Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez

Maddy summaryHRES 238 is a non-binding House resolution expressing the House's position that every person has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care during medical emergencies. It does not create new laws or alter existing regulations but formally states the House's view that abortion restrictions in emergencies endanger patients' health and lives. The resolution specifically highlights how current abortion bans put pregnant people at risk during life-threatening conditions like hemorrhage or infection, disproportionately impacting Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, and low-income individuals. It serves as a symbolic statement opposing policies that restrict emergency reproductive care access.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated Inspector General (IG) position specifically for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). It clarifies that the OMB IG's oversight authority is limited to matters explicitly assigned by law, preventing broader jurisdiction. The President must appoint this IG within 120 days of the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects OMB's internal oversight structure and the new IG's defined role, with no direct impact on the public or other agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases livestock indemnity payments to 100% of market value for losses caused by Mexican gray wolf attacks, replacing previous partial reimbursement rates. It also establishes annual emergency relief funds for livestock producers affected by wolf depredations, using a formula based on herd size, historical attack data, management cost increases, birth rate declines, and prevention practices. The relief program requires the Secretary to develop a distribution formula within 180 days and submit annual reports to Congress. These provisions directly affect ranchers and livestock producers in states with Mexican gray wolf populations who experience wolf-related losses.

Maddy summaryHR 2135, the Caza Ranches LLC and Department of Homeland Security Land Exchange Act of 2025, authorizes a land swap between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Caza Ranches LLC in Artesia, New Mexico. DHS will convey approximately 160 acres of federal land (Parcel 4-149-096-266-460) to Caza Ranches LLC, while Caza Ranches will transfer its 160-acre parcel (Parcel 4-147-097-132-132) to DHS. The exchange is structured as an equal-value swap, with costs shared equally and the land to be used by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) for expanding training facilities. This procedural bill directly affects only DHS and Caza Ranches LLC, with no broader policy impact.

Maddy summaryHRES 216 is a resolution condemning the leadership of the House Republican Conference for allowing a social media post that falsely questioned the immigration status and patriotism of Congressman Adriano Espaillat (Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus). The resolution specifically names House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and other top Republican leaders as responsible for the post. It characterizes the post as xenophobic and inappropriate, stating such rhetoric violates the standards of conduct expected of members of Congress.

Maddy summaryHRES 218 is a resolution recognizing and honoring teachers who have earned or maintained National Board Certification as of March 2025. It specifically honors approximately 141,464 certified teachers nationwide, acknowledges their contributions to student learning (including research showing improved outcomes for students), and encourages school districts and states to support more teachers in pursuing this certification. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for educators meeting rigorous teaching standards.

Maddy summaryThe Access to Family Building Act establishes legal rights for individuals seeking fertility care and health care providers offering assisted reproductive technology (ART) services. It prohibits states or localities from imposing unreasonable restrictions on ART access - such as excessive costs, health barriers, or arbitrary limitations - that don’t advance safety or health outcomes. The bill allows patients, providers, or insurers to sue to enforce these rights, while explicitly preserving state health/safety regulations that protect patient safety. It does not override existing state insurance laws or require changes to medical facility safety standards. This bill directly affects patients pursuing fertility treatment, fertility clinics, and health insurers covering ART services.

Maddy summaryHR 2029, the "Stop Comstock Act," amends federal obscenity laws to remove outdated restrictions on abortion and contraception. It deletes references to "indecent" materials and abortion-related language from Title 18 (e.g., removing "or means for procuring abortion" from section 552 and revising definitions in sections 1461 and 1462). The bill clarifies that federal law does not prohibit the distribution of materials related to abortion or contraceptives, updating how "obscene" is defined. These changes directly affect federal enforcement of obscenity laws, particularly regarding medical information and devices. The bill focuses on modernizing statutory language to align with current legal standards for protected speech and healthcare access.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.

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.