Rep. Bryan Steil

Maddy summaryHRES 1007 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' view on artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services and housing. It highlights AI's current uses - like mortgage underwriting, fraud detection, and compliance - and identifies concerns including risks of algorithmic bias, challenges for small financial institutions, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The resolution directs the House Financial Services Committee to lead policy discussions, ensure anti-discrimination laws apply to AI, support smaller institutions, and promote innovation while safeguarding consumers. It does not create new laws but urges oversight and regulatory coordination to address AI's evolving role in these sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that U.S. Representatives and Senators have their pay withheld for each day a government shutdown occurs during their pay period. If a shutdown happens, Congress's payroll office would withhold an amount equal to one day's salary for each full day of the shutdown, either reducing the current pay or holding funds in a special account until after the November 2026 election (for shutdowns before that date). The law applies to all federal agency shutdowns and specifies that withheld funds must be released to members on the 2026 election date to comply with constitutional pay protections. It takes effect for shutdowns occurring after the 2026 election.

Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 This bill imposes sanctions on certain foreign persons (individuals and entities) that are involved in Iran's petroleum sector as well as certain associated persons. The bill also requires or authorizes actions to facilitate the enforcement of sanctions on Iran. Specifically, the bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person that, after the bill's enactment, knowingly engages in any transaction related to the processing, export, or sale of oil, condensates, gas, liquefied natural gas, or other petrochemical products in whole or in part from Iran. The President must also impose sanctions on certain foreign persons associated with a sanctioned individual or entity. For example, the President must sanction the subsidiaries and corporate officers of a sanctioned business. The bill provides certain exceptions to these sanctions, including specifying that sanctions do not apply to the importation of goods or to conducting or facilitating transactions for humanitarian assistance. The Department of State must establish an interagency working group that shall seek to establish a multilateral contact group to coordinate international efforts to enforce sanctions on Iran. The bill expands the State Department rewards program to authorize a reward payment to any individual who furnishes information leading to the identification of a person (1) subject to sanctions under this bill, or (2) that has attempted or is attempting to evade sanctions under this bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the State Veterans Homes Inspection Simplification Act, would allow certain State Veterans Homes that are already certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be automatically considered compliant with Medicare and Medicaid nursing home standards. Under this proposal, facilities meeting specific VA inspection and certification requirements would not need to undergo separate reviews by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reducing duplication of effort. The legislation maintains oversight by requiring the VA to submit its inspection standards for review every two years, allowing CMS to conduct targeted surveys or complaints investigations, and mandating public reporting of inspection data on the Nursing Home Care Compare website. A Government Accountability Office report would be required three years after enactment to evaluate the bill's impact on survey efficiency, enforcement outcomes, and resident care quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the No Free Rides Act of 2026, would prohibit federal public transportation funding recipients from offering universal free fare policies that allow all riders to use transit services without paying. The law would still permit targeted fare policies that provide free or reduced-cost rides for specific groups such as seniors, low-income riders, students, or employees with employer-paid agreements. Additionally, the Secretary of Transportation could grant waivers if a transit agency can demonstrate a dedicated non-federal revenue source to support universal free fare programs. The measure directly affects public transportation agencies that receive federal assistance under Title 49 of the United States Code.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1063) is a symbolic measure designating February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to recognize the importance of career and technical education (CTE) programs. It does not create new policies or funding but formally supports CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand jobs by encouraging educators and parents to promote CTE as a valid educational pathway. The resolution references CTE's alignment with workforce needs and cites bipartisan support from past legislation like the 2018 Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act. It affects no specific individuals or programs, serving only as a non-binding statement of support.

Maddy summaryThe SCAM Act requires online platforms that display paid advertisements (like social media sites) to verify advertiser identities, implement scam detection systems, and remove fraudulent ads within 24 hours of confirmation. It directly affects platforms that accept payment for ads, targeting scams such as fake giveaways, romance scams, and AI impersonations that cost consumers $195 billion in 2024 (per FTC data). Key mechanisms include mandatory identity checks for advertisers, active monitoring systems, and a 72-hour investigation window for reported scams. The law aims to reduce fraud by shifting responsibility to platforms, with enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames "Apostle Islands National Lakeshore" as "Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve," creating two distinct areas within the same unit. The Park (with stricter rules) prohibits hunting/trapping except under tribal agreements, while the Preserve maintains existing hunting, fishing, and trapping rules from before the bill. Boundaries are defined by a specific map, and the National Park Service must add interpretive signage about regional history and tribal connections at visitor centers. Tribal treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather remain fully protected under this law.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents state or local governments from banning or restricting energy connections (like installation, modification, or access) based on the type or source of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, or renewable fuels. It directly affects consumers choosing energy providers and energy companies seeking to offer services. The key provision prohibits local laws, regulations, or policies that limit energy services sold in interstate commerce, covering all energy types listed in the bill’s definitions. It does not create new programs but limits regulatory authority at the state or local level. The law aims to ensure open access to diverse energy sources without source-based restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe Make Elections Great Again Act (HR 7300) would require voters to present photo identification to cast ballots in person or by mail for federal elections, with limited exceptions for religious objections or military voters. It would establish new requirements for proving U.S. citizenship during voter registration, including documentary proof of citizenship and proof of state residency. The bill would change mail-in ballot procedures by requiring voters to request mail-in ballots (rather than universal mail-in voting), implementing barcode tracking for mail-in ballots, and setting strict deadlines for ballot receipt. These provisions would apply to all states for federal elections held in 2027 or later, affecting how voters register, vote in person, and submit mail-in ballots for federal office elections.