Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

Maddy summaryThe SIMPLE Act requires the Department of Education to automatically enroll borrowers who are at least 75 days delinquent on federal student loans into the income-driven repayment plan that offers them the lowest monthly payment. To facilitate this, the bill authorizes the use of IRS tax return data to determine a borrower's income and family size without requiring additional action from the borrower, provided they have approved such disclosure or are applying for loan rehabilitation. The legislation also establishes specific notification procedures at 31 days of delinquency and mandates that borrowers rehabilitating defaulted loans be placed in the most favorable repayment plan after making their ninth required payment. These automatic enrollment provisions take effect on July 1, 2028, while changes allowing borrowers to switch between repayment plans become effective immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Public Transit Mental Health Awareness Act requires public transit agencies that receive federal assistance to display information about the national suicide prevention hotline in areas visible to passengers. This information must state that the service is free, confidential, and available around the clock. Agencies can meet this requirement by placing the notice on all their vehicles or in all their transit facilities, provided it does not block existing revenue-generating advertising space. The law includes a provision allowing agencies to remain compliant if they make reasonable efforts to restore displays that are damaged or removed, with the mandate taking effect one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe HEIRS Act of 2025 establishes two grant programs to help homeowners with "heirs' property" - residential land held by multiple heirs without clear title due to intestacy. It provides $30 million annually (2026-2036) to states/local governments that adopt the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, funding title documentation, legal fees, and estate planning. An additional $10 million annually (2026-2030) supports HUD-approved housing counselors and legal services to assist low- and moderate-income minority homeowners in clearing title and retaining homes. The bill requires grantees to prioritize neighborhoods with high concentrations of affected residents and includes mandatory education about heirs' property risks and solutions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating September 2026 as "Peace Month" in recognition of the United Nations' International Day of Peace. It calls on Congress to take action to promote peace both domestically and internationally. The bill does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups but serves as a symbolic statement of legislative intent.

Maddy summaryThe High School Voter Empowerment Act of 2026 requires all public high schools in the United States to be designated as voter registration agencies under federal law. Schools must conduct at least one voter registration drive each academic year, with a specific goal of registering eligible students who are at least 17 years old and enrolled in American Government or Economics classes. To support these efforts, the Department of Education would establish a grant program that reimburses schools for the reasonable costs associated with running these drives. Additionally, state election officials may provide voting machines to schools upon request for use in student council elections.

Maddy summaryThe Care is an Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Act amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to require that local economic development plans include strategies for increasing access to affordable, quality care-based services. These services specifically include child care, early childhood education, disability and long-term care, and elder care. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to issue implementation guidance within one year of enactment to help grant recipients integrate these requirements into their existing plans. To minimize administrative burden, communities with previously approved development strategies are only required to update their plans for compliance during their next regularly scheduled revision cycle.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes August as Chicano/Chicana Heritage Month to celebrate the historical contributions of Mexican Americans to the United States. It highlights specific achievements in science, civil rights, labor, and arts, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as discrimination and underrepresentation in public and private sectors. The bill encourages the observation of this month through appropriate events and activities but does not create new laws or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThe AI Advertising Disclosure Act requires companies operating AI chatbots and generative search features with over 50,000 monthly users to clearly disclose when their responses are influenced by paid partnerships or commercial arrangements. These disclosures must be visible without scrolling, use plain language, and identify the specific nature of the sponsorship, while also prohibiting AI systems from denying they are artificial or hiding sponsored content behind organic-looking answers. The bill grants the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules and allows state attorneys general and private individuals to sue for violations, with potential penalties including triple damages for willful misconduct.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating August 22, 2026, as "Chuck Brown Day" in honor of his legacy as a musician and resident of the District of Columbia. The bill highlights Chuck Brown's role as the "Godfather of Go-Go," a genre that blends funk, soul, and Latin sounds, which has become the official music of the District. It notes his significant contributions to the local culture, including his influence on other artists and his advocacy for statehood and voting rights for D.C. residents. The House formally recognizes his life's work and the existing tributes in his name, such as a named street and park within the city.

Maddy summaryThe Stamps for Staying Connected Act of 2026 requires the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide postage stamps to inmates who lack funds or sufficient postage and wish to send mail. This provision applies to all types of correspondence, including legal matters and administrative filings. To prevent abuse, such as trading stamps among prisoners, the bill limits distribution to five first-class domestic stamps per week for general use. However, this weekly cap does not apply to stamps needed for legal proceedings or administrative remedy filings.