Rep. Debbie Dingell

Maddy summaryThe Problem Solvers Independent Commissions Act would require all states to draw their congressional district maps through independent commissions rather than state legislatures, starting with the redistricting cycle following the 2030 census. These commissions would be composed of an equal number of members from the two largest political parties and unaffiliated citizens, selected through a random process that allows legislative leaders to remove up to 20 percent of applicants from each group. The bill mandates that commission members complete training on redistricting law and ethics, hold public meetings, and avoid private communications with elected officials or lobbyists while developing maps. If a state's commission fails to enact a final plan before the candidate filing deadline, the existing districts would remain in place for up to eight weeks before the state's highest court appoints special masters to draw the map, explicitly barring the legislature from intervening.

Maddy summaryThe Problem Solvers MAPS Act requires states to draw congressional districts that are contiguous, compact in shape, and nearly equal in population. It prohibits mapmakers from creating boundaries intended to advantage or disadvantage specific candidates, incumbents, or political parties. Additionally, the law mandates that state officials consider preserving existing political subdivisions like counties, cities, and tribal land boundaries when establishing new districts. These rules apply to any congressional district created on or after the date the act is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThe Problem Solvers TRUST Act would prohibit states from changing their U.S. House of Representatives district maps during the ten-year period following a census, unless a court orders new lines to comply with federal or state constitutional requirements. If such a court order is issued, the state must make changes that result in the smallest possible alteration to the existing map. The bill also sets a one-year deadline for filing legal challenges against a redistricting plan after it becomes law. These rules would apply to congressional redistricting occurring after the November 2032 federal elections and would not affect how states draw districts for local or state offices.

Maddy summaryThe Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative through fiscal year 2031. This program, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, will support the collection and analysis of subsurface data using advanced technologies like modern sensing and digital geochemistry to map critical minerals and geothermal resources. The bill also updates the initiative's scope to include the 3D Hydrography Program and allocates $84 million for operations between 2027 and 2031.

Maddy summaryThe Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025 establishes the Urban Bird Treaty Program, which provides grants and technical assistance to local groups - including cities, nonprofits, community organizations, and academic institutions - to protect and restore urban bird habitats. Key provisions include funding for habitat restoration (e.g., removing invasive species and planting native plants), reducing urban bird hazards, and engaging communities in monitoring and education. The program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, authorizes $1 million annually from 2026 to 2032 for projects focused on conserving urban bird populations through collaborative local efforts. It directly affects communities seeking to enhance green spaces and support bird conservation in populated areas.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act of 2026 extends a Medicare Part D premium stabilization program through 2029 and makes it permanent starting in 2030, provided that ending the program would not cause prescription drug premiums to rise. This legislation directly affects seniors enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans by aiming to keep their costs stable over time. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue updated operational guidelines for the program within 30 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 1869 creates a new DOJ task force within the Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute international trade crimes, such as customs evasion, smuggling, and trade-based money laundering. It requires the DOJ to hire specialized prosecutors, coordinate with agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and focus on specific violations covered under statutes like 18 U.S.C. §§ 541-546 and 21 U.S.C. § 331. The bill authorizes $20 million in funding for fiscal year 2026 (with 80% dedicated to criminal prosecutions), mandates annual reports to Congress on enforcement activities, and requires the DOJ to develop multi-agency partnerships to address these crimes. This directly affects federal prosecutors, border enforcement agencies, and industries impacted by trade violations.

National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Extension Act This bill reauthorizes the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish in Washington, DC, a monument to commemorate the commitment and service represented by emergency medical services. This authorization expires seven years after enactment of the bill.

Maddy summaryThe AACCENT Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award three five-year grants, totaling up to $9 million annually, to establish a network of National Resource Centers on Augmentative and Alternative Communication. These centers are designed to serve individuals with significant expressive communication disabilities by providing training, technical assistance, and resources to improve access to communication tools in education, employment, and healthcare settings. The legislation requires that the grant recipients be partnerships led by nonprofit organizations that empower individuals with these disabilities in management and decision-making roles. Additionally, each center must operate under the guidance of an advisory council composed exclusively of people with significant expressive communication disabilities who provide oversight and recommendations for the program's activities.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes suicide as a significant public health issue in the United States and highlights the impact of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on individuals and communities. It commends the establishment of the 988 number as a nationwide three-digit dialing code for crisis support, noting its role in connecting people to mental health resources. The bill supports the designation of September 8, 2026, as "988 Day" to raise awareness about the service and promote access to mental health care. Additionally, it encourages continued public education and federal, state, and local efforts to expand crisis intervention programs for high-risk populations.