Rep. Julie Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as TREY's Law, aims to make nondisclosure clauses in contracts void and unenforceable if they prevent the reporting of sexual abuse involving minors. It directly affects victims of such abuse, their families, and anyone with knowledge of the abuse by allowing them to disclose these incidents without fear of civil liability. The law applies retroactively to agreements made before or after its passage and overrides any state laws that allow the enforcement of these specific clauses. While it invalidates clauses that silence abuse details, it permits parties to keep confidential other settlement terms like payment amounts, provided this does not stop the disclosure of the abuse itself.

Maddy summaryThis legislation establishes a new Commission on Americans Living Abroad within the executive branch to study the impact of federal laws on U.S. citizens residing overseas. The ten-member commission will be appointed by the President and tasked with examining issues such as tax compliance, access to federal benefits, and voting rights for Americans living abroad. Within one year of enactment, the commission must submit a report to Congress and the President containing findings and recommendations to reduce regulatory burdens on Americans living abroad. The commission is authorized to operate for two years with a funding allocation of $2 million before it terminates.

Maddy summaryThe USA 6G Global Leadership Act directs the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies to develop strategies for U.S. global leadership in 6G telecommunications technology. It mandates the Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy to coordinate U.S. diplomatic efforts at upcoming international telecommunications conferences, consulting with the private sector and reporting to Congress. The bill also authorizes the Secretary of State to fund projects in developing countries that promote connectivity using trusted U.S. or allied telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, it requires reports on a comprehensive U.S. 6G dominance strategy and on efforts by China and Russia to influence international telecommunications standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to require the Under Secretary for Industry and Security to consider whether a license application represents the first export authorization for an item to a specific buyer. It mandates that if an initial license is granted, the agency must promptly process any subsequent applications from other parties seeking to export similar items to the same buyer. The legislation also requires annual reports to Congress detailing the number of initial licenses issued, information about competing applications, and explanations for why initial licenses were granted despite other requests. These changes aim to increase transparency in export licensing procedures while maintaining flexibility for national security and foreign policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThe BIS STRENGTH Act allows the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to hire up to 25 outside experts in critical technology and security fields without following standard civil service hiring rules. These experts can be appointed to positions with pay up to the maximum for senior government roles (capped at Vice President-level compensation) for up to 5 years, extendable by 1 year for national security needs. The bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing hiring gaps, appointments, and impacts on BIS's mission. It includes strict limits on the total number of such hires and mandates continued employment for existing appointees if the program ends.

Stop Stealing our Chips Act This bill creates a whistleblower incentive program and establishes whistleblower protections for individuals who provide information to the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) related to violations of U.S. export control laws.  Currently, BIS administers and enforces controls on the export of dual-use goods (e.g., items with both civilian and military uses) and certain military parts and components. These export controls are implemented primarily under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA) through the Export Administration Regulations. Under the bill, BIS must establish a whistleblower incentive program to reward individuals who voluntarily report original information that results in BIS (1) imposing fines under ECRA on persons that violate, attempt to violate, conspire to violate, or cause a violation of ECRA or any related regulation, order, license, or authorization; or (2) requiring the forfeiture of property that results in net proceeds. Additionally, BIS must establish a secure online portal for whistleblowers to report violations of ECRA. The bill outlines requirements for BIS to review, investigate, and provide status updates related to these reports. The bill requires BIS to pay an award to certain whistleblowers who voluntarily reported original information that led to the imposition of a fine under ECRA. The bill establishes the Export Compliance Accountability Fund for paying these awards and funding related activities. The bill also sets forth whistleblower protections by (1) prohibiting employers from impeding communication or retaliating against individuals who act as whistleblowers, and (2) establishing confidentiality requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 5543, the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, requires the U.S. State and Defense Departments to submit a report within 180 days of enactment. The report will assess emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, including the roles of Russia, Belarus, China, Iran, and other actors. It will also evaluate U.S. and NATO military presence in the region, opportunities for defense cooperation, and recommendations to strengthen deterrence, cybersecurity, and democratic resilience in the Baltic countries. This bill directly affects U.S. foreign policy and defense planning regarding the Baltics, but does not create new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to help vulnerable mothers and babies in areas with high climate-related health risks, such as extreme heat and air pollution. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to award up to $105 million over four years to community groups, healthcare providers, and local organizations for initiatives that provide cooling resources, health education, and support services. The program prioritizes areas with high rates of maternal and infant health disparities and requires grantees to address racial and ethnic inequities. Additionally, the bill creates a research consortium at the National Institutes of Health to study climate impacts on birth outcomes and funds training programs for health profession schools to better prepare providers for these risks.

Maddy summaryThe Improving Access to Financial Coaching Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to support financial coaching services for individuals and households, particularly those with low and moderate incomes, racial and ethnic minorities, and residents of rural areas. Administered by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Consumer Policy, the program awards grants to eligible nonprofit organizations, community development financial institutions, and minority depository institutions. These funds are intended to help recipients provide or subgrant financial coaching services to improve consumer financial well-being, manage debt, and build savings. Additionally, the bill directs the Treasury to develop standardized practices for certifying financial coaches and the agencies that employ them, aiming to enhance service quality. The act authorizes $100 million for appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to fund these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative bill designed to improve maternal health outcomes across the United States by addressing social determinants of health, expanding access to care, and reducing disparities among pregnant and postpartum individuals. The bill establishes a federal task force to coordinate efforts between agencies and stakeholders to eliminate preventable maternal mortality and severe morbidity, while providing sustained funding to community-based organizations to address nonclinical factors like housing, nutrition, and transportation. Key provisions include extending WIC eligibility to 24 months postpartum, creating grants to grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, implementing respectful maternity care training for all healthcare employees, and establishing compliance programs to track and address bias in maternity care settings. The legislation also includes specific measures for incarcerated mothers, veterans, and vulnerable populations affected by climate change, alongside funding for maternal mental health services and technology-enabled care models to expand access in underserved areas.