Maddy summaryThe American Energy and Mineral Infrastructure Act of 2026 streamlines the permitting process for natural gas pipelines and other energy projects by designating the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the sole lead agency for environmental reviews and establishing strict deadlines for federal and state agencies to complete their portions of the review. The bill also modifies water quality laws to reduce the number of required certifications for discharges into navigable waters, extends the validity of certain nationwide permits for dredged or fill material from five to ten years, and creates a new fund to address abandoned hardrock mines. Additionally, the legislation updates the National Environmental Policy Act to limit the scope of environmental reviews to effects directly caused by a project, impose specific timelines for agency decisions, and restrict the ability of courts to issue injunctions that would halt construction while legal challenges are pending.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe No Lead in Toys Act directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to adopt safety recommendations from a 2026 Government Accountability Office report regarding toxic substances in children's products. Within 180 days of enactment, the agency must create plans to oversee electronic filing, evaluate laboratory risks using violation data, review lead limits every five years, and track updates on phthalates and other harmful chemicals. The law also requires the Commission to submit a detailed report to Congress within 60 days of implementing these changes, outlining the specific steps taken to improve oversight.
Maddy summaryThe Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2026 offers a financial incentive for first-time homebuyers by reducing their mortgage insurance premiums. To qualify for this discount, applicants must complete a financial literacy housing counseling program before signing their mortgage application or sales agreement. The bill lowers the premium rate by 25 basis points compared to the standard amount set by the Secretary, provided the counseling is finished prior to the mortgage signing. This policy directly affects individuals purchasing their first home who participate in the required educational program.
Maddy summaryThe Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025 allows federal appellate and district court judges to permit media coverage of court proceedings - including photographing, recording, broadcasting, or televising - at their discretion. It requires judges to obscure witnesses' faces and voices upon request (for non-parties), prohibits broadcasting jurors or attorney-client conferences, and mandates that the Judicial Conference create mandatory guidelines within six months for protecting vulnerable witnesses like crime victims or minors. The law includes a three-year sunset for district court media authority and prohibits interlocutory appeals of judges' media coverage decisions. This bill directly affects federal courts, media organizations, and witnesses, balancing public access with due process and witness safety protections.
Maddy summaryThe Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Program Act extends the funding and authority for a federal program that studies shared underground water sources between the United States and Mexico. This legislation adds Arizona to the list of states eligible for the program, while also updating the funding period to cover fiscal years 2026 through 2036. The bill directly affects the federal agencies responsible for managing water resources and the states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona by ensuring continued support for their cross-border aquifer assessments.
Maddy summaryThe POWER ON Act of 2026 extends the funding authorization for the Department of Energy's Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships program. Originally set to expire in 2026, the bill updates the timeline so that this funding will now run through 2031. This legislative change directly affects the Department of Energy and the private sector partners that receive grants to improve the reliability of the electric grid. By reauthorizing these specific provisions, the bill ensures continued financial support for projects aimed at strengthening the nation's power infrastructure without altering the program's existing scope or requirements.
Maddy summaryThe SABER Act of 2026 expands the permissible uses of the Ukraine Support Fund to allow the Ukrainian government to purchase defense articles and services specifically for responding to and recovering from Russian aggression. This legislative change directly affects the administration of U.S. foreign aid by modifying existing statutes to include these new categories of spending. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited the fund's use, thereby providing Ukraine with greater flexibility to address the consequences of the ongoing conflict.
Maddy summaryThe America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033, increasing its annual funding from $1.9 billion to $2 billion. It requires that projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund must secure at least 15% of their costs from public donations, which will be solicited through public awareness campaigns, donation locations at recreation sites, and during the purchase of recreation passes. The bill also mandates new reporting requirements for deferred maintenance and disposal of assets no longer serving public interest, while ensuring donations are credited to the Fund and allocated to specific projects.
Maddy summaryThe Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act amends federal law to require states to include legal counseling services for foster youth and to certify that their care plans address specific legal issues like housing, education, and family connections. This legislation directly affects the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program by updating how states must plan for the transition of foster youth into adulthood. The bill takes effect one year after enactment, with a provision allowing a delay if a state needs time to pass new laws to meet these updated requirements.
Maddy summaryThe Promoting Police Leadership Act directs the Attorney General to create and certify specialized training programs for police commanders, focusing on leadership, community trust, and data-driven policing. This initiative requires the training to be primarily in-person and include practical problem-solving exercises where officers develop and refine solutions for real-world challenges. The bill mandates that the Attorney General consult with local agencies and universities to design these curricula and publish a list of law enforcement units that successfully complete the courses. Additionally, the legislation requires periodic reports to Congress and a review by the Government Accountability Office to assess the program's effectiveness and implementation barriers. Importantly, the act does not override state or local authority to set their own certification standards for law enforcement officers.