Rep. Eugene Simon Vindman

Maddy summaryThe No Utility Junk Fees Act requires states to prohibit regulated electric utilities from charging residential customers fees that exceed the actual cost of processing payments or are applied to free payment methods like mail and in-person services. To enforce these consumer protections, the bill withholds 10 percent of federal energy program funding from any state that fails to adopt laws banning such "spurious charges" and requiring clear disclosure of all billing fees. States must also ensure at least one fee-free payment option is available without internet access and ban fees on automatic recurring payments and electronic fund transfers. The Secretary of Energy will monitor state compliance through annual documentation submissions, with a 90-day cure period provided before financial penalties are applied.

Maddy summaryThe Energy Utility Lobbying Ban Act requires states to adopt specific restrictions on former state regulatory officials who seek to lobby electric utilities regarding matters they previously handled. To receive full federal funding for energy programs, a state must prohibit these former employees from advocating before their former agency in cases where they had personal and substantial involvement or where the matter was pending under their responsibility within a year of their departure. The Secretary of Energy will annually review state laws to ensure compliance, withholding 10 percent of a state's financial assistance if it fails to meet these requirements, though funds are restored if the state corrects the issue in the following year. States have a 90-day cure period to remedy noncompliance and may implement the necessary restrictions through legislation, administrative rules, or binding regulatory orders.

Maddy summaryThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 imposes comprehensive economic restrictions on the Russian Federation, including blocking assets of government officials, state-owned financial institutions, and entities supporting the defense sector. The bill prohibits new U.S. investments in Russia, bans the purchase of Russian sovereign debt, and restricts the importation of uranium and energy products from the country. Additionally, it authorizes the imposition of tariffs up to 500 percent on goods imported directly from Russia and up to 100 percent on goods from foreign nations that continue to purchase significant volumes of Russian crude oil or natural gas. The legislation also extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031 and includes a five-year sunset provision for the new measures, subject to specific humanitarian and safety exceptions.

Maddy summaryThe Smart Data Center Policy Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to study how building data centers near military bases, airports, rail hubs, or industrial zones affects local industries. This research will evaluate construction costs, impacts on energy and water systems, which areas have the necessary infrastructure to support these facilities, and potential federal incentives for their development. The study must be completed within 180 days of the bill's enactment, with results reported to specific congressional committees. The legislation does not authorize new construction or funding but focuses on gathering information to guide future policy decisions regarding data center placement.

Maddy summaryThe RECOVER PII Act expands identity protection coverage for individuals affected by federal data breaches, extending the duration of such coverage to the remainder of their lives and increasing insurance limits to at least $5 million. It also allows federal agencies to use appropriated funds to fully reimburse employees or contractors for costs associated with privacy-enhancing services, such as software or hardware that reduces personal data risks. These changes aim to provide long-term security support and financial assistance to victims of government data incidents without specifying which agencies or individuals are directly impacted.

Maddy summaryThe Data Center Resource Disclosure Act requires operators of data centers in the United States to voluntarily report their annual energy and water usage to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce. These operators must submit the data within 180 days of the law's enactment and every year thereafter. The government will then publish the results on an interactive map, identify facilities that did not provide information, and share feedback from public interest groups. Additionally, the Assistant Secretary must coordinate with other federal agencies and submit a report to Congress with recommendations for improving data center transparency.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 61st anniversary of the Medicare program, which was enacted in 1965 to provide health insurance for seniors and individuals with disabilities. It acknowledges the program's role in covering approximately 70 million Americans and highlights its growth from 19 million beneficiaries in 1966 to its current scale. The text honors the contributions of healthcare providers, caregivers, and government personnel who maintain the system while recognizing the program's impact on healthcare access and financial security.

Maddy summaryThe Temporary Protected Status Review Act restores the ability of courts to review decisions by the Department of Homeland Security to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for foreign nationals. Under this bill, the government must publish detailed written findings explaining why a country no longer qualifies for TPS protection, and these decisions would be subject to a legal challenge in federal court. If a TPS designation is terminated, the affected individuals would remain in the United States with their current status and work authorization intact while the legal challenge is pending. Additionally, the legislation requires the government to follow specific administrative procedures, such as considering all available evidence and avoiding bias, before making any termination decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal protections and funding to expand access to in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination for individuals, military service members, and veterans. It requires most private health plans, Medicaid programs, and Medicare to cover these fertility treatments without imposing higher cost-sharing than other medical services. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs provide specific fertility preservation and treatment benefits to uniformed service members and eligible veterans. The bill also includes preemption clauses that override state laws restricting these procedures and prohibits discrimination based on marital status, sex, or sexual orientation in the provision of care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Defense to submit annual reports to Congress on the progress of redesigning the compensation model for military child care workers. The reports must detail implementation status, expected timelines, and which specific requirements have been met or remain unmet for each branch of the Armed Forces. Additionally, the Secretary must publish these reports on a public website within 30 days of submission to ensure transparency. The legislation does not directly change pay rates or hiring rules but focuses on monitoring and reporting the ongoing changes mandated by a previous law.