Rep. David G. Valadao

Maddy summaryThe SBA Spanish Resource Report Act requires the Small Business Administration administrator to submit a detailed report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. This report must inventory existing Spanish-language resources and services, including websites, application materials, and customer support, as well as those provided by partner organizations like small business development centers. The document also mandates an analysis of usage data, associated costs for translation and outreach, and operational considerations for delivering these services. While the bill requires a public report and a subsequent briefing to congressional committees, it explicitly states that this action does not force the agency to create, expand, or cut any specific Spanish-language programs.

Maddy summaryHR 5267, the American Franchise Act, clarifies when franchisors can be considered joint employers of franchisee employees under federal labor laws. It defines "substantial direct and immediate control" over essential employment terms like wages, benefits, hours, hiring, and discipline - requiring franchisors to actively set these terms to be deemed joint employers. The bill explicitly excludes routine brand standards, training, or minimal safety requirements from constituting such control. This directly affects franchisors and franchisees by limiting joint employer liability to cases where franchisors exert significant, ongoing influence over core employment decisions. The law applies prospectively to new cases after enactment, not past disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify that direct sellers and qualified real estate agents (as defined under IRS rules) are not considered "employees" under federal labor law. It directly affects these workers by excluding them from FLSA protections like minimum wage and overtime pay. The key provision inserts a new definition into the law, changing how these professions are classified for labor rights purposes. This is a technical definitional change, not a new policy or program.

Maddy summaryThe 9-8-8 Crisis Response Act expands federal funding for mental health crisis response and broadens Medicaid coverage to include regional lifeline call centers and crisis stabilization facilities. The bill increases the annual budget for the Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership Pilot Program from $10 million to $100 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2029. It also allows states to use Medicaid funds to pay for these new services, with the federal government covering 85 percent of the costs. To qualify, crisis stabilization facilities must provide 24-hour care without rejecting patients based on their ability to pay or other factors, and they must maintain an average patient stay of less than 150 hours.

Maddy summaryThe National Flood Impact Reduction and Resilience Act of 2026 establishes a new federal program designed to reduce flood-related losses to life and property through coordinated research, data sharing, and the promotion of resilient construction practices. The bill creates an Interagency Coordinating Committee chaired by the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers to oversee planning, manage budgets, and ensure cooperation among agencies such as FEMA, NOAA, and the USGS. This committee will work with a non-federal advisory group to develop standards, publish flood vulnerability maps, and provide technical assistance to local governments and building owners. The legislation aims to integrate engineering, natural science, and social science research to improve flood forecasting and encourage the adoption of nature-based features and innovative design methods across the country.

Maddy summaryThe Earn to Learn Act establishes a federal demonstration grant program that provides low-income students with matched savings accounts to help pay for postsecondary education. Under this mechanism, states or nonprofit organizations receive grants to match student contributions at a rate of $8 for every $100 deposited, while also providing financial literacy training and success coaching. The bill explicitly ensures that participation in the program does not reduce a student's eligibility for Federal Pell Grants or other federal student aid. It authorizes $100 million annually for five years to fund these grants, which are capped at $10 million per recipient, and requires the Department of Education to report on the program's impact on savings rates and educational retention.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week" to recognize the importance of local food markets. It highlights how these markets support farmers' incomes, connect urban and rural communities, and promote sustainable farming practices. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to celebrate the role farmers markets play in strengthening local economies and improving public access to fresh food.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating the first week of August as National Community Health Center Week to honor the contributions of these facilities. It encourages all Americans to visit their local health centers during this time to celebrate the partnership between these organizations and the communities they serve. The bill highlights how community health centers provide affordable, comprehensive care to millions of people, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while integrating services like dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacy support. By recognizing these centers, the resolution aims to raise awareness of their role in improving public health outcomes and supporting local economies.

Maddy summaryThe Spotted Wing Abatement Trust Act of 2026 creates a new funding source within the Department of Agriculture to combat the spotted wing drosophila, an invasive insect that damages crops like berries, peaches, and cherries. This bill establishes a specific fund authorized to receive $6.5 million annually for five years to support research and mitigation efforts against the pest. The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will manage the fund by awarding grants or cooperative agreements to eligible recipients for these activities. The legislation aims to address the estimated 20 percent revenue loss in affected fruit crops caused by this invasive species.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act, aims to increase penalties for trafficking fentanyl and other synthetic opioids while enhancing detection efforts by the U.S. Postal Service. It lowers the quantity thresholds required for federal felony charges and mandates that sentencing guidelines be updated to reflect these stricter penalties. Additionally, the legislation directs the Postmaster General to purchase more chemical screening devices and hire scientists to identify illegal drugs in mail shipments, authorizing $9 million in funding to support these interdiction activities.