Maddy summaryThe MOMMIES Act expands Medicaid and CHIP coverage for low-income pregnant individuals by extending postpartum benefits from 60 days to one year and mandating full coverage of oral health services during this period. To support these changes, the bill includes a maintenance of effort provision that prevents states from reducing eligibility standards or benefit levels for pregnant individuals until 2027, alongside a 100 percent federal funding match for states that increase spending on this population. A major component is a five-year demonstration project that provides grants to states to implement maternity care home models, which coordinate comprehensive medical and social support services like housing assistance and mental health care to improve birth equity and outcomes. The legislation also requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance on covering doula services and directs the Government Accountability Office to study the use of telehealth and gaps in coverage for pregnant and postpartum people.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of gold medals to the four crew members of the Artemis II Mission to recognize their historic contributions to space exploration. This legislation directs the U.S. Treasury to strike these medals, which must depict the mission's crew, and allows the mint to sell duplicate bronze versions to cover production costs. The bill highlights the mission's significance as the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since 1972 and notes the diverse achievements of the astronauts, including the first woman and first person of color to travel around the Moon. By designating these awards as national medals, the act formally honors the crew's role in advancing human spaceflight capabilities.
Maddy summaryThe Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act establishes a national technical assistance center and provides $1 billion in grants to help recruit, train, and retain workers who assist older adults and people with disabilities. These funds will support projects run by states, community colleges, and other organizations to create career pathways, offer apprenticeships, and provide educational resources for both direct care professionals and family caregivers. A key requirement is that at least 30% of the funded projects must focus on advancing the careers of direct care workers through professional development and clear career ladders. The bill also mandates that grant recipients include people with disabilities, older individuals, and caregivers in planning and advisory roles to ensure programs meet community needs. Additionally, the legislation allocates $2 million annually for the technical assistance center to develop training curricula and address data gaps in the workforce.
Maddy summaryThe Medicare Cost Cap Act of 2026 establishes a $5,000 annual limit on out-of-pocket costs for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries starting in 2028, after which Medicare will cover 100% of additional covered expenses. This protection applies to all individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A or Part B and includes tracking mechanisms to notify patients and providers once the cap is reached. The bill also modifies eligibility rules for low-income assistance programs, aligning income thresholds between Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid and expanding data sharing to streamline enrollment for qualifying beneficiaries.
This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.
Maddy summaryThe Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to increase financial aid for college students by doubling the maximum Federal Pell Grant award to $10,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, with amounts rising annually to reach $15,000 by 2031-2032. The bill also changes the funding structure so that Pell Grants become a mandatory program that automatically adjusts for inflation rather than relying on annual congressional appropriations. Additional provisions expand eligibility to include students with negative financial aid indexes, provide special rules for recipients of means-tested benefits, and allow Dreamer students who become citizens or permanent residents to qualify for aid. The legislation further restores the total number of semesters a student can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and modifies how institutions determine satisfactory academic progress to reduce penalties for students struggling with course requirements.
Maddy summaryS 1782, the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, prohibits hospitals and transplant centers from denying organ transplants or related services solely because of a person’s disability. It requires these covered entities to make reasonable modifications to policies - such as considering a patient’s support network or providing communication aids - to ensure access for qualified individuals with disabilities who meet medical eligibility. The bill allows exceptions only if a physician determines a disability is medically significant to the transplant, but does not permit denial based on inability to independently manage care with available support. This applies to all stages, including evaluation, listing, and post-transplant care, while ensuring it doesn’t override stronger protections under existing disability laws like the ADA.
Maddy summaryThe Protect Our Polls Act establishes a strict notification and approval process before federal troops or armed men can be deployed to election sites to repel armed enemies. Under this bill, the head of the agency sending troops must submit a detailed report to congressional leaders at least 48 hours in advance, including intelligence on the threat and justification for why local forces cannot handle the situation. If Congress is not in session, the Speaker and Senate President pro tempore must request a special session to review the report, and no deployment can occur until Congress passes a joint resolution authorizing the action. The legislation also amends the Civil Rights Act of 1960 to prohibit federal funds from being used to allow military personnel to access election records, while explicitly preserving the right of service members to vote. These provisions are set to expire on January 20, 2029.
Maddy summaryThe Air Carrier Access Amendments Act updates the Air Carrier Access Act to better protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination when traveling by air. It specifically addresses issues such as damaged wheelchairs, physical harm to passengers, inadequate assistance, and mistreatment of service animals. The bill introduces new civil penalties for these violations and allows aggrieved individuals to file lawsuits directly in federal court without first exhausting administrative remedies. Additionally, it grants the Attorney General the authority to sue on behalf of victims and to seek damages in cases involving patterns of discrimination.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms the importance of the United States protecting refugees and displaced persons globally and within the country. It highlights specific statistics on displacement crises and criticizes current administration actions, such as an indefinite suspension of refugee admissions and cuts to foreign aid. The bill calls on government officials to restore the Refugee Admissions Program, lift bans on entry, and provide humanitarian support to vulnerable populations. While it does not change existing laws, it serves as a formal statement of support for refugee rights and urges the executive branch to resume resettlement efforts.