect nonprofit organizations and food establishments that manufacture, process, pack, or hold donor human milk.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add pharmacist services to Medicare Part B coverage for beneficiaries, specifically covering pharmacist-led testing and treatment for illnesses like flu, COVID-19, or strep throat during public health emergencies. It defines covered services as those performed under state law, often requiring collaboration with a physician, and sets payment at 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of physician payment rates. Pharmacists would be prohibited from balance billing for these services, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries pay only their standard copayment. The changes would take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins must feature designs honoring victims and first responders (including the inscription "Never Forget") and will be sold only during 2027-2028. All surcharges ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin) collected from sales will fund the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, with no net cost to the federal government. The coins are legal tender but primarily intended for collectors, not circulation.

Maddy summaryThe Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act authorizes the creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women’s history, to be located within the National Mall Reserve in Washington, D.C. If the site is managed by another federal agency, the bill requires that agency to transfer the land after notifying Congress and relevant committees. The museum must ensure exhibits and programs accurately represent diverse women’s experiences by consulting a broad range of experts and community voices. The Smithsonian will submit biennial reports to Congress detailing how the museum meets these representation standards.