Rep. Michael Lawler

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem in the United States and expresses support for designating September 2026 as National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10, 2026, as World Suicide Prevention Day. The bill cites data from the CDC, SAMHSA, and the VA to highlight that suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, veterans, and during the postpartum period, while also noting the significant economic costs associated with it. It declares suicide prevention a national priority and emphasizes that mental health is as important as physical health. The resolution supports the development of strategies to improve access to quality mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention services for all communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Ratepayer Protection Act, modifies federal energy laws to ensure that large industrial customers pay for the specific infrastructure upgrades needed to serve their high electricity demands. It directly affects non-residential facilities with a peak power usage of 100 megawatts or more, requiring utilities to charge these customers the full incremental cost of any necessary generation, transmission, or distribution improvements. Under the new rules, large customers must also provide financial guarantees or contributions before such upgrades are made, ensuring utilities can recover costs even if the customer leaves the contract early. State regulators have two years to implement these standards, though the bill exempts utilities in states that have already enacted similar measures or are actively considering them.

Maddy summaryThe PEARL Act directs the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency to create a pilot program that adopts dogs from local animal shelters to serve as support animals for its existing canine unit. This initiative is designed to provide emotional assistance to the handlers and agents who work with these dogs, with the program set to run for a three-year period. By requiring the adoption of shelter dogs, the legislation also aims to support local animal welfare organizations while enhancing the well-being of CBP personnel.

Maddy summaryHR 1031 establishes the Fort Ontario Holocaust Refugee Shelter National Historical Park in New York to preserve and interpret the site where 982 Holocaust refugees were housed from 1944 to 1946. The park will be managed by the National Park Service after the Secretary of the Interior acquires sufficient land (primarily through donation for state-owned property) to form a manageable unit. Key provisions require a Federal Register notice upon land acquisition, a management plan within three years, and cooperative agreements for public access and interpretation. The park directly affects the preservation of this historical site and serves the public by making its history accessible for education and reflection.

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.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by formally honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. The bill acknowledges the ongoing health challenges faced by survivors and responders, highlighting the role of the World Trade Center Health Program in providing long-term medical support. It also credits charitable organizations and community groups that have continued to assist victims' families and veterans over the past two decades. Finally, the resolution urges the American public to observe the anniversary with ceremonies and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remembering the events and lessons of that day.

Maddy summaryThe L'Ouverture Economic Development Plan for Haiti Act of 2025 creates a Haitian American Enterprise Fund to support economic development in Haiti through private sector investments. The fund will finance projects in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and infrastructure, with special focus on empowering women and youth, and aims to create jobs to reduce migration from Haiti. It authorizes $1 billion annually from 2026-2031 to support these initiatives, managed by a private nonprofit organization with oversight from a diverse board. The legislation emphasizes building sustainable economic opportunities within Haiti to meet the country's development needs while strengthening ties with the Haitian-American diaspora.

Maddy summaryThe Public Transit Mental Health Awareness Act requires public transit agencies that receive federal assistance to display information about the national suicide prevention hotline in areas visible to passengers. This information must state that the service is free, confidential, and available around the clock. Agencies can meet this requirement by placing the notice on all their vehicles or in all their transit facilities, provided it does not block existing revenue-generating advertising space. The law includes a provision allowing agencies to remain compliant if they make reasonable efforts to restore displays that are damaged or removed, with the mandate taking effect one year after enactment.