Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi

Maddy summaryThe Supporting VA Families Act grants unpaid parental leave to Department of Veterans Affairs employees. This provision allows employees to take four weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for the birth of a child or for adoption and foster care placements. The leave is designed to supplement existing leave policies rather than replace them, ensuring employees can balance family needs with their work responsibilities. The act defines eligible employees and children according to existing federal definitions found in Title 5 of the United States Code.

Maddy summaryThe SEPTIC Act proposes to make financial assistance received by homeowners from state or local governments for certain wastewater management improvements tax-free. It would amend current tax law to exclude from taxable income any direct or indirect subsidy provided to a resident for the purchase or installation of wastewater management measures on their primary residence. These measures are defined as installations or modifications primarily designed to manage wastewater, such as septic tanks and cesspools. This change means homeowners would not have to pay federal income tax on such financial aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the definition of "institution of higher education" for certain graduate medical schools located outside the United States. This change affects these foreign medical schools and their students, potentially making more students eligible for federal student loans. The bill adds an alternative criterion for schools to qualify: they must have had a clinical training program approved by a U.S. state (requiring an on-site visit) as of January 31, 2021, and continue to operate such a program in at least one U.S. state with state approval. This is in addition to the existing criterion that at least 60% of their students and graduates are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.

Maddy summaryHR 8261, the Chronic Care Management Improvement Act of 2026, aims to reduce healthcare costs for Medicare Part B beneficiaries receiving chronic care management services. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill mandates that Medicare will cover 100% of the cost for these specific services. This means individuals will no longer be responsible for any copayments or deductibles for chronic care management. The change directly affects Medicare Part B enrollees who utilize these services, making them more affordable by eliminating out-of-pocket costs.

Maddy summaryThe SACRED Act adds a new federal crime to protect access to places of religious worship by prohibiting intimidating or harassing conduct within 100 feet of religious buildings. It directly affects individuals who engage in disruptive behavior near religious sites and those seeking to enter or exit them. The law defines prohibited actions as conduct that causes reasonable fear for physical safety or intentionally harasses people within 8 feet, with penalties ranging from fines up to $10,000 for nonviolent first offenses to potential life imprisonment if death results. The bill also establishes civil remedies allowing aggrieved individuals or religious organizations to sue for damages and injunctive relief, while permitting state and federal attorneys general to bring civil actions on behalf of affected persons. Importantly, the legislation explicitly preserves the right to peaceful expressive conduct like picketing and does not override existing state or local laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill cancels a presidential proclamation that would have imposed a temporary import surcharge on goods entering the United States. It directly affects businesses and consumers by declaring the surcharge invalid and prohibiting the government from collecting or spending money on it. The legislation also requires the President to refund any tariffs already collected under the canceled proclamation. This action effectively removes the proposed import tax and restores the previous trade policy status.

Maddy summaryThe Helicopter Safety Parity Act of 2026 requires turbine-powered helicopters carrying two or more passengers to follow the same safety standards as commercial airlines, including stricter rules for pilot training, rest periods, maintenance, and equipment. This legislation directly affects helicopter operators currently regulated under Part 135 of federal aviation regulations, mandating compliance with Part 121 airline standards within 24 months of enactment. Key provisions include requirements for terrain awareness systems, cockpit and flight data recording, and the elimination of inconsistent exemptions by the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill also authorizes $50 million annually through 2030 for enforcement, oversight, and hiring additional safety inspectors, while excluding emergency medical services operations from these requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Interstate Ferry Fairness Act allows privately owned ferries and ferry terminals operating between two adjoining states to receive federal funding for construction and purchase. Under this legislation, private ferry operators can apply for federal assistance if the Secretary of Transportation determines the project provides substantial public benefits or meets surface transportation needs. The bill also permits privately owned ferries to charge fares that cover operational costs plus a reasonable rate of return approved by the Secretary. These changes expand eligibility for the Ferry Boat Program beyond publicly owned vessels, while maintaining oversight on fare structures and fund usage.

Maddy summaryThe Taxpayer Advocate Continuity Act allows the IRS and the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate to spend money before new funding is approved during government shutdowns to help taxpayers facing financial hardship caused by IRS actions or inaction. It also permits these agencies to use advance funds to comply with official Taxpayer Assistance Orders issued under existing tax laws. This provision ensures that vulnerable taxpayers can still receive critical support even when the federal government is not fully operational. The bill directly affects taxpayers who might otherwise be unable to access assistance during a lapse in appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands family leave protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act to include time off for employees when their son or daughter dies. It allows eligible workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within 12 months of the death, with provisions for using paid leave balances and requiring advance notice when the loss is foreseeable. The legislation also updates rules for civil service employees and establishes certification requirements that employers may request to verify the need for leave.