Rep. Diana DeGette

Maddy summaryThe KIDS Act restricts U.S. immigration authorities from detaining children, individuals with cognitive disabilities, and their primary caregivers, with limited exceptions for criminal warrants. It also prohibits law enforcement from conducting immigration actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and disaster relief sites. If a violation occurs, the bill mandates the immediate release of wrongfully detained individuals and bars the use of information gathered during illegal enforcement actions in future court cases. Additionally, the law requires that any necessary detentions be reported to Congress within 24 hours and prioritizes placing children with parents or designated guardians.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, restricts the construction of large triumphal arches in the Washington, D.C. area to preserve visual sightlines. It specifically bans the building of any such arches within Lady Bird Johnson Park and prohibits the use of federal funds for these structures there. Additionally, the law prevents the erection of triumphal arches taller than 50 feet on any land managed by the National Park Service unless Congress explicitly approves them. These measures aim to limit new monumental structures that could obstruct views of the Arlington National Cemetery from the capital region.

Maddy summaryThe Stay Cool Act establishes a comprehensive framework to help communities prepare for and respond to extreme heat events by creating cooling centers, improving housing conditions, and enhancing urban infrastructure. It directs federal funding to states and local governments to build and equip cooling facilities, install air conditioning in public housing, and develop green spaces and water features to lower temperatures. The bill also creates a national system to track heat-related health risks, mandates checks on vulnerable seniors during heatwaves, and allows tax credits for businesses that keep their doors open during heat emergencies. Additionally, it requires updates to utility assistance programs to account for cooling costs and calls for studies on heat-related mortality and safe residential temperature standards.

Maddy summaryThe SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act of 2026 directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to launch a national public awareness campaign focused on type 1 diabetes detection, screening, and management. This initiative will provide written materials and public service announcements across various media platforms, including social media and television, while consulting with health organizations, schools, and community groups to ensure the content is culturally and linguistically appropriate. The bill authorizes $5 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to fund grants for nonprofit entities and state or local health departments to distribute these resources and increase screening access in communities with high incidence rates. Additionally, the law requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing the campaign's activities and its impact on diabetes detection and management.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the No Presidential Self-Serving Lawsuits Act of 2026, prevents the current or former President of the United States from filing civil lawsuits against the federal government. It specifically invalidates an existing settlement agreement between a former President and the Internal Revenue Service and bars the use of federal funds to create compensation for such lawsuits. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Treasury Secretary to recover any money already spent in violation of these new restrictions. The primary goal is to stop a President from using taxpayer money to settle legal disputes with the government they lead.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins must feature designs honoring victims and first responders (including the inscription "Never Forget") and will be sold only during 2027-2028. All surcharges ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin) collected from sales will fund the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, with no net cost to the federal government. The coins are legal tender but primarily intended for collectors, not circulation.

Maddy summaryThe Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act authorizes the creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women’s history, to be located within the National Mall Reserve in Washington, D.C. If the site is managed by another federal agency, the bill requires that agency to transfer the land after notifying Congress and relevant committees. The museum must ensure exhibits and programs accurately represent diverse women’s experiences by consulting a broad range of experts and community voices. The Smithsonian will submit biennial reports to Congress detailing how the museum meets these representation standards.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed after the law takes effect. It also requires that individuals currently sentenced to death under federal law be resentenced to a different punishment. This legislation directly affects the federal criminal justice system by eliminating capital punishment as a sentencing option.

Maddy summaryThe No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal money to pay specific settlements involving high-ranking government officials and their close associates. It bars payments to the President, Vice President, their immediate families, cabinet members, senior executive staff, political appointees, and individuals connected to these roles, as well as any entity owned by the President or Vice President. Additionally, the bill restricts settlements related to claims about the January 6 Capitol attack, foreign election interference, or previously dismissed lawsuits, while requiring Treasury reports for large settlements and allowing the government to seek repayment if rules are broken.

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.