Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]
Democrat · MD · 15 bills sponsored
To authorize the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to serve as a member of certain State watershed programs, and for other purposes.
# HR 7788 Summary **What the Bill Does** HR 7788 would allow the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to officially participate as a member in certain state-based watershed protection programs. The Chesapeake Bay Program is a federal partnership focused on restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay, one of the largest estuaries in the United States. This bill would expand the office's authority to formally join related state programs that work on water quality and ecosystem health in the broader watershed region. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects government agencies and organizations working on environmental protection in the Chesapeake Bay region, which spans multiple states including Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. It could benefit residents and communities in this area by improving coordination between federal and state water quality efforts. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7788 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Sarah Elfreth, a Democrat from Maryland, whose district includes part of the Chesapeake Bay region.
MAWS Act of 2026
# MAWS Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The MAWS Act of 2026 (HR 4294) is a proposed law focused on protecting and managing the Chesapeake Bay and related waterways. Based on its subjects, the bill appears to address seafood safety, fish populations, habitat protection, and watershed management in the Chesapeake Bay region. It likely includes provisions for monitoring water quality, protecting fish and wildlife, and ensuring safe seafood for consumers. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact the Chesapeake Bay region, affecting residents and industries in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, and Washington D.C. The seafood and food industries operating in these areas would likely be regulated under the bill, as would environmental conservation efforts and fishing practices in the region. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. As a committee-stage bill, it may be revised, amended, or could stall before reaching a floor vote. Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) sponsors the legislation.
To authorize the Attorney General to make grants to establish a national training and technical assistance center to provide for the ongoing promotion and adoption of lethality assessment programs to reduce domestic violence-related homicides, and for other purposes.
# Plain Language Summary: HR 7494 ## What the Bill Would Do This bill would authorize the U.S. Attorney General to award grants for creating a national center focused on training and supporting "lethality assessment programs." These programs are designed to identify domestic violence situations at highest risk of turning deadly and intervene before homicides occur. The bill aims to help these programs spread and become standard practice across the country. ## Who It Affects The bill would primarily benefit domestic violence victims and their families by potentially preventing homicides. It would also affect law enforcement agencies, domestic violence service providers, and other organizations that could use training from the new national center. Taxpayer funding would support the grants for the center's establishment and operations. ## Current Status The bill was introduced by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced further in the legislative process.
Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act
# Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act (HR 7251) - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would prohibit the federal government from issuing park passes or permits that are restricted based on the political party affiliation, political beliefs, or voting record of an applicant. In other words, it would ban any system that gives preferential access to national parks, monuments, or federal lands based on someone's political identity or alignment. **Who It Affects:** The bill would apply to federal agencies managing public lands and parks, as well as any member of the public seeking access to these government-owned recreational areas. It ensures that all Americans have equal opportunity to use federal parks and outdoor spaces regardless of their political views or party registration. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-Maryland).
Protecting American Energy Security Act of 2026
# Protecting American Energy Security Act of 2026 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Protecting American Energy Security Act of 2026 (HR 7061) is a proposed law currently being reviewed in congressional committee. Based on its title, the bill appears focused on strengthening U.S. energy independence and security, though specific provisions are not detailed in the available information provided. **Current Status and Impact** The bill is in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-Maryland) in the 119th Congress. Since it remains in committee, it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. Without access to the bill's detailed text or provisions, it's not possible to specify exactly which energy sectors, companies, or Americans would be affected or what specific policy changes it proposes. **To Learn More** For detailed information about this bill's specific provisions and potential impacts, interested readers can visit Congress.gov, where the full text will be available once it's formally introduced and processed through the legislative system.
Establishing Cyber Security Educational Programs at Academic Institutions Act
# Summary of HR 6631: Establishing Cyber Security Educational Programs at Academic Institutions Act **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to support the creation and expansion of cybersecurity education programs at colleges and universities across the United States. If passed, it would establish federal initiatives to help academic institutions develop curriculum, train instructors, and build infrastructure for teaching cybersecurity skills to students. The bill recognizes the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals in the workforce and seeks to address a shortage of trained workers in this field. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily benefit students pursuing education in cybersecurity, academic institutions looking to launch or improve such programs, and employers seeking skilled cybersecurity workers. It would affect colleges and universities that receive federal support to develop these educational offerings. While specific provisions aren't detailed in this summary, such bills typically include funding mechanisms, grant programs, and partnerships between educational institutions and government or private sector cybersecurity experts. **Current Status** As of now, HR 6631 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD).
Developing Master Plans for Military Service Academies Act of 2025
# Developing Master Plans for Military Service Academies Act of 2025 (HR 6629) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the U.S. military service academies—including West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy—to develop comprehensive long-term master plans. These plans would outline infrastructure improvements, facility upgrades, and strategic development priorities for each academy over a multi-year period. The bill essentially asks these institutions to create detailed roadmaps for their physical and operational improvements. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill directly affects the military service academies and the Department of Defense, which oversees them. It would also indirectly impact the cadets and midshipmen who attend these institutions, as well as military recruitment and training operations. The specific provisions likely include requirements for the academies to assess their current facilities, identify needed upgrades, and submit formal master plans to Congress, though detailed provisions aren't specified in the available summary. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) in the 119th Congress. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Protect Greenbury Point Conservation Area Act
# Protect Greenbury Point Conservation Area Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** HR 6628 would establish legal protections for the Greenbury Point Conservation Area, likely preventing or restricting development and commercial activities in this region. While the bill's detailed provisions aren't specified in the available information, conservation area protections typically aim to preserve natural habitats, wildlife, and landscapes from industrial or residential development. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect residents and landowners in the Greenbury Point area of Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, as well as environmental organizations and local communities. Property owners in the protected area might face restrictions on land use, while conservation advocates would benefit from habitat preservation. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-Maryland) in the 119th Congress and is currently under review in committee. It has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. To become law, it would need to pass committee review, gain House approval, pass the Senate, and receive presidential signature.
Improving the Enlisted to Officer Judge Advocate Program Act
# Improving the Enlisted to Officer Judge Advocate Program Act (HR 6627) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to improve the military's program that allows enlisted service members (regular soldiers, sailors, and airmen) to become Judge Advocates—military lawyers who provide legal advice to commanders and handle military justice cases. The legislation would make it easier for experienced enlisted personnel to transition into officer positions within the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, which currently has limited pathways for this type of career advancement. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects military service members interested in pursuing legal careers and the armed forces' legal operations. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, such bills typically address barriers like educational requirements, application processes, or training standards that make it difficult for enlisted personnel to qualify as military lawyers. This could help the military retain experienced service members by offering them clearer advancement opportunities. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD).
Expanding Mental Health Access for Cyber Command Personnel Act
# Expanding Mental Health Access for Cyber Command Personnel Act **What the Bill Does** This bill would expand mental health services and support for military personnel who work in U.S. Cyber Command, the branch responsible for military cybersecurity operations. The legislation aims to improve access to mental health care and counseling services specifically for these cyber operations personnel, recognizing the unique stressors and demands of their work. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily impacts military members assigned to Cyber Command positions. It may also affect the Department of Defense, which would need to implement expanded mental health services, and potentially their families who could benefit from related support programs. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (HR 6630, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. It was sponsored by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD). As with many bills at the committee stage, its future passage is uncertain.
NOAA Data Preservation Act
# NOAA Data Preservation Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The NOAA Data Preservation Act would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish and maintain systems for preserving scientific data collected by the agency. The bill aims to ensure that valuable environmental and weather data—including information about oceans, climate, and atmospheric conditions—is properly archived and remains accessible for future scientific research, public use, and decision-making. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill primarily affects NOAA scientists and researchers, other federal agencies, academic institutions, and the general public who rely on NOAA data for weather forecasting, climate research, and environmental planning. By requiring formal data preservation protocols, the legislation would help prevent the loss of irreplaceable scientific records and ensure continuity of long-term environmental monitoring efforts. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No further action has been taken since its introduction.
THRIVE Act of 2025
# THRIVE Act of 2025 - Summary Unfortunately, I cannot provide a detailed summary of this bill because the information available is limited. The Congressional record shows that HR 5943, the THRIVE Act of 2025, was introduced by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee. However, no subject categories or bill description are listed in the database, which typically means either the bill information hasn't been fully processed yet or the summary data hasn't been made publicly available. **To learn what this bill would actually do**, I'd recommend checking these official sources: - **Congress.gov** - Search for "HR 5943" for the full bill text and details - **Representative Elfreth's official website** - For her statement on the bill's purpose - **House committee websites** - To see if hearings or documentation have been posted These sources will have the specific provisions and explain who would be affected once the bill details are officially available.
Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act
# Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act (HR 5843) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prohibit federal employees from taking out new federal student loans while they are employed by the federal government. Instead, the legislation would require the federal government to help pay for their education through direct tuition assistance or other educational benefits. The intent appears to be shifting the cost of employee education from individual loan debt to employer-sponsored assistance programs. **Who It Affects** The bill would directly impact current and prospective federal employees seeking to pursue education or training. It would also affect federal agencies, which would need to establish or expand tuition assistance programs to support their employees' educational goals. Indirectly, it could influence federal student loan programs and the Department of Education's loan administration. **Current Status** The bill remains in committee as of the 119th Congress, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It has not advanced to further legislative action.
Help FEDS Act
# Help FEDS Act (HR 5572) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Help FEDS Act is a proposed law currently being reviewed in Congress that would provide assistance to federal employees. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on improving benefits, working conditions, pay, or other support for people who work for the federal government. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact federal employees across various government agencies. Depending on its specific provisions, it could also indirectly affect the general public through changes in how federal services are delivered or funded. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) and is currently in committee, meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process. It has not yet been voted on by the full House or Senate. To learn the specific details of what assistance the bill provides, you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov or similar legislative tracking websites.
Protect Our Probationary Employees Act
# Protect Our Probationary Employees Act (HR 1989) — Summary **What It Would Do** This bill would change employment protections for federal workers during their probationary period—typically the first few years of employment. Currently, federal agencies can more easily fire new employees during probation without the same due process protections granted to permanent employees. The bill appears designed to extend greater job security and procedural protections to workers in this probationary status, though specific details aren't provided in the available information. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily impacts newly hired federal government employees and the federal agencies that employ them. It could also indirectly affect taxpayers and government efficiency, depending on how probationary protections are modified. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-Maryland) in the 119th Congress. *Note: Complete legislative details are limited in the available information. For full specifics on provisions, you can visit Congress.gov to review the complete bill text.*