Rep. Mark DeSaulnier

Maddy summaryHR 5711, the Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act, requires metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and state transportation agencies to publicly disclose how transportation projects are selected. It mandates that projects in adopted plans must be chosen using transparent criteria aligned with national goals and state priorities, with projects categorized by performance. If lower-ranked projects are included in priority lists, agencies must publicly explain the rationale, including factors like geographic balance or projects in economically distressed areas. This applies to metropolitan, statewide, and nonmetropolitan transportation planning under federal law. The bill directly affects MPOs and state DOTs responsible for developing transportation plans and improvement programs.

Maddy summaryHR 5720, the Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act of 2025, would provide reimbursement to federal employees who face a pay gap during a government funding lapse (starting October 1, 2025) while paying for childcare. It directly affects federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay during such a lapse. Employees would receive reimbursement for childcare costs if they provide documentation, such as receipts from a childcare provider, to the General Services Administration. This reimbursement is subject to available congressional appropriations and does not guarantee payment.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests (blood or biological tests analyzing cell-free DNA) starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries aged 68 and older (starting in 2028, with the age limit increasing by 1 year annually), requiring tests to be FDA-cleared and deemed reasonable/necessary by the Secretary for early cancer detection across multiple organ sites. Payment will initially match current stool DNA test rates before 2031, then shift to a lower rate or new payment system after 2031, with limits preventing more than one test per year. The bill explicitly states it does not alter coverage for existing cancer screenings like breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer tests.

Maddy summaryHRES 781 is a symbolic resolution designating October 1, 2025, as "National Animal Rescue Day" to raise public awareness about animal adoption and spaying/neutering. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but encourages nationwide events like adoption drives and educational campaigns to support shelters and reduce pet overpopulation. The resolution directly aims to benefit animal shelters, rescue organizations, and potential adopters by promoting the importance of adopting pets and responsible pet ownership. As a non-binding gesture, it focuses on awareness rather than policy change.

Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 This bill provides back pay to employees of federal contractors who lost pay due to a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown) in FY2026. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations for federal agencies that are subject to a lapse in appropriations in FY2026 to adjust the price of contracts to compensate federal contractors for providing back pay to employees who were affected by the lapse in appropriations.  The agencies must adjust the price of any contract for which the contractor stopped, suspended, delayed, or interrupted all or part of the work under the contract due to the lapse in appropriations. The price adjustment must compensate the contractor for reasonable costs incurred to (1) compensate employees who were furloughed or laid off, were not working, or experienced a reduction of hours or compensation due to the lapse in appropriations; or (2) restore paid leave taken by employees during the lapse in appropriations if the contractor required or permitted employees to use paid leave as a result of the lapse in appropriations. The maximum amount of weekly compensation of an employee for which an adjustment may be made under this bill may not exceed the lesser of (1) the employee's actual weekly compensation, or (2) $1,442 (or a lesser amount pro-rated for an employee who works less than 40 hours per week). The bill also requires the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to submit a report to Congress on the adjustments made under this bill.

Maddy summaryHR 5655, the "No Shame at School Act of 2025," requires schools to eliminate stigma around unpaid meal fees for students. It mandates that school districts automatically certify eligible students for free/reduced meals (replacing "may" with "shall"), prohibits physical segregation or public identification of students with unpaid fees (like special tokens or name lists), and bans withholding grades or activities due to meal debt. The bill also prevents schools from using debt collectors for meal fees and requires adjustments to past meal claims when eligibility is later confirmed. This directly affects schools, local educational agencies, and students from households with outstanding meal fees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns the use of federal regulatory agencies (like the FCC) or lawsuits to suppress lawful speech critical of political parties or the President, specifically referencing concerns about tactics mirroring authoritarian practices. It does not create new laws but formally warns that such actions undermine First Amendment protections and democratic norms. The resolution directly affects media organizations, journalists, and public discourse by calling on government agencies to avoid using their power for political retaliation. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to protecting free expression and urges officials to refrain from pressuring media to silence criticism.

Maddy summaryThe Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2025 requires companies that deploy complex AI systems making significant decisions (such as those affecting education, employment, healthcare, or financial services) to conduct impact assessments and submit annual reports to the Federal Trade Commission. It applies to companies with over $50 million in annual revenue or those handling information about more than 1 million consumers. Companies must assess potential negative impacts on consumers, including bias, privacy risks, and fairness concerns, and document their findings. The FTC will maintain a public repository of anonymized information from these reports to inform consumers and researchers about how AI systems are being used.

Maddy summaryHRES 746 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning all political violence - including attacks on elected officials, candidates, and public figures - and rejecting rhetoric that dehumanizes opponents. It specifically urges law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such violence, calls on public officials and media to avoid inflammatory language, and references recent incidents like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk and targeted shootings of Minnesota legislators. The resolution does not create new laws but formally expresses the House’s commitment to protecting public servants and promoting peaceful political discourse. It directly affects the House’s public stance and serves as a call to action for officials, media, and communities to foster civil engagement.

Maddy summaryThe Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025 requires U.S. colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to create and distribute clear anti-harassment policies covering harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, or religion. These policies must explicitly prohibit harassment in all settings - including online, on campus, off-campus housing, and during school-sponsored activities - and outline reporting procedures and support services for victims. The bill also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund schools developing prevention programs, victim support services, or staff/student training on recognizing and addressing harassment. Grants are competitive, require annual reporting on effectiveness, and must be used to improve existing efforts without replacing existing civil rights laws like Title IX.