Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks new U.S. defense export licenses to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or its government agencies. It prohibits the export of specific military equipment (listed in U.S. regulations) until the President certifies the UAE is not supplying military aid to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces. The restriction applies to defense articles covered under U.S. export rules, including weapons and related technology. The bill directly affects U.S. defense exporters and the UAE government's ability to obtain new military equipment from the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to transition its workforce from a special personnel management system to the standard federal personnel system under Title 5 of the U.S. Code by December 31, 2025. It protects TSA employees by ensuring no reduction in pay, benefits, or retirement rights during the transition, while preserving collective bargaining rights for screening agents. The legislation also mandates consultation with labor unions during the process and requires several reports on workforce issues including recruitment, harassment policies, and workplace safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing services for beneficiaries 65 and older (and some younger people with disabilities), effective January 1, 2026. It would provide 100% coverage for preventative dental services in 2026, with basic and major dental services gradually increasing to 80% coverage by 2029. Vision benefits would include 80% coverage for annual eye exams and specific limits on eyeglasses, frames, and contact lenses ($100 per year for lenses, $100 every two years for frames, $200 every two years for contacts). Hearing services would include 80% coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids, with a limit of one hearing aid per ear every 48 months. The bill also adds oral health professionals to the United States Preventive Services Task Force to help guide coverage decisions.

Maddy summaryThe Women's Retirement Protection Act aims to improve retirement security for women by requiring spousal consent for certain retirement plan distributions and beneficiary changes in defined contribution plans (like 401(k)s). It directly affects women participating in workplace retirement plans, particularly those in defined contribution plans who face greater financial vulnerability during divorce. Key provisions include adding "spousal consent requirements" to retirement plans to prevent unilateral decisions about retirement savings, creating grants for financial literacy programs for women, and providing assistance for low-income women and domestic violence survivors in obtaining retirement benefits through divorce. The bill addresses documented disparities where women's average Social Security benefit is $1,638 monthly compared to men's $2,020, and women aged 80+ have a higher poverty rate than men in the same age group.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts probationary periods for certain federal employees who were involuntarily separated between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029. It allows eligible employees (those separated while on probation in an Executive agency) to count their prior service time toward a new probationary period when rehired into a similar position with their former agency. Specifically, the new probation period equals the original required duration minus the time already served in their previous federal role. The law expires on January 20, 2029, and applies only to appointments matching the employee’s prior position.

American Teacher Act This bill establishes grants to increase the minimum salary of public elementary and secondary school teachers. It also authorizes a national campaign regarding the value of the teaching profession. First, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award four-year grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to establish a minimum annual salary of $60,000 (to be adjusted annually for inflation) for these teachers. Second, the bill directs ED to award grants to eligible SEAs to provide cost-of-living adjustments to the annual base salary of teachers. Finally, the bill authorizes ED to carry out a national campaign to (1) increase awareness about the importance of teachers and the value of the teaching profession, (2) encourage secondary school and college students to consider teaching as a professional career, and (3) diversify the pool of individuals who enter the teaching profession.

Maddy summaryThe Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025 prohibits the commercial import, sale, or distribution of kangaroos and kangaroo products (like leather goods) within the United States. It directly affects businesses or individuals engaged in importing or selling items made from the western grey kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, common wallaroo, or red kangaroo. Violations carry fines up to $10,000, up to one year in prison, or both, with each violation treated as a separate offense. The Secretary of Commerce will develop implementing regulations, effective 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 1939, the U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act, requires the U.S. government to develop a comprehensive strategy supporting peace in Sudan, including sanctions on individuals responsible for atrocities and restrictions on arms sales to entities supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The bill mandates reports on international crimes, violations of humanitarian aid access, and U.S. weapons used in Sudan, while directing the U.S. to advocate for unimpeded humanitarian access and support for Sudanese women and youth in peace processes. It establishes a Special Envoy for Sudan with a 5-year term and requires the President to impose sanctions on foreign persons who commit or enable genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in Sudan. The legislation prohibits the sale of major defense equipment to countries supporting the RSF or SAF, with limited waiver authority, directly affecting U.S. foreign policy implementation and humanitarian efforts in Sudan.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the calculation method for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for uniformed service members living off-base in the United States. It requires the Secretary of Defense to set BAH amounts based directly on the actual monthly cost of adequate housing in each area, matching the member's pay grade and dependency status. This change ensures BAH rates more accurately reflect local housing expenses rather than using a previous formula. The bill directly affects all service members receiving BAH for off-base housing across the U.S., particularly those in high-cost areas where current rates may not cover actual rent.

Maddy summaryHR 1918, the Farewell to Foam Act of 2025, prohibits the sale of most foam food containers, packaging peanuts, and foam coolers starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects restaurants, grocery stores, food vendors, manufacturers, and retailers who sell these items, excluding medical coolers used for drugs or medical products. The bill imposes escalating civil penalties for violations: $250 for the second offense, $500 for the third, and $1,000 for fourth or subsequent violations, with reduced penalties for small businesses under specific revenue thresholds. Enforcement is led by the EPA Administrator, with states allowed to enforce under federal guidelines.