Rep. Pablo José Hernández

Maddy summaryThis bill expands federal election laws to prevent foreign nationals from influencing U.S. elections by tightening restrictions on domestic companies with significant foreign ownership or control. It requires businesses that are at least 50% owned by foreign individuals, or those with specific foreign influence, to file a sworn certification proving they are not foreign-controlled before making any political donations or spending money on election activities. Additionally, the law clarifies that these rules apply to state and local ballot initiatives and mandates that corporate political action funds certify their managers and board members are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The legislation also prohibits recipients of funds from these businesses from using the money for further political contributions unless they receive and verify the required compliance certification.

Maddy summaryThe Geo POWER Act creates a new milestone-based financing program to support geothermal energy projects in areas with limited or no existing geothermal power generation, including regions near Indian lands. This program awards funding based on the achievement of specific technical and financial milestones rather than upfront capital, aiming to reduce risks for future projects. The initiative prioritizes projects that generate public data to characterize new geothermal resources and require a minimum electricity generation capacity of 30 megawatts. The Department of Energy must award financing to at least three different proposals across three different states, ensuring geographic diversity in project selection.

Maddy summaryThe AADAPT Act reauthorizes and expands Project ECHO grants to improve Alzheimer’s and dementia care through technology-enabled training. It specifically funds grants for healthcare providers in rural, frontier, or medically underserved areas to enhance early diagnosis, quality care, and provider retention for dementia patients. The bill authorizes $1 million annually (2027-2032) for these dementia-focused training programs, requiring funds to supplement - not replace - existing resources. This directly supports primary care providers licensed to serve underserved communities, using collaborative online learning to address care gaps.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic pre-approval systems for medical services by 2028 and meet transparency reporting standards starting in 2027. Plans must publicly report data on approval/denial rates, appeal outcomes, response times, and technology use for pre-approval requests, including details on how denials relate to clinical criteria. It establishes a 24-hour response timeframe for certain requests and mandates annual reviews of pre-approval requirements based on data and input from seniors and providers. The law directly affects Medicare Advantage plans, seniors enrolled in these plans, and healthcare providers who submit pre-approval requests. These changes aim to make the pre-approval process faster, more transparent, and more accountable for seniors seeking covered medical services.

Maddy summaryThe Department of Homeland Security Accountability Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report any serious injury or death occurring in DHS custody or resulting from DHS actions within 72 hours to Congress and local representatives. These notifications must include detailed information such as the date and location of the incident, the nationality of the individual involved, specific use of force tactics, and whether medical assistance was provided. The bill also mandates that the Department conduct independent investigations for these incidents, which must include reviewing video footage, placing involved employees on administrative leave, and ensuring autopsies and medical reviews are performed. All investigation reports must be submitted to Congress within seven days of completion, and video recordings of the individuals involved must be preserved for at least five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. The legislation specifically allows this highest military honor to be granted despite existing time limits that usually prevent such awards decades after service. It recognizes Barreto's extraordinary bravery in May 1968 when he single-handedly destroyed enemy machine gun positions and saved his fellow soldiers. The act also highlights his legacy as a pioneering Puerto Rican soldier and a dedicated veteran counselor who passed away in 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution reaffirms that the founding principles of equality and consent of the governed apply equally to residents of U.S. territories and commonwealths, including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. It explicitly rejects the racist reasoning behind the Insular Cases, which have historically limited democratic rights for these populations despite their contributions through taxation and military service. The measure supports the right to self-determination for these residents without endorsing any specific political status option.

Maddy summaryThe GRACE for Military Survivors Act extends the deadline for contributing military death benefits to Roth IRAs and Coverdell education savings accounts from one year to three years. This change directly benefits families of service members who receive these death benefits, giving them more time to save for retirement or education. The law applies to benefits received after the bill is enacted and includes a special rule allowing contributions made within a specific window for benefits received between 2001 and the enactment date. By amending the Internal Revenue Code, the bill ensures that eligible funds can be deposited into these tax-advantaged accounts without losing their value due to time limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates the existing National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund as the America's Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance on federal lands. It directs revenue from recreation fees and a portion of energy development income into the fund, which must be used primarily for repairing critical infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings managed by agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The legislation establishes strict rules requiring that most funds go toward non-transportation projects, mandates transparency through public dashboards tracking project status, and sets aside a small percentage for matching private donations. Additionally, the bill increases entrance fees for foreign visitors to ensure they contribute to the fund, while prohibiting the use of these specific funds for land acquisition or employee bonuses.