Rep. John B. Larson

Maddy summaryHR 4725, the TRUTH in Labeling Act, requires new front-of-package labels on most packaged foods to highlight high levels of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat using "High in" labels with an exclamation point icon. The labels must also disclose if a product contains non-nutritive sweeteners (like artificial sweeteners) and include a statement that these are not recommended for children, placed adjacent to the nutrient labels. The rule applies specifically to foods marketed for infants under 12 months and children aged 1-4 years, in addition to general consumer foods. The law mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to finalize this labeling rule within 180 days of enactment, aligning with current dietary guidelines.

Maddy summaryHR 4734, the "Hands Off Our Social Security Act," prohibits federal actions that would alter Social Security benefits, data handling, workforce levels, office locations, or communication systems without explicit congressional approval. It directly protects Social Security beneficiaries and the Social Security Administration (SSA) by banning unauthorized changes to benefits, data mining, privatization, staff cuts, office closures, or reduced phone/in-person services. Key provisions require Congress to approve any modifications to benefits, workforce reductions, or office closures, and mandate the SSA to maintain existing communication channels. The bill also mandates annual GAO audits to ensure compliance with these restrictions. This legislation focuses on preserving current Social Security operations and access, not creating new benefits or altering eligibility.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 108 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove legal immunity for federal officials, including the President, from criminal prosecution for actions taken while performing official duties. It would prohibit the President from granting pardons to themselves and eliminate the defense that "official authority" excuses violations of federal or state law (with limited exceptions for certain congressional actions). If ratified, this amendment would require Congress to pass implementing laws to enforce these changes. The proposal is currently in the House Judiciary Committee and requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution.

Maddy summaryHR 4482, the Stop NOAA Closures Act, imposes a temporary moratorium on closing, suspending, or limiting access to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities, effective until a report is submitted to Congress by January 21, 2029. The bill requires NOAA and the General Services Administration to submit detailed reports to specific congressional committees before any future facility closure, suspension, lease termination, or consolidation - outlining cost-benefit analyses, service impacts, and justification. Exceptions apply only for emergencies posing immediate threats to personnel safety. This bill directly affects NOAA's facility management decisions and mandates congressional oversight for future closures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal worker heat protection standards to prevent heat-related illness and injury. It requires employers to provide a workplace free from heat stress hazards, including access to cool water, scheduled rest breaks, shaded cooling areas, and training on heat illness symptoms. The Secretary of Labor must create these standards within one year, incorporating evidence-based practices like engineering controls (e.g., ventilation), administrative measures (e.g., adjusted schedules), and employer-paid personal protective equipment. The law directly affects all employers in high-heat work environments - such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing - and strengthens whistleblower protections for workers reporting safety violations.

Maddy summaryThe Cool Corridors Act of 2025 expands the existing Healthy Streets program to fund tree planting, shade structures, and green infrastructure along transportation corridors - like bus stops, transit hubs, and school zones - to reduce heat exposure. It directly affects communities facing extreme heat and limited tree canopy (especially low-income or historically underserved areas), as well as state/local transit agencies, schools, and environmental groups. Key provisions include requiring projects to prioritize heat-vulnerable regions, mandate annual reporting on temperature reduction and equity outcomes, and ensure tree planting doesn’t obstruct traffic safety. The bill also extends program funding through 2030 and mandates coordination with agencies like the EPA and Forest Service.

Maddy summaryHR 4382 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics/Paralympics and 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics/Paralympics. It specifies gold, silver, and half-dollar coin designs with defined mintage limits (e.g., up to 100,000 $5 gold coins for each event), all bearing inscriptions like "2028" or "2034" and standard coin features. A surcharge ($5-$50 per coin) is added to sales, with all funds directed to the respective Olympic committees to support event hosting and legacy programs like youth sports. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring surcharge revenues to cover all design, production, and marketing expenses before funds are disbursed.

Maddy summaryThe Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025 creates a federal grant program to help high-need schools hire and retain mental health professionals like counselors, psychologists, and social workers. It targets schools in the top 15% of need (based on student poverty or counts) that lack required staff ratios, such as one counselor per 250 students. Grants fund recruitment incentives (e.g., student loan repayment), retention programs, and evidence-based mental health services, with recipients required to contribute 25% of costs from non-federal funds. Schools must report annually on staff numbers, student-to-staff ratios, and retention rates to track progress toward improved mental health access.

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 This bill expands Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. Specifically, the bill allows coverage for therapy that is provided by (1) a physician who is not a primary care physician; or (2) other health care providers (e.g., physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and approved counseling programs, if provided upon a referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner. Currently, such therapy is covered only if provided by a primary care practitioner. The bill also allows coverage under Medicare's prescription drug benefit of drugs used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for individuals who are overweight.

Maddy summaryThe No Secret Police Act of 2025 requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other Department of Homeland Security officers working on border security or immigration enforcement to visibly display their official badges or uniforms and provide identification during detentions or arrests. It prohibits officers from wearing face coverings that conceal their face during these interactions. The bill also mandates that the Department report to Congress about tactical gear policies and research technology to improve badge visibility in different conditions like weather or lighting. These changes aim to increase transparency in immigration enforcement encounters.