Rep. Cleo Fields

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority with respect to research on rare pediatric diseases, including by permitting the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to satisfy pediatric study requirements and by reauthorizing programs that support pediatric research.  Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations to permit research on new drugs in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved, provided certain conditions are met; permits the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements, if such sponsors demonstrated a lack of due diligence in satisfying the requirement; renews the FDA’s authority to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of new products intended to treat rare pediatric diseases through September 30, 2029; and reauthorizes through FY2027 certain funding for the National Institutes of Health to support priority pediatric research.  The bill also provides statutory authority for the FDA’s interpretation of the orphan drug exclusivity period. The bill specifies, consistent with FDA regulations, that the seven-year market exclusivity period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drugs) prohibits the approval of the same drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to the disease or condition. (In Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra , a court rejected the FDA’s interpretation and held that orphan drug exclusivity extends to all uses or indications for the disease or condition.)

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures FEMA can continue disaster relief operations during government funding gaps by authorizing the agency to use existing Disaster Relief Fund balances. It allows FEMA to process claims and payments for both current and future disasters (including individual and public assistance) without interruption, while maintaining necessary staff and contracts. The bill prohibits diverting Disaster Relief Fund money during shutdowns (except for mandatory legal requirements) and explicitly designates FEMA operations as "essential" under the Anti-Deficiency Act to protect life and property. It directly affects disaster victims by preventing aid delays during budget disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal program to help low-income households pay for drinking water and wastewater services. It provides $500 million annually (2026-2030) in grants to states and tribes that already administer energy assistance programs, allowing them to cover past-due bills or other costs for households meeting specific income criteria (e.g., receiving certain federal benefits or earning ≤150% of the poverty level). The program prohibits using these funds to replace existing assistance and requires technical help to streamline eligibility. It directly affects low-income households in participating states and tribes, particularly those facing water affordability challenges.

Maddy summaryHR 6249, the "Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act," updates federal disaster relief guidelines to explicitly include substance use and alcohol use disorders in crisis counseling services. It amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to allow FEMA-funded programs to address these issues alongside mental health needs for disaster survivors. The bill requires FEMA to revise application forms and guidance within 180 days to reflect these changes and mandates a GAO report on program duration and compliance with using funds only for disaster-related substance/alcohol issues. This directly affects disaster survivors facing substance use or alcohol challenges by expanding access to covered support services.

Maddy summaryHR 6215, the Small Business RELIEF Act, exempts small businesses from import duties imposed under Executive Order 14257 (90 Fed. Reg. 15041) for goods they import or use. It requires the President to refund duties paid by small businesses within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The bill defines "small business concern" using the standard Small Business Act criteria (15 U.S.C. 632). This directly affects small businesses importing goods, providing immediate cost relief by removing a specific tariff and refunding past payments.

Maddy summaryThe Kidney Care Access Protection Act (HR 6214) improves access to innovative kidney treatments for Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease. It extends transitional payment adjustments for new renal dialysis drugs and devices for at least three years, then establishes permanent payment adjustments based on actual utilization and costs. The bill also expands Medicare's annual wellness benefit to include kidney disease screening and increases access to kidney disease education services through renal dialysis facilities. These changes apply to Medicare beneficiaries, renal dialysis facilities, and healthcare providers, with key provisions effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to improve diabetes care in underserved urban and rural communities. It authorizes the Health Secretary to fund eligible providers - including community health centers, rural clinics, and tribal health departments - to deliver comprehensive services like routine diabetes treatment, prevention education, eye/foot care, and kidney disease management. Grants require providers to offer culturally appropriate care in local languages and conduct community outreach. Funding must be distributed equitably between urban and rural areas, with authorization for fiscal years 2026-2031. The program directly supports patients in medically underserved communities facing barriers to diabetes care.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy MOM Act (HR 6242) would require health insurance plans to provide a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals beginning when pregnancy is reported to the insurer. It mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers cover maternity care, including childbirth and postpartum care, for all dependents regardless of age. The bill would extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals and infants to 12 months postpartum (instead of ending at 60 days postpartum) and make this 12-month coverage permanent. These provisions would directly affect pregnant individuals, women with dependent children who are pregnant, and health insurance plans and Medicaid programs.

Maddy summaryThe Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2025 modifies mortgage insurance premiums for first-time homebuyers who complete approved financial literacy counseling programs. It requires that such counseling be completed before signing a mortgage application or sales agreement. The bill reduces the mortgage insurance premium by 25 basis points (0.25%) below the standard rate established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. This change directly affects first-time homebuyers who participate in qualifying housing counseling programs.

Maddy summaryThe AI for ALL Act establishes a federal commission within the Office of Science and Technology Policy to improve public understanding of artificial intelligence. The commission, composed of government officials and experts from education, industry, and research, must develop a national strategy for AI literacy within one year and update it every two years. It will create and distribute free, multilingual educational materials - via a public website and national campaigns - to help Americans learn about AI's basics, evolution, and safe use. These materials aim to enhance public knowledge without imposing new regulations or favoring specific AI technologies.