Rep. Ted Lieu

Maddy summaryHR 4440, the *Protecting Federal Employee Rights to Personnel Files Act of 2025*, requires federal agencies to provide current and former employees with copies of their official personnel files. Current employees must receive copies within seven days of requesting them, while employees who separated after the law's enactment get copies within seven days of separation. Former employees who separated before the law's enactment must receive copies within 21 days of requesting them from the Office of Personnel Management. The bill mandates these copies be provided in both electronic and physical formats, directly affecting all federal workers seeking access to their personnel records.

Maddy summaryThe Child Care for Working Families Act creates a federal program to provide affordable, high-quality child care for working families with children under age 6. It would provide direct child care assistance through certificates or grants to parents, with no copayment required for families at or below 85% of state median income. The program requires states to implement quality standards for child care providers, including a tiered quality system and minimum wage requirements for staff (at least a living wage equivalent to elementary educators). The bill appropriates $20 billion for the program over five years, with additional funding for quality improvement initiatives and universal preschool services.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding House resolution (HRES 577) demands that the current administration immediately release all unclassified federal documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs, correspondence, and evidence. It specifically requires the release of materials involving Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and known associates, with redactions only to protect minor victims' identities and ongoing prosecutions. The resolution also calls for the Department of Justice and FBI to submit a report on any delays or evidence suppression related to the case. As a resolution, it does not create new law but serves as a formal congressional demand for transparency regarding Epstein-related investigations.

Maddy summaryHR 4382 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics/Paralympics and 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics/Paralympics. It specifies gold, silver, and half-dollar coin designs with defined mintage limits (e.g., up to 100,000 $5 gold coins for each event), all bearing inscriptions like "2028" or "2034" and standard coin features. A surcharge ($5-$50 per coin) is added to sales, with all funds directed to the respective Olympic committees to support event hosting and legacy programs like youth sports. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring surcharge revenues to cover all design, production, and marketing expenses before funds are disbursed.

Maddy summaryHR 4339, the Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act, establishes a grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to fund renewable energy projects in U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands). Eligible non-profits can use grants to develop solar/wind systems, improve energy efficiency, build energy storage, create microgrids (localized power systems that operate independently from the main grid), or train residents in renewable energy. The bill prohibits using funds for fossil fuel or nuclear projects and requires the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance. It also mandates a GAO study on renewable energy potential in territories and annual reports on program outcomes.

Maddy summaryHR 4338, the Weather-Safe Energy Act of 2025, directs the Department of Energy to create and maintain a free online tool called the Weather-Safe Energy Platform. This platform will provide electricity utilities, grid operators, and regulators with high-resolution weather and hydrological data - showing how patterns change over time and location - to improve planning for extreme events like hurricanes or wildfires. The bill requires the tool to include historical data, projections, stakeholder input, and research findings on extreme weather impacts, with technical assistance training provided to users. The platform must be launched within two years of the bill's enactment, and the Department will report on its use and effectiveness to Congress every three years.

Maddy summaryHR 4343, the United States-Greece Security Cooperation Reporting Act, requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress within 120 days of enactment detailing U.S.-Greece security cooperation. The report must cover U.S. military activities and investments under the 2021 Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, future infrastructure needs at bases like Alexandroupolis, potential for additional bases (including Greek islands), and assessment of existing security cooperation mandates. This procedural bill does not create new policy but mandates a formal review for congressional oversight. It directly affects U.S. defense planning and congressional decision-making regarding military engagement with Greece.

Maddy summaryThe Clean Shipping Act of 2025 sets new federal standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial shipping in U.S. waters. It requires vessels over 400 gross tons operating on covered voyages (between U.S. ports or U.S. ports and foreign ports) to gradually lower the carbon intensity of their fuel, aiming for 100% reduction by 2050 through phased targets (e.g., 30% reduction by 2030, 58% by 2034). Ship owners must report annual fuel carbon intensity and emissions data, while the EPA must develop consistent reporting methods aligned with international standards. The law applies directly to commercial shipping companies operating eligible vessels and includes flexibility for feasibility adjustments if technological or economic challenges arise.

Maddy summaryThe Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to eliminate helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft use in rounding up wild horses and burros over a two-year phase-out period. It mandates that any remaining aircraft used for these operations must have cameras recording the process, with footage made public in BLM reports. The bill addresses findings that helicopter roundups cost taxpayers over $69.5 million since 2012 and that the BLM spends less than 1% of its budget on fertility controls - a more humane, cost-effective alternative. The legislation also directs the Government Accountability Office to report on humane alternatives, job opportunities, and aircraft impacts on horse populations within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 564 is a non-binding House resolution calling on the U.S. government to prioritize the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia before any peace agreement is finalized. It cites 19,546 confirmed reports of unlawful child deportations to Russia or occupied territories as of April 2025, noting only 1,274 have been returned. The resolution condemns Russia's actions as violations of the Geneva Convention and Genocide Convention, including forced adoptions and Russification policies. It urges that all abducted children be returned prior to concluding peace talks, emphasizing this as a necessary condition for a just resolution to the war. The resolution does not create new law but expresses congressional position on a key issue in U.S. diplomatic efforts.