Rep. Andrea Salinas

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 Latonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2026 strengthens the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure individuals with long-term service and support needs have a federally protected right to live in their communities rather than institutions. It requires states and insurance providers to offer community-based services that allow people to maintain independence, control their own care, and access affordable, integrated housing. The bill mandates that public entities and insurers create enforceable transition plans to move people out of institutions, conduct self-evaluations to identify barriers, and establish clear grievance procedures for resolving complaints. Enforcement is handled by the Department of Justice, which can investigate violations, while individuals may also file civil lawsuits to seek damages or court orders preventing institutionalization.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting America's Herds Act creates a grant program for cooperative extension services to help prepare for and respond to New World screwworm outbreaks in livestock. Funds awarded through this competitive process can be used to train staff, support animal inspections, educate producers, and provide direct technical assistance on prevention and treatment. The Department of Agriculture must prioritize grants for states and Tribal communities at higher risk of the pest spreading and coordinate closely with veterinary and agricultural experts. This legislation aims to strengthen the nation's ability to detect and manage this specific animal health threat through improved readiness and education.

Maddy summaryThe Disaster Relief Integrity and Independence Act aims to prevent political bias in federal disaster aid and speed up the approval process for disaster declarations. It prohibits the President from making decisions about emergency funding or declaring major disasters based on the political affiliation of a state, territory, or locality. Additionally, the bill requires the President to respond to requests for major disaster declarations within 45 days, automatically approving any request that is not answered by that deadline. These changes directly affect state, tribal, and territorial governments by ensuring their disaster relief requests are handled fairly and without unnecessary delays.

Maddy summaryThe Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe DASH Act aims to expand affordable housing options for low-income individuals, homeless persons, and first-time homebuyers by creating new federal programs and modifying existing tax laws. A primary component is the creation of 250,000 new rental vouchers in 2026 for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, which includes funding for supportive services like healthcare and job training, as well as requirements for public housing agencies to prioritize youth and families. The bill also establishes a modular construction pilot program to lower building costs, a grant system to reward local governments that adopt zoning rules allowing denser housing like duplexes and accessory dwelling units, and a new tax credit to help low-income families purchase starter homes in distressed communities. Additionally, the legislation introduces a new refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers, expands tax incentives for middle-income housing, and makes several adjustments to how homeowners can deduct losses or handle debt discharges related to their principal residences.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Dignity and Due Process for Children Act of 2026, restricts how unaccompanied children under 18 are handled by immigration authorities in the United States. It requires immigration judges to issue an arrest warrant before detaining these children pending removal decisions and prohibits the use of military personnel or Department of Defense vehicles to transport them for deportation, except during declared natural disasters. Additionally, the law forbids government agencies from pressuring children to sign legal documents that affect their status without first ensuring they have confidential access to a lawyer, mandating legal referrals within five business days if a child does not already have one.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs federal agencies to prioritize the construction of public buildings using domestically sourced mass timber products. It requires the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense to give preference to wood harvested from U.S. forests and produced at facilities located within the country. The legislation further mandates that these wood products come from responsibly managed sources, such as forests undergoing restoration or those managed to prevent wildfires, while also supporting underserved forest owners. Additionally, the bill requires an independent lifecycle assessment of these new buildings to evaluate their environmental impact and a subsequent report to be submitted to Congress.

Maddy summaryThe BLANCHE Act of 2026 prohibits the United States government from entering into settlement agreements with the President that result in the President or a third party receiving any payment, including cash, goods, or legal fees. This rule applies to claims filed by the President or individuals who assumed office while a claim was pending, ensuring no such agreements are valid unless a federal court explicitly approves them. To gain court approval, the agreement must be proven to be between adverse parties, not collusive or fraudulent, and in the interest of justice, requiring a formal hearing with evidence presented by both sides. The law also mandates that the President file the proposed terms with the court if no separate civil action has already been initiated. These provisions aim to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in any legal settlements involving the highest office in the land.

Maddy summaryThe Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2026 directs the Environmental Protection Agency to study and report on the environmental effects of artificial intelligence, including energy and water use, pollution, and electronic waste. This bill requires large data centers to annually submit detailed public reports on their resource consumption and environmental footprint, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, it establishes a stakeholder consortium to develop standardized methods for measuring these impacts and to identify ways to promote beneficial uses of AI while reducing negative effects. The legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding the growing environmental costs associated with AI infrastructure and operations.