Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans

Maddy summaryThe SECURE Minerals Act of 2026 establishes a Strategic Resilience Reserve Corporation to secure U.S. supply chains for critical minerals and materials essential to defense, energy, technology, and renewable energy sectors. The Reserve will provide financing and acquisition support for domestic and partner country projects focused on producing, recycling, reusing, and repurposing critical minerals, with the goal of reducing U.S. dependence on foreign sources to no more than 75% for each mineral. It authorizes $2.5 billion in funding and establishes a Board of Governors with specific expertise requirements to oversee operations, while requiring regular risk assessments and annual reporting. This legislation directly affects mineral production and processing companies, federal agencies managing mineral resources, and partner countries working with the U.S. on supply chain security.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual stipend for books, supplies, and educational materials under the Post-9/11 GI Bill from $1,000 to $1,400, effective immediately. It also establishes a new automatic annual adjustment starting in fiscal year 2026, tying stipend increases to inflation using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Specifically, the stipend will rise each year by the percentage difference between the current CPI and the previous year’s CPI. This directly affects veterans using the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for their education expenses.

Maddy summaryHR 7610 creates a new $2,000 annual tax credit for adult children who provide care to elderly relatives living in the same household. To qualify, the caregiver must be 18+ (or 16+ emancipated), live with the relative for at least 6 months, and provide 10+ hours weekly of assistance with daily living tasks (like meal prep, managing money, or mobility). The elderly relative must be 55+, unable to perform key activities independently (such as bathing or shopping), and require care for at least 180 days. The credit phases out for single filers earning over $75,000 (or $150,000 for joint filers) and applies only to tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding joint resolution (HJRES 149) commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Army Nurse Corps' establishment on February 2, 1901, and expresses congressional gratitude for the service of all Army nurses. It directly honors past and present members of the Army Nurse Corps, recognizing their historical contributions in every major U.S. conflict since the Civil War. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding provisions - it solely serves to formally acknowledge their dedication through four statements of tribute and appreciation. As a ceremonial resolution, it affects no legislation or beneficiaries beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThe Contract Our Veterans Act of 2026 establishes new federal contracting preferences for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. It allows agencies to award contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold without competition to qualified veteran-owned businesses if they meet performance, pricing, and value criteria, and creates restricted competitions exclusively for these businesses. The bill sets a mandatory governmentwide goal of at least 5% of all federal prime and subcontract awards going to veteran-owned small businesses each fiscal year. It also amends reporting requirements to track these contracts separately across agencies, including through sole-source awards and restricted competitions. This directly affects veteran-owned small businesses seeking federal contracts and federal agencies responsible for procurement.

Maddy summaryThe SCAM Act requires online platforms that display paid advertisements (like social media sites) to verify advertiser identities, implement scam detection systems, and remove fraudulent ads within 24 hours of confirmation. It directly affects platforms that accept payment for ads, targeting scams such as fake giveaways, romance scams, and AI impersonations that cost consumers $195 billion in 2024 (per FTC data). Key mechanisms include mandatory identity checks for advertisers, active monitoring systems, and a 72-hour investigation window for reported scams. The law aims to reduce fraud by shifting responsibility to platforms, with enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general.

Maddy summaryThe Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 prohibits the National Marine Sanctuaries Act from requiring additional authorizations for undersea fiber optic cables that already have federal or state permits. It directly affects cable operators who have obtained licenses, leases, or permits from any federal or state agency for cable installation or maintenance in national marine sanctuaries. The bill prevents the Secretary from blocking or demanding new permits for these cables once they have valid existing authorization. This simplifies regulatory processes by eliminating redundant federal oversight for cables already approved by other agencies.

Maddy summaryHR 7498, the After Hours Child Care Act, creates a new Child Care and Development Innovation Fund to expand child care access for parents working nontraditional hours (like evenings, nights, or weekends). The bill directly affects working parents with young children who struggle to find care outside standard 9-to-5 hours, aiming to help them stay employed and advance in their careers. It authorizes $25,000-$500,000 grants for up to 5 years to eligible entities (such as child care providers or partnerships with businesses) to expand existing programs, establish new onsite workplace child care, or improve facilities and staff training. Grantees must cover 25% of costs, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services must report every two years on the program’s impact, including children served and changes in child care availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to fund mobile vaccination units in states, directly affecting state health departments and local communities. It authorizes the Secretary to award grants for states to establish or expand mobile units that provide recommended childhood, adolescent, and adult immunizations, covering vehicle acquisition, equipment, and vaccine costs. States must submit applications and use funds solely for these mobile units, with the Secretary required to report on the program's effectiveness to Congress by September 2027. The program is funded for fiscal year 2027 with no specified budget amount.

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.