Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Maddy summaryHRES 1106 is a non-binding House resolution honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a prominent civil rights leader and activist. The resolution recognizes his lifelong work in advancing equality through organizations like Operation PUSH, his leadership in the anti-apartheid movement, and his historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. It expresses condolences to his family and calls on all Americans to continue his legacy of promoting civil rights and unity. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online system allowing taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. The legislation prohibits the Treasury Department from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide tax preparation or filing services, and it voids any existing contracts with such restrictions. The program would use IRS data to simplify filing, include customer support, be available in multiple languages, and allow users to file even if they are not required to. It also enables taxpayers in participating states to file state and local returns alongside their federal returns, with funding provided to states that meet certain standards.

Maddy summaryThe DISCLOSE Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency in election spending and prevent foreign influence. It expands the ban on foreign money to cover federal, state, and local elections, including ballot initiatives and judicial nominations, and criminalizes using corporations to conceal these funds. The bill mandates that organizations spending over $10,000 on campaign-related activities, such as independent expenditures or judicial nomination advocacy, disclose their beneficial owners and top donors. Additionally, it establishes new "Stand By Every Ad" disclaimers for political communications, requiring the highest-ranking official to approve the message and, for certain ads, list their top funders. These provisions directly affect non-candidate organizations, individuals involved in political and judicial nomination spending, and foreign nationals.

Maddy summaryHR 7803, the "Save Medicare Act," renames Medicare Advantage plans to "Alternative Private Health Plan" for all federal references, including in the Social Security Act. It requires health plans to stop using "Medicare" in their titles after enactment, imposing a $100,000 civil penalty per violation. The change applies to all Part C Medicare plans and mandates a full transition by October 15, 2023, with a temporary period allowing both terms to be used during the switch. This bill directly affects private health insurers offering Medicare Part C plans and federal agencies managing Medicare programs. The policy change is solely about terminology, not benefits or coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and modernizes Trade Adjustment Assistance programs to help workers, firms, communities, and farmers affected by trade-related job losses. It extends program funding through 2033 and expands eligibility to include teleworkers, staffed workers, and public agency employees. Key provisions increase financial benefits, add new allowances for childcare and job search, require inflation adjustments to benefit amounts, and establish new outreach requirements to ensure underserved communities receive adequate support. The legislation also creates a new community assistance program providing grants for strategic economic development planning and expands technical assistance for businesses seeking adjustment support.

Maddy summaryHRES 1097 is a procedural resolution requesting federal agencies to provide specific documents to the House of Representatives. It directs the Treasury and Homeland Security Secretaries to share records about how they implement an existing agreement (the "Memorandum of Understanding") for sharing taxpayer information related to non-tax criminal enforcement. The resolution specifically asks for documents concerning access to IRS systems containing taxpayer data, policies for handling such information, and any violations of privacy rules. This request does not create new law but seeks transparency about current agency practices involving sensitive taxpayer information.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act reforms the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which transfers surplus military equipment to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The bill prohibits the transfer of specific military-grade items, including controlled firearms (like automatic weapons), ammunition, grenades, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, and silencers. For any permitted transfers, non-federal agencies must notify their local community, get approval from their local governing body, and certify the equipment's necessity for specific public safety or emergency purposes. The bill also mandates increased accountability for all transferred property, prohibits agencies from taking ownership, and requires the return of equipment if an agency is involved in widespread civil liberties abuses using that property.

Maddy summaryHR 7728, the Connect the Grid Act, requires Texas' ERCOT grid to connect with neighboring power systems by repealing its special exemptions from federal grid regulations. It mandates minimum power flow capacity between ERCOT and other grids (SPP, MISO, and the Western Interconnection) ranging from 2.5 to 12.6 gigawatts, with specific deadlines for new transmission projects by 2037. The bill directs grid operators to prioritize using existing infrastructure, degraded land sites, renewable energy access, and community engagement - including environmental justice and Tribal communities - in planning new transmission. It also increases federal funding for transmission projects and requires a study on benefits of connecting with Mexico’s grid.

Maddy summaryHR 7740, the African American History Act of 2026, authorizes $4 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and support teaching about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create digital and print materials, provide teacher training, and expand access to curriculum resources for K-12 and college classrooms. It requires annual reports to Congress on fund usage and expires in 2030. This program directly affects educators and students by enhancing classroom materials and professional development on African American history.

Maddy summaryHRES 1078 is a procedural resolution requesting the President and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary to provide specific documents to the House of Representatives. It seeks records related to the December 2025 "Defend the Spend" freeze on child care funding, including communications about the freeze, payment delays, social media posts alleging fraud, and related legal analyses. The resolution specifically targets documents concerning the freeze's impact on States, Tribes, and Territories receiving child care funds under federal programs. The request requires these documents to be submitted within 14 days of the resolution's adoption. This is a congressional oversight measure, not a policy change, focused on transparency around an existing funding freeze.