Rep. Shri Thanedar

Maddy summaryThe Read for Reentry Act of 2026 directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on library services within state and federal prisons. This report will examine who currently has access to these services, how they are funded, and the demographic characteristics of incarcerated individuals who use them. The study will also analyze specific outcomes related to recidivism, parole compliance, workforce placement, and disciplinary infractions for those released from facilities offering library programs. Ultimately, the bill aims to gather data to inform Congress about the current state and impact of prison libraries.

Maddy summaryThe Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act aims to reduce intimate partner homicides by strengthening federal laws that prevent abusers from accessing firearms while restraining orders are active. It expands the definition of "intimate partner" to include dating partners and clarifies that emergency or temporary restraining orders must also trigger gun restrictions. The bill requires courts to automatically issue firearm surrender orders when a protection order is granted, mandating that abusers turn in their guns within 24 hours and prohibiting them from buying new ones for the duration of the order. Additionally, the legislation creates a new grant program to help states and local governments implement these surrender procedures and partner with domestic violence service providers.

Maddy summaryThe Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2026 aims to address staffing shortages in public health by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to create model standards for credentialed environmental health workers and develop a strategic plan to train and retain them. This legislation directs the government to study best practices in six specific states regarding worker training and credentialing, while also expanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to include full-time employment as an environmental health worker. The bill defines environmental health workers as professionals who assess environmental hazards and enforce safety guidelines, ensuring that efforts to strengthen this workforce are based on concrete policy changes rather than speculation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally celebrates the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and honors the partnership between the United States and Canada. It recognizes the economic benefits expected for the Detroit metropolitan area, including improved freight efficiency and job growth, while acknowledging the bridge's role as a symbol of cooperation. The document does not enact new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial statement to acknowledge the project's completion and its positive impact on trade and community development.

Maddy summaryThe Green New Deal for Health Act establishes a comprehensive federal framework to address the health impacts of climate change by creating new offices, expanding funding, and mandating specific actions across the health care sector. It directly affects hospitals, medical facilities, health care workers, and communities, with a specific focus on protecting environmental justice and low-income populations from climate-related health risks. Key provisions include the creation of an Office of Climate Change and Health Equity to develop a national strategic plan, requirements for hospitals to provide extended notice before closing or reducing essential services, and significant grants to upgrade medical facilities for climate resilience. The bill also mandates that the health care sector reduce its own carbon emissions through new disclosure rules for medical supplies and grants for green manufacturing, while simultaneously funding education to train health professionals on climate-related health threats. Additionally, the legislation authorizes Medicare coverage for home resiliency services, such as heat pumps and solar batteries, for individuals at risk during climate disasters, and allocates billions of dollars to expand the community health workforce and support mental health resilience programs.

Maddy summaryThe Green New Deal for Public Schools Act directs over $700 billion in federal funding to public schools, prioritizing those serving the most vulnerable communities based on CDC social vulnerability rankings. The legislation establishes a new Office of Sustainable Schools and authorizes grants for "healthy green retrofits" that convert school buildings into zero-carbon facilities with clean air, water, and energy systems, while also providing funds to hire additional educators, mental health professionals, and support staff. Additionally, the bill mandates increased federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and creates a climate resiliency program that allows schools to function as community centers during natural disasters. All grant recipients must adhere to strict labor standards, including prevailing wage requirements, Buy American provisions, and local hiring goals that prioritize residents of the surrounding community.

Maddy summaryThe Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 2026 broadens eligibility for early childhood education services by including recipients of various public assistance programs, such as food stamps and Medicaid, in the definition of qualifying families. The bill authorizes $36 billion annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support these expanded operations and creates a separate grant program providing $1 billion per year until 2030 for agencies to repair or upgrade aging facilities with safety hazards. Additionally, the legislation establishes a loan forgiveness program that cancels federal student loans for childcare workers who complete three years of full-time service in Head Start or Early Head Start programs. Finally, it authorizes $6.8 billion annually through 2032 to provide salary supplements to Head Start employees, with funding allocated based on local wage gaps and cost-of-living factors.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Small Business Administration to create educational resources for small business owners and employees regarding their rights and responsibilities during immigration enforcement actions. The SBA must develop online modules, a physical card, and planning guides that explain how to respond to searches or arrests, including the constitutional right to remain silent and consult a lawyer. These materials will be made available in English and the 15 most commonly spoken languages in the U.S., with content reviewed by legal experts and government agencies to ensure accuracy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal protections and funding to expand access to in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination for individuals, military service members, and veterans. It requires most private health plans, Medicaid programs, and Medicare to cover these fertility treatments without imposing higher cost-sharing than other medical services. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs provide specific fertility preservation and treatment benefits to uniformed service members and eligible veterans. The bill also includes preemption clauses that override state laws restricting these procedures and prohibits discrimination based on marital status, sex, or sexual orientation in the provision of care.

Maddy summaryThis bill would invalidate a final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that rescinded the definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act. By declaring that the 2026 rule has no force or effect, the legislation aims to restore the previous legal interpretation of how actions can harm protected species. This change directly affects entities subject to the Endangered Species Act by reinstating the broader regulatory framework for protecting endangered and threatened wildlife.