Rep. William R. Keating

Maddy summaryThe NOPE Act of 2026 expands the congressional review process for U.S. sanctions targeting Russia, specifically adding energy-related actions to the list of measures that require legislative approval. Under this bill, the government must wait for a specific certification from the Secretary of State confirming that Russia has ended its war in Ukraine and committed to a just peace settlement before taking certain actions against Russian crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or other energy exports. The legislation also allows for limited exceptions during this review period to permit energy shipments necessary for crew safety, emergency repairs, environmental protection, or urgent economic needs in foreign countries.

Maddy summaryThis resolution is a procedural step that allows the House of Representatives to immediately begin debating a separate bill, H.R. 7016. The underlying bill would ban the use of federal funds for any military invasion of NATO countries and their territories. To ensure the debate happens smoothly, the resolution waives most standard rules and limits discussion to one hour of debate and one motion to recommit. It also specifies how amendments to the bill will be handled during the consideration process.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating the fourth Sunday in June as "National Learn to Swim Week" to raise awareness about water safety. The bill highlights statistics from the CDC showing that drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and notes that formal swimming lessons can significantly reduce drowning risks. It emphasizes the need to address disparities in swimming skills across different communities and encourages governments and schools to promote access to swimming lessons and integrate water safety education. While the measure does not create new laws or funding, it serves as a formal statement of intent to encourage action on drowning prevention and aquatic safety.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating June as Portuguese National Heritage Month to honor the contributions of Portuguese Americans to the United States. It highlights the community's historical impact in areas such as maritime industries, agriculture, education, and public service, while also noting their role in strengthening transatlantic relations. The measure urges Americans to observe the month with programs that celebrate Portuguese culture and heritage, particularly around the annual Dia de Portugal celebration on June 10.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates the existing National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund as the America's Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance on federal lands. It directs revenue from recreation fees and a portion of energy development income into the fund, which must be used primarily for repairing critical infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings managed by agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The legislation establishes strict rules requiring that most funds go toward non-transportation projects, mandates transparency through public dashboards tracking project status, and sets aside a small percentage for matching private donations. Additionally, the bill increases entrance fees for foreign visitors to ensure they contribute to the fund, while prohibiting the use of these specific funds for land acquisition or employee bonuses.

Maddy summaryThe Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to increase financial aid for college students by raising the maximum Pell Grant amount to $15,000 by the 2031-2032 award year and ensuring the program is fully funded through mandatory spending rather than annual appropriations. The bill also expands eligibility for students who receive means-tested government benefits by automatically assigning them a lower financial need score, while simultaneously allowing Dreamer students - undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria such as graduating high school or serving in the military - to qualify for federal aid. Additional provisions restore the total number of semesters a student can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and adjust the rules for satisfactory academic progress to reduce penalties for students who struggle to meet grade requirements. Finally, the legislation restores Pell Grant eligibility for some students who previously received outside scholarships and sets the law's effective date for July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 strengthens protections for veterans by imposing stricter penalties on individuals who charge unauthorized fees for helping with benefits claims and requiring that only accredited representatives or those under their supervision provide such assistance. Key provisions include creating an online searchable list of recognized and suspended agents, mandating warnings on Department websites about potential predatory practices, and adding questions to claim forms to identify anyone who charged fees for coaching or filing assistance. The bill also updates federal laws to prohibit the use of automated telephone equipment for making repeated calls to federal agencies and requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a more accessible digital system for recognizing representatives and processing complaints. Additionally, the Department must conduct a review of its current regulations regarding representation and report its findings to Congress within 180 days of the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities to honor the legacy of the poet Luís Vaz de Camões and celebrate Portuguese heritage. It acknowledges the contributions of the approximately 1.3 million Portuguese Americans living in the United States and highlights the long-standing diplomatic friendship between the two nations. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to reaffirm the partnership between the U.S. and Portugal, particularly noting Portugal's role in the America250 celebration.

Maddy summaryHR 5408, the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requires employers to begin negotiating a first contract with a newly certified union within 10 days of written request. If no agreement is reached within 90 days, the parties must seek mediation, and if unresolved after 30 days of mediation, the dispute moves to binding arbitration by a three-member panel. The arbitration decision, based on factors like employer finances, industry standards, and cost of living, becomes binding for two years. This bill directly affects newly certified unions and their employers during initial contract negotiations, aiming to reduce delays that currently average 465 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Commerce and State Departments to develop strategies preventing U.S. and allied technology exports to Iran for drone production. It specifically targets microchips, GPS modules, and other critical components (like microcontrollers and voltage regulators) used in Iranian drones that have been linked to attacks in Ukraine and against Israel via groups like Hamas. The strategy must identify U.S. and foreign manufacturers, track third-party distributors circumventing controls, and coordinate with allies to block these exports. It directly affects U.S. technology companies, global distributors, and foreign partners whose exports could enable Iran's drone program. The bill aims to disrupt technology flows supporting Iranian drones used in conflicts without making speculative claims about outcomes.