Rep. Kathy Castor

Maddy summaryThis bill nullifies a specific decision made by the Endangered Species Committee regarding oil and gas operations in the Gulf of America. It immediately cancels any exemptions previously granted to these activities under the Endangered Species Act and bars federal agencies from using funds to enforce the canceled order. For a three-year period starting when the bill is enacted, the committee is prohibited from issuing any new exemptions for Gulf oil and gas projects. Consequently, all standard environmental protections required by the Endangered Species Act will continue to apply fully to these activities.

Maddy summaryThe No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal money to pay specific settlements involving high-ranking government officials and their close associates. It bars payments to the President, Vice President, their immediate families, cabinet members, senior executive staff, political appointees, and individuals connected to these roles, as well as any entity owned by the President or Vice President. Additionally, the bill restricts settlements related to claims about the January 6 Capitol attack, foreign election interference, or previously dismissed lawsuits, while requiring Treasury reports for large settlements and allowing the government to seek repayment if rules are broken.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule that requires doctors to obtain prior authorization for certain medical services under the WISeR Model. The bill directly affects healthcare providers and patients by seeking to cancel the rule, which would otherwise mandate that specific services be approved before they are delivered. If passed, the provision would render the rule ineffective, preventing the new prior authorization requirements from taking effect. This action is part of a standard legislative process used to reject federal regulations without needing to pass a new law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the critical role of the United States Special Operations Forces community in national defense and expresses support for the designation of SOF Week. The bill highlights the specialized training, dangerous missions, and unique contributions of these military units and their families to the nation's security. By passing this measure, the House of Representatives aims to honor the bravery and dedication of SOF personnel while acknowledging the importance of their annual conference.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses the House of Representatives' view that the FDA should regulate mifepristone, a medication used for abortion, based on scientific evidence rather than political pressure. It highlights over 25 years of data showing the drug is safe and effective when prescribed via telemedicine or dispensed by mail and pharmacy. The bill advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to this care, particularly for marginalized communities facing barriers due to state-level restrictions. By citing numerous studies and medical organizations, the resolution calls for transparent, science-based decisions to maintain current access methods.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Our Democracy Act is a comprehensive legislative bill designed to prevent abuses of presidential power, restore checks and balances, and defend elections against foreign interference. Key provisions include prohibiting the President from granting self-pardons, requiring congressional oversight for pardons involving the President or their family, and banning the President from accepting payments from individuals who have received clemency. The bill also strengthens enforcement of the Hatch Act and ethics rules for political appointees, mandates greater transparency in presidential tax returns and campaign finances, and restricts the use of federal property for political conventions. Additionally, it expands reporting requirements for foreign contacts in federal campaigns and imposes stricter penalties for violations of election laws.

Maddy summaryThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 mandates that all public schools provide free breakfast and lunch to every enrolled student, regardless of income. It establishes specific funding rates for these meals, adjusts payments based on the use of locally sourced food, and eliminates the ability of schools to collect debt for unpaid charges. Additionally, the bill expands free meal access to summer programs, afterschool care, and incarcerated juveniles while updating poverty measurement standards across various federal education and nutrition laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals aged 70 and a half or older to donate money directly from their employer-sponsored retirement accounts to qualified charities without counting the donation as taxable income. It expands an existing tax provision by including various types of employer plans, such as 403(b) and 457(b) plans, alongside traditional qualified plans. Under the new rules, the amount excluded from gross income is limited to the excess of the annual standard distribution limit over any other tax-free distributions the person made that year. The legislation applies to distributions made in taxable years beginning after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution reaffirms the House of Representatives' support for the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan U.S. policy toward Taiwan. It highlights key provisions such as maintaining commercial and cultural ties, emphasizing regional peace, and providing Taiwan with defensive arms. The document also reiterates the Six Assurances, which clarify that the U.S. does not set a date for ending arms sales, will not mediate between Taiwan and China, and will not pressure Taiwan to negotiate with China. By restating these principles, the bill aims to reinforce the current framework without introducing new legal obligations or changing existing policy.

Maddy summaryThe TREE Act prohibits the import and sale in the U.S. of goods linked to deforestation, starting in 2029, and directly affects companies that trade or sell commodities like cattle, soy, palm oil, and wood. To enforce this ban, the bill requires importers to submit detailed due diligence statements proving their products are deforestation-free, while also mandating increased customs inspections for goods from countries categorized as high or moderate risk. The U.S. Trade Representative will annually assess and rank countries based on their deforestation rates and environmental laws, with higher-risk nations facing stricter scrutiny and potential trade restrictions. Additionally, the law establishes civil penalties for violations and directs half of the collected fines toward providing financial assistance to developing countries for forest management.