Rep. Sarah Elfreth

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. to include AM radio as standard equipment (not an optional add-on) by 2027-2028, depending on manufacturer size. It mandates that AM radio receivers must be easily accessible to drivers and allows compliance through digital AM broadcast technology. During a transition period, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for this feature. The bill also mandates a GAO study on AM radio's role in emergency alerts and includes a 10-year sunset provision for the rule. It preempts state laws regarding AM radio access in vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution designates September 2026 as National Voting Rights Month to highlight the historical and ongoing challenges faced by various groups in exercising their right to vote. It encourages Congress to pass legislation that strengthens voting protections, specifically endorsing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 while opposing bills that could restrict voter eligibility. The resolution also recommends that public schools develop curricula on voting history and current suppression tactics, and it invites funding for public service announcements to promote voter registration and participation.

Maddy summaryThe Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative through fiscal year 2031. This program, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey, will support the collection and analysis of subsurface data using advanced technologies like modern sensing and digital geochemistry to map critical minerals and geothermal resources. The bill also updates the initiative's scope to include the 3D Hydrography Program and allocates $84 million for operations between 2027 and 2031.

Maddy summaryHR 6893, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act, reauthorizes and updates NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office to better support Bay restoration. It establishes new programs including a watershed education initiative for students and teachers, a coastal habitat management program focused on species like oysters and blue crabs, and requirements for coordinated scientific monitoring of water quality and living resources. The bill mandates the Office Director to consult with the Chesapeake Executive Council, ensure peer-reviewed scientific merit for funded projects, and submit biennial reports to Congress on progress. This directly affects NOAA, Bay watershed states, educators, researchers, and conservation groups working on Bay restoration under the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Maddy summaryThe Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025 establishes the Urban Bird Treaty Program, which provides grants and technical assistance to local groups - including cities, nonprofits, community organizations, and academic institutions - to protect and restore urban bird habitats. Key provisions include funding for habitat restoration (e.g., removing invasive species and planting native plants), reducing urban bird hazards, and engaging communities in monitoring and education. The program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, authorizes $1 million annually from 2026 to 2032 for projects focused on conserving urban bird populations through collaborative local efforts. It directly affects communities seeking to enhance green spaces and support bird conservation in populated areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames a U.S. Postal Service facility in Olney, Maryland (located at 3570 Olney Laytonsville Road) as the "Edward L. Ramsey Olney Post Office Building." It directly affects the postal facility and all official U.S. government references to it, requiring future documents, maps, and laws to use the new name. The bill has no policy provisions - its sole purpose is to honor Edward L. Ramsey through this naming designation.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first admission of women to the United States service academies in 1976. It specifically honors the pioneering female cadets and midshipmen of the Class of 1980 who entered West Point, Annapolis, the Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy. The bill recognizes the challenges these early women faced and their role in establishing gender integration within military training institutions. Additionally, it encourages the service academies to continue documenting and preserving the history of women's leadership in the Armed Forces.

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 El Salvador TPS Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals from El Salvador. This designation would remain in effect until a date 18 months after September 9, 2026. The bill directly affects eligible residents of El Salvador by providing them with legal protection and work authorization during this specified period.

Maddy summaryHR 4541, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025, extends the funding period for the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness program. It amends the Public Health Service Act to update the program’s expiration date from 2026 to 2031. The bill directly affects young women aged 15-25 by ensuring continued access to breast health education and awareness resources. The key provision is a simple extension of the existing program’s authorization period, without altering its scope or requirements. This is a procedural reauthorization to maintain current services through 2031.