Rep. LaMonica McIver

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.

Maddy summaryThe REPORTS Act requires federal agencies to analyze how new major rules affect people living in poverty and issues of racial inequity before publishing them. Additionally, it mandates the Government Accountability Office to produce annual reports examining the economic impacts of specific government programs on these same groups. The legislation allows these analyses to optionally include an assessment of the racial wealth gap, with definitions for key terms set by the Office of Management and Budget or the Comptroller General.

Maddy summaryThe Closing the HPV Testing Gap Act directs the National Institutes of Health to conduct a comprehensive study on developing a standardized, noninvasive test for human papillomavirus in men. This research must be completed within 24 months and will involve coordination with federal agencies like the CDC and the FDA, as well as scientific experts and community stakeholders. The study aims to evaluate various testing methods, assess feasibility across diverse populations, and provide recommendations for future implementation and regulatory approval. Additionally, the bill requires an interagency working group to oversee the process and mandates a final report to Congress within 30 months outlining findings and strategies for improving cancer prevention and health equity.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and strengthens the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection program. It establishes that all federal, state, and local government records related to historical civil rights cases must carry a presumption of immediate public disclosure, with full access intended for public understanding. Key provisions include allowing the Review Board to reimburse state/local governments for digitizing or copying records to add to the national collection, removing an exception that previously blocked state records from being included, and extending the Review Board's term from 7 to 11 years. The bill directly affects government agencies holding these records and the public seeking historical transparency about civil rights cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects funding and staffing at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It prevents the government from holding back or redirecting VA funds without new law, and requires the VA to notify Congress if funding shortfalls approach. The bill exempts the VA from hiring freezes through 2029, mandates reinstating veterans fired between 2025 and the bill’s enactment, and requires special legal authorization for layoffs (including probationary employees). The VA must also submit annual compliance reports to Congress.

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe IMPACT to Save Moms Act directs the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to run a five-year demonstration project from 2027 to 2031, allowing states to test new payment models for maternity care under Medicaid and state child health plans. This initiative aims to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals, with a specific focus on reducing disparities among groups that experience higher rates of maternal mortality and severe complications. To achieve these goals, the project requires states to consider alternative payment structures that account for pregnancy risk levels, include diverse care teams with training on bias, and address social factors affecting health. The bill also mandates that the federal government evaluate the project's impact on health outcomes and spending, and submit a final report to Congress with recommendations on whether to expand the program nationwide.

Maddy summaryThe Traumatic Births Research Act of 2026 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study how traumatic birth experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder affect mothers, infants, and families. This legislation expands research funding to include states, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations, requiring that study results be broken down by race and ethnicity. Additionally, the bill authorizes a pilot program to compare midwife-led care models against traditional medical care regarding their impact on birth trauma and mental health. To monitor progress, the Secretary must submit an interim report by the end of fiscal year 2028 and a final report by the end of fiscal year 2030.

Maddy summaryThe Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act allows Amtrak to use certain federal funds to meet the non-federal share requirements for three specific types of rail infrastructure grants. Under this bill, Amtrak can apply these funds toward projects where its role goes beyond simply providing money, and the funds will not be counted as federal assistance for those specific purposes. Additionally, the legislation permits Amtrak to use its own ticket sales and other operational revenues to satisfy non-federal share limits for intercity passenger rail grants. These changes aim to provide Amtrak with more flexibility in how it finances and participates in federal rail improvement programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally acknowledges the Black Women Best framework, a policy blueprint designed to address historical economic disparities faced by Black women in the United States. It highlights specific strategies such as implementing guaranteed income, expanding tax credits, improving healthcare access, removing police from schools, and prioritizing restorative justice. The measure serves as a non-binding statement of support rather than a law that directly changes federal programs or mandates new actions. By recognizing this framework, the House encourages policymakers to use it as a guide for creating more equitable legislation that centers the lived experiences of Black women.