Rep. Janice D. Schakowsky

Maddy summaryThe Stop CHEATERS Act directs the Internal Revenue Service to increase its enforcement efforts against high-income individuals and large corporations by allocating billions of dollars in additional funding for tax audits, criminal investigations, and taxpayer services through fiscal year 2031. A significant portion of this funding is designated for modernizing the IRS's technology and business systems to improve its ability to detect fraud and noncompliance. The legislation also requires the IRS Commissioner to submit regular reports to Congress detailing plans to shift auditing resources toward wealthy taxpayers and analyzing how much unpaid tax is owed by different income groups.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution does not create new laws or change existing regulations but serves to formally recognize the ongoing need for better physical access in federally funded facilities, especially for people with disabilities. It highlights statistics on disability prevalence and employment gaps while reaffirming support for the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The measure pledges to use universal and inclusive design as a guiding principle for future infrastructure projects and encourages full compliance with current accessibility laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the House of Representatives with specific documents regarding a freeze on federal payments to five states. The requested materials include communications about how the payment freeze was decided, records of the tweet that announced it, and details on funding drawdowns, disciplinary actions, and data sharing plans related to those states. The bill specifically targets documents concerning Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Child Care, and Social Services Block Grant programs in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. If the agencies possess the records, they must submit them to Congress within 14 days of the resolution's adoption.

Maddy summaryThe Mamas First Act aims to reduce maternal mortality rates by expanding Medicaid coverage to include support services from doulas, midwives, tribal midwives, and lactation providers. This legislation modifies the Social Security Act to allow these professionals to bill Medicaid for prenatal, labor, and postpartum care delivered in various settings, including homes, hospitals, and clinics. To qualify for reimbursement, doulas must hold a certification requiring continuing education and gather specific client or provider recommendations, while midwives and lactation support providers must meet defined state or international standards. The bill also prohibits Medicaid programs from charging copayments or deductibles for these essential services, with the changes taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services to publicly release records of specific agreements between the federal government and major drug manufacturers starting in 2025. These agreements must include provisions such as offering lower drug prices based on international rates, providing discounts through government platforms like TrumpRx, or receiving special exemptions from import duties and regulatory reviews. While the bill mandates that most documents be made available in a searchable format, it allows the government to withhold only specific confidential pricing details if legally required by foreign laws or court orders, provided a justification is published. Additionally, the law directs the Congressional Budget Office and the Government Accountability Office to analyze the economic and budgetary impacts of these deals, including effects on Medicare, Medicaid, and drug competition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic pre-approval systems for medical services by 2028 and meet transparency reporting standards starting in 2027. Plans must publicly report data on approval/denial rates, appeal outcomes, response times, and technology use for pre-approval requests, including details on how denials relate to clinical criteria. It establishes a 24-hour response timeframe for certain requests and mandates annual reviews of pre-approval requirements based on data and input from seniors and providers. The law directly affects Medicare Advantage plans, seniors enrolled in these plans, and healthcare providers who submit pre-approval requests. These changes aim to make the pre-approval process faster, more transparent, and more accountable for seniors seeking covered medical services.

Maddy summaryThe High Court Gift Ban Act prohibits federal judicial officers from accepting gifts from sources likely to appear before them, unless the gift is under $50, the total annual value from that source remains $100 or less, or it falls under specific exceptions like gifts from relatives or public events. The law defines a "gift" broadly to include items, services, and reimbursements, while allowing exceptions for personal hospitality within IRS limits and certain professional benefits available to the general public. Enforcement mechanisms include referrals to the Attorney General for violations, which can result in civil or criminal penalties similar to those for other federal ethics breaches. The bill requires the Supreme Court and the Judicial Conference to create implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor the workers who maintain the nation's electrical grid. The bill specifically recognizes the dangerous conditions these employees face, such as working at heights near live power lines and responding to disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. It also commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while performing his duties. Ultimately, the measure encourages the public to observe this day with reflection on the contributions of lineworkers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the fourth anniversary of the July 4, 2022, Independence Day Parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, which resulted in seven deaths and over 40 injuries. It formally honors the seven victims by name and acknowledges the bravery of the numerous law enforcement officers, first responders, and medical personnel who assisted during the attack and in the aftermath. The document also recognizes the ongoing efforts of volunteer counselors supporting the community and expresses continued support for Highland Park as it marks this tragic milestone.

Maddy summaryHRES 1405 is a non-binding resolution that encourages the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. The document acknowledges the historical significance of events like the Stonewall Inn uprising and highlights the ongoing struggle for equality faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals. It includes a detailed list of historical milestones and legislative achievements related to LGBTQIA+ rights to provide context for the celebration. Because this measure is a resolution of recognition rather than a law, it does not create new legal obligations or change federal policy.