Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi

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 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 We Can't Wait Act of 2026 allows individuals who have not yet reached early retirement age to choose whether they want to receive Social Security disability benefits during the standard five-month waiting period that currently precedes benefit payments. If an individual makes this election, their monthly benefit amount is permanently reduced by a specific percentage, initially set at 94.25 percent of the standard rate, to ensure the change does not increase the long-term costs for the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. The bill requires the Social Security Administration to update application forms within 180 days of enactment and mandates that actuaries recalculate this reduction factor every five years to maintain actuarial neutrality over a 75-year period.

Maddy summaryThe NSF REU Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands the National Science Foundation's program that funds summer and academic-year research experiences for undergraduate students in STEM fields. The bill requires that at least half of the participants at each funded site be recruited from institutions with limited research opportunities, such as community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and rural schools. It authorizes $100 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to support these grants, which must cover student stipends, travel, housing, and mentor training. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the NSF track student outcomes for at least three years after their degree and submit a report to Congress on program effectiveness and recruitment strategies.

Maddy summaryThe American Mariner Tax Fairness Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow U.S. merchant mariners working on qualifying vessels in foreign trade to treat their earnings as foreign earned income for tax purposes. This change directly affects U.S. citizens or residents who are actively employed on large, U.S.-flagged ships of at least 6,000 deadweight tons used exclusively in international commerce. To qualify, a mariner must work at least 90 full days during any 12-consecutive-month period while the vessel is engaged in U.S. foreign trade. The bill effectively grants these workers the same tax exclusion benefits currently available to individuals working abroad, applying to taxable years beginning after the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe First-Time Homebuyer Affordability Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt qualified mortgage bonds from the federal government's annual volume cap on tax-exempt securities. By removing this limit, the bill allows for a greater issuance of these specific bonds, which are typically used to finance home loans for first-time buyers. This change directly affects financial markets and lenders by enabling them to issue more tax-advantaged debt without being constrained by existing statutory limits. The provision applies to all obligations issued after the date of the Act's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Presidential Tax Accountability and Audit Integrity Act, prevents the President and their close family members or related business associates from entering into agreements that waive or release federal tax debts while the President is in office. It stops the IRS from honoring any such waivers or orders made during the President's term and requires the agency to publicly report the identities of any taxpayers affected by these instruments within seven days. Additionally, the law ensures that the standard time limits for the government to collect unpaid taxes or sue for collection do not expire until at least three years after the President leaves office. These measures aim to increase transparency and maintain the integrity of the tax system by restricting special treatment for the highest office holder and their connections.

Maddy summaryThe Right to Worship Act makes it unlawful for individuals to knowingly disrupt religious services or prevent people from entering houses of worship within 100 feet of an entryway during the hour before and after a scheduled service. The bill applies to conduct that meaningfully interferes with a service's normal operation or unreasonably hinders participation, while explicitly allowing free speech as long as it adheres to these specific time, place, and manner restrictions. Violators face escalating civil fines ranging from $2,500 for a first offense to $10,000 for subsequent offenses, assessed by the Attorney General. Additionally, the act permits aggrieved individuals, the U.S. Attorney General, or state attorneys general to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.

Maddy summaryThe FASTER Act of 2026 expands the list of major food allergens regulated by the FDA to include barley, rye, and oats alongside wheat. This change requires food manufacturers to clearly label these gluten-containing grains, helping consumers with allergies and Celiac disease identify potential triggers. The law also mandates that the FDA update its compliance guides within a year to reflect these new allergen categories. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to produce a comprehensive report on Celiac disease, covering data on prevalence, diagnostic methods, prevention strategies, and potential treatments. These provisions apply to all foods entering the market starting one year after the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThe Addictive Design Act of 2026 aims to protect youth under 18 from potential mental health risks associated with artificial intelligence chatbots by banning specific features designed to create emotional attachments. To support this goal, the bill establishes a government task force to study these impacts and provides funding for research and educational outreach to parents and teachers. The legislation also mandates that companies offering AI chatbots to minors must use age verification technology and delete user data within 24 hours. Companies that fail to comply with the ban on addictive design features or data privacy requirements face civil penalties of up to $10 million or $5,000 per violation, respectively.