Rep. Chuck Edwards

Maddy summaryThe Healthy Competition for Better Care Act (HR 6248) prohibits health plans and insurers from including restrictive terms in contracts with healthcare providers that limit patient choice or price competition. Specifically, it bans agreements that prevent plans from steering patients to other providers, offering cost-saving incentives, or restricting other plans from paying lower rates for the same services. The law includes exceptions for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and value-based networks like accountable care organizations. Regulations to implement these changes must be issued within one year by health, labor, and treasury departments, with the rules taking effect 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to review Federal Housing Administration (FHA) construction financing programs for barriers preventing modular home developers from participating. The review will identify issues like payment timing during construction (draw schedules) and recommend changes to simplify access. Within one year, HUD must publish a report with these findings and potential policy adjustments. If changes are recommended, HUD would then propose a new payment schedule for modular home projects through a public comment process. The bill does not immediately change programs but sets a process to address existing obstacles for developers of modular homes.

Maddy summaryThe Congressional Budget Office Scheduling Reform Act (HR 6140) requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to publish an annual schedule of major recurring reports by December 31 each year. This schedule must include key reports like the budget baseline, deficit reduction options analysis, accuracy of budget projections, and reports on unauthorized appropriations. The CBO must update the schedule as needed during the year. This law directly affects the CBO's reporting process and provides Congress with clearer timelines for accessing critical budget information. The bill aims to increase transparency around when these reports will be released.

Maddy summaryHR 1109, the Litigation Transparency Act of 2025, requires parties and their lawyers in civil lawsuits to disclose to the court and other parties the identity of any person or group that could receive payment if the case succeeds (like investors or lenders), and to provide copies of related agreements. Exceptions apply for simple loan repayments (with interest limits) or attorney fee reimbursements. Disclosures must be made within 10 days of signing such agreements or when filing the case, and must be updated if inaccurate. This applies to all civil cases filed after the law takes effect, aiming to increase transparency in litigation funding arrangements.

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 summaryHRES 866 is a non-binding House resolution condemning the systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria by groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants, and criticizing Nigeria's government for failing to protect Christian communities or acknowledge the violence. It calls on the U.S. government to support President Trump in using diplomatic, economic, and security tools to pressure Nigeria to end impunity for attacks, protect Christians, return displaced persons, and repeal blasphemy laws. The resolution specifically demands action against religiously motivated violence, including the release of those imprisoned for their faith, and urges coordination with international partners for humanitarian aid. It does not create new laws but expresses congressional support for U.S. policy actions targeting Nigeria's religious freedom violations.

Maddy summaryHR 5907 authorizes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to local governments, tribal entities, and municipal organizations to select pre-approved construction plans for mixed-income housing structures. These structures include duplexes, cottage courts, and other small-scale developments (up to 25 units) designed to promote affordability, with a specific requirement that 10% of annual funding must support rural areas. The bill mandates grantees to report on housing impacts, permits issued using the approved designs, and units built, while requiring the return of funds if selected designs aren’t adopted within five years. It focuses on streamlining housing approvals through pre-reviewed plans, not construction funding, to increase affordable housing supply.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 3-year pilot program (2025-2028) using up to 10% of existing disaster relief funds to help low-income homeowners in disaster-prone areas make resilience upgrades to their homes. It funds specific retrofits like floodproofing, seismic upgrades, wildfire mitigation, and hurricane-resistant roofing to reduce damage from natural disasters. The program requires states to prioritize financially needy homeowners and mandates a detailed report by 2029 on outcomes, including homes retrofitted, costs, and avoided disaster costs. It applies only to funds appropriated after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryHR 5648, the Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025, ensures uninterrupted federal disaster relief funding during fiscal year 2026 if regular appropriations aren't finalized. It appropriates Treasury funds to continue FEMA operations under the Stafford Act, covering individual assistance, emergency response personnel costs, and ongoing recovery projects. The funding remains available until either regular appropriations are passed, a continuing resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. Funds cannot be used for non-essential administrative work, new policies, or non-disaster-related activities.