Maddy summaryThe Eliminate Chinese Organized Crime Act establishes a new program to provide financial and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies in Latin American and Caribbean countries. This funding is intended to help these agencies investigate and prosecute criminal groups linked to China that engage in activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and foreign interference. The assistance includes training on financial investigations, digital forensics support, and consultation with U.S. law enforcement experts, while also implementing vetting measures to ensure recipient agencies are not compromised. Additionally, the bill requires the Director of National Intelligence to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the assistance provided and summarizing known criminal activities and any law enforcement support received from China in the region.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support Iranian citizens' access to information and human rights by expanding U.S. government efforts to promote internet freedom in Iran. The bill requires the State Department to coordinate internet freedom initiatives, develop technologies to circumvent internet blackouts (including satellite internet and mesh networks), and increase funding for programs that provide Iranians with tools to access open internet services. It also establishes procedures for identifying and sanctioning individuals who support the Iranian regime's human rights abuses. The legislation directly affects U.S. government agencies, Iranian citizens seeking to access information, and organizations working to support internet freedom in Iran.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to restrict exemptions for foreign agents representing certain entities. It prohibits exemptions for agents of foreign corporate or government entities owned by countries listed in the State Department's "country of concern" definition (e.g., Russia, China, Iran). The bill creates a new process requiring congressional approval via a specific joint resolution to add or remove countries from the "concern" list, with proposals submitted to designated Senate and House committees. The changes expire after 5 years from enactment. (Note: The title "PAID OFF Act" is misleading; the bill focuses on foreign influence transparency, not financial relief.)
Maddy summaryThe Small Tax Case Threshold Modernization Act raises the monetary limit for small tax disputes from $50,000 to $100,000, allowing cases within this range to be heard in a more streamlined court setting. This change directly affects taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service by expanding the scope of cases eligible for expedited proceedings. The bill also establishes an automatic inflation adjustment mechanism that will increase the $100,000 threshold annually starting in 2027 to maintain its real value over time. Additionally, the legislation updates the official title of the relevant tax code section to "Small disputes" to reflect the new higher limit.
Maddy summaryThe Tax Complexity and Fraud Prevention Review Act requires the IRS to submit annual reports to Congress detailing its efforts to identify, prevent, and resolve various types of tax fraud. These reports must include specific data on fraud amounts, timelines of security actions, and recommendations for improving information sharing with tax filing providers and other government agencies. The legislation also mandates that certain redacted data from these reports be made available on the IRS public website to increase transparency. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a separate complexity report is required to remain distinct from the new fraud-focused reporting obligations.
Maddy summaryThe Taxpayer Transparency and Notice Act requires the IRS to send quarterly notices to taxpayers with unpaid tax debts, rather than just once a year. These notices must include an estimate of future penalties and interest if the debt is not paid, along with information on assistance programs available to the taxpayer. The law exempts taxpayers who already have payment agreements, accepted offers in compromise, or who are deemed unable to pay from these quarterly reminders. The changes will not take effect until 24 months after the bill is enacted.
Maddy summaryThe Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act aims to address the national shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel by creating two new pilot programs within the Department of Homeland Security. The first initiative establishes an apprenticeship program that hires up to 25 individuals annually to gain on-the-job training and related education, with the goal of placing them in permanent federal cyber workforce positions after completion. The second program offers free cybersecurity training to veterans and military spouses, providing virtual and hands-on learning opportunities that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials. Both pilots include provisions for recruiting underrepresented communities and require regular reporting to Congress on participant demographics, completion rates, and employment outcomes. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for a federal cybersecurity workforce assessment from 2022 to 2028 to better track staffing needs.
Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and modifies the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2035, extending funding deadlines and increasing grant percentages for battlefield preservation. It raises the maximum federal share for battlefield acquisition, interpretation, and restoration grants from 50% to 75% and sets a $2 million annual appropriation for these programs. The bill also mandates new studies to identify, assess, and propose preservation options for sites tied to the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and Mexican-American War (1846-1848), requiring consultation with states, tribes, and preservation groups. The studies must be completed within two years and reported to Congress, focusing on site significance, threats, and potential preservation strategies.
Maddy summaryS 3456, the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, creates a free annual pass for eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters to use at national parks and federal recreational lands. The bill directly affects active officers and firefighters employed by federal, state, local, or tribal governments who perform duties related to crime prevention/detection or fire suppression. It amends existing law to require the Secretary to provide these passes at no cost, after verifying eligibility through proof of employment. The key mechanism is expanding the current pass program to specifically include these public safety professionals under defined roles.