Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Maddy summaryThe Schedules That Work Act would require employers in retail, food service, hospitality, cleaning, and warehouse sectors to provide workers with 14 days' advance notice of their schedules and pay predictability wages for last-minute changes. It allows employees to request schedule changes related to caregiving responsibilities, health conditions, education, or other jobs, with employers required to engage in good-faith discussions about such requests. The bill prohibits retaliation against employees who request schedule changes and mandates written notice of schedule changes and predictability pay. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees in covered sectors, aiming to address widespread issues with unpredictable schedules that negatively impact workers' ability to care for family members, maintain housing stability, and access health care.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Diversity and Inclusion Administrator at the Department of Labor to increase African American participation in apprenticeships. It requires all new and renewing registered apprenticeship programs to submit plans boosting African American enrollment and creates competitive grants for programs targeting underserved communities in fields like construction, healthcare, and tech. The grants fund outreach, mentoring, and support services to help African American youth access and complete apprenticeships. The bill directly affects African American young people and apprenticeship programs nationwide, with $2 million authorized for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Protect America's Workforce Act cancels an executive order issued on March 27, 2025, that excluded certain groups from federal labor-management relations programs, making it legally unenforceable. It also ensures that all collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor unions, which were active as of March 26, 2025, remain fully effective until their agreed terms expire. This directly affects federal agencies, labor unions, and the employees covered by these agreements. The bill prevents federal funds from being used to implement the canceled executive order while preserving existing labor agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to launch a nationwide online safety education program within 180 days of enactment, targeting minors under 17. It mandates collaboration with schools, parents, online platforms, and nonprofits to promote best practices for safe internet use, including protection from harmful content (like adult material or cybercrimes) and mental health risks. The FTC must submit annual reports to Congress for 10 years detailing these efforts. The law directly affects minors, parents/guardians, schools, and online platforms through these educational initiatives, without restricting content or imposing new regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 5360, the AWARE Act, requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create and publish public educational resources about AI chatbot safety within 180 days of the bill becoming law. These resources will specifically help parents, educators, and minors (under age 18) understand safe AI chatbot use, including how to identify risks, privacy practices, and supervision strategies. The FTC must model these materials after its existing Youville program. The bill defines "AI chatbot" as consumer-facing interactive AI systems but does not regulate or restrict chatbot development or use.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 65) is a symbolic congressional commendment of state and local governments that have affirmed reproductive rights as human rights. It recognizes efforts by jurisdictions like Carrboro, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; and Fulton County, Georgia, which passed resolutions or proclamations declaring abortion access a human right and condemning criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. The resolution urges states to repeal restrictive abortion laws and protect access to reproductive care, but it does not create new legal requirements or fund programs. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect on federal or state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal student loan limits for graduate and professional students. Starting July 1, 2026, it sets a $50,000 annual limit and a $200,000 total aggregate limit (beyond undergraduate borrowing) for unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans. These changes directly affect graduate and professional students pursuing advanced degrees who rely on federal loans for education costs. The provisions aim to provide higher borrowing capacity for these students' educational expenses under the Higher Education Act.

Maddy summaryThe Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act requires the President to submit detailed justification to Congress before the military provides support to civilian law enforcement, including specific budget, timeline, and funding details, with a 30-day limit on such support unless Congress approves a longer period through a specific joint resolution process. It prohibits Department of Defense personnel (including military members) from holding civilian law enforcement positions concurrently, with limited exceptions for reserve members who must recuse during active duty. The bill also removes the military's authorization to deploy for "civil disturbances" without the new approval process and establishes a private right for individuals or governments to sue the federal government for violations. This directly affects the Department of Defense, military support to local police agencies, and DoD personnel's dual employment policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6469) requires the U.S. State Department, in coordination with the FCC and Treasury, to submit a report within 120 days of enactment assessing internet access options in Iran. The report must evaluate the feasibility of using direct-to-cell wireless technology to expand internet access there, including technical, security, and regulatory considerations. It also analyzes how drone-based systems and signal jamming could affect such technology, surveys Iranian telecom providers (including state ownership and foreign investment), and examines broader implications for communications freedom. The bill does not enact new policy but mandates a government review of potential technological solutions.

Maddy summaryThe Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act establishes minimum standards for detention facilities operated by the Department of Homeland Security, requiring them to follow the American Bar Association's Civil Immigration Detention Standards. It mandates annual unannounced inspections by the DHS Inspector General, with penalties including fines for noncompliant private facilities and transfers of detainees from noncompliant facilities. The bill requires DHS to publicly report on facility compliance, phase out private detention facilities over three years, and prohibit solitary confinement. It also ensures detainees have access to legal orientation, counsel, and more frequent custody review hearings. The bill directly affects all individuals detained in DHS custody, including immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees held in facilities operated by or contracted to DHS.