Maddy summaryHR 7431, the Congressional Civics Act of 2026, requires all newly elected or appointed Members of Congress (Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners) to pass a civics exam before being seated. The exam consists of 25 randomly selected questions from 100 approved questions covering U.S. history, government structure, and foundational documents (e.g., Constitution, Bill of Rights, Civil War, separation of powers). Members must pass before their term begins, with a two-week grace period; failure to pass results in a vacancy. The exam content and passing score are set annually by Congress, with free public access to practice questions and results published online. This applies to both seating and committee assignments, administered by the House Clerk and Senate Secretary.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Passport Act of 1920 to exempt Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients from standard U.S. passport application and renewal fees. It directly affects veterans who have received these specific military decorations. The key provision adds a new fee exemption category (subparagraph D) for these individuals in the passport fee structure. The bill also requires the State Department to create a verification process with the Defense Department to confirm eligibility using military service records. This is a straightforward administrative change to reduce costs for honored veterans.
Maddy summaryThis bill prevents state or local governments from banning or restricting energy connections (like installation, modification, or access) based on the type or source of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, or renewable fuels. It directly affects consumers choosing energy providers and energy companies seeking to offer services. The key provision prohibits local laws, regulations, or policies that limit energy services sold in interstate commerce, covering all energy types listed in the bill’s definitions. It does not create new programs but limits regulatory authority at the state or local level. The law aims to ensure open access to diverse energy sources without source-based restrictions.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), treating ALS-related deaths as qualifying for benefits regardless of how long the veteran had the disease before death. It requires surviving spouses to have been married to the veteran for at least eight continuous years prior to death to qualify for compensation. The changes apply to veterans dying from ALS on or after October 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the Veterans Affairs Secretary to submit a report within 180 days of enactment identifying other service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates that might warrant similar treatment.
Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 146 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all U.S. Representatives and Senators to pass a standardized civics exam on the U.S. government system before taking office. The amendment would mandate Congress to create a free, publicly accessible exam every ten years (aligned with census cycles), with questions and answers published in official records. It requires members to demonstrate competence either before election/appointment or within a set timeframe afterward, allowing alternative approved methods if needed. The amendment also grants Congress authority to enforce this rule through legislation that bypasses presidential approval.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses. Individuals voting in federal elections must present an eligible photo identification document. An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification document with both the request for, and the submission of, the absentee ballot.
Maddy summaryHR 7156, the SCAM Act, would expand grounds for revoking U.S. citizenship (denaturalization) for naturalized citizens who commit specific offenses within 10 years of becoming citizens. It targets individuals convicted of defrauding federal, state, or local governments (e.g., $10,000+ in public benefit fraud), affiliating with foreign terrorist organizations, or committing aggravated felonies or espionage. If convicted in these categories, the government could automatically revoke citizenship retroactively (as if it never existed) based on evidence that the person lacked good moral character or loyalty to the U.S. at the time of naturalization. This bill directly affects naturalized citizens who commit these offenses within a decade of gaining citizenship, with revocation triggering immediate deportability.
Maddy summaryHR 7105, the Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion Act of 2026, authorizes the President to declare an "invasion" at the U.S.-Mexico border and suspend entry for individuals unlawfully crossing the border during such a declaration. It makes these individuals ineligible for immigration relief like asylum (section 208) or protection under other provisions during the declared period, while requiring them to provide entry information or face immediate removal. The bill also grants authorities to repel the invasion, detain or remove involved individuals, and prohibits court reviews of these determinations (except for citizenship claims). These provisions expire when the President ends the declared invasion.
Maddy summaryHR 7112, the Veterans’ Bill of Rights Act of 2026, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to clearly inform veterans about their rights regarding VA healthcare, benefits, and services. It codifies 10 specific rights, including access to care (from VA or community providers), respect and dignity, informed consent, awareness of benefits, and the right to file complaints without retaliation. The bill mandates that the VA integrate these rights into all policies, train employees annually, prominently display them at facilities and online, include them in transition programs, and make them accessible via VA apps and portals within 180 days of enactment. This law focuses on improving transparency and accountability in VA interactions but does not create new legal rights or change eligibility requirements for benefits.
Maddy summaryHR 7097, the "No American Benefits Abroad Act," bans individuals receiving means-tested welfare benefits from sending money abroad via international wire transfers. The bill requires wire transfer providers to verify in writing whether a customer receives public assistance (like SNAP or TANF) before processing any international transfer. It directly affects people enrolled in income-based welfare programs who might otherwise send funds overseas. The law focuses on preventing public assistance funds from being used for international transfers, without altering eligibility for benefits.