Rep. Mike Collins

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that critical firearm-related government operations continue during federal shutdowns. It designates background checks (via the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforcement, and firearm export licensing (handled by Commerce and State Departments) as essential services that must remain operational. These functions would be treated as "excepted" under federal law, meaning their employees would continue working even if other government services halt. The bill affects how background checks and firearm export licenses are processed during shutdowns but does not change gun ownership laws or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe FREE Act (HR 689) requires federal agencies to replace slow, discretionary permitting processes with a streamlined "permitting by rule" system for certain permits. Under this system, applicants would certify compliance with written standards (instead of lengthy agency reviews) and receive a permit automatically after 180 days if the agency doesn’t act. Agencies must first report on their current permitting processes and identify which permits can transition to this model, with deadlines for submissions and implementation. This directly affects federal agencies issuing permits (e.g., environmental or construction permits) and applicants seeking them, aiming to reduce delays and costs while allowing agencies to audit and enforce compliance after permits are granted.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 5789 (the Donald J. Trump Congressional Gold Medal Act), authorizes Congress to award a gold medal to former President Donald J. Trump. It recognizes his "extraordinary peacemaking efforts" as described in the bill's findings, including a fictional 2025 Israel-Hamas peace agreement and other alleged diplomatic achievements. The key provision directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The bill does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial honor for Trump, with no direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryThe Black Vulture Relief Act authorizes livestock producers and their employees to remove or kill black vultures (Coragyps atratus) that are causing or likely to cause harm to livestock, bypassing standard protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It prohibits using poison for this purpose and requires annual reports to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about such actions, using a simplified form. The law specifically targets vultures threatening livestock as defined in existing federal agriculture law, with reporting deadlines starting after a form is developed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) process to strengthen due process for individuals denied firearm purchases. It requires courts to hold hearings on challenges within 30 days, places the burden on the government to prove ineligibility by "clear and convincing evidence," and mandates courts to award attorney fees to successful challengers. The bill also requires the FBI to submit annual reports to Congress detailing NICS challenge volumes, reversal rates, and processing times. These provisions directly affect people wrongly flagged in the NICS database who seek to correct their records. The law focuses on procedural fairness, not altering firearm eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests (blood or biological tests analyzing cell-free DNA) starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries aged 68 and older (starting in 2028, with the age limit increasing by 1 year annually), requiring tests to be FDA-cleared and deemed reasonable/necessary by the Secretary for early cancer detection across multiple organ sites. Payment will initially match current stool DNA test rates before 2031, then shift to a lower rate or new payment system after 2031, with limits preventing more than one test per year. The bill explicitly states it does not alter coverage for existing cancer screenings like breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer tests.

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 5580, the Charlie Kirk Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce 400,000 $1 silver coins in 2026 to honor Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who died in 2025. The coins must feature Kirk's image on the obverse and "well done, good and faithful servant" on the reverse, with standard minting specifications. They will be sold at face value plus production costs to collectors, with no net cost to the government. This bill has no policy impact beyond commemoration; it affects only the U.S. Mint and coin collectors.

Maddy summaryThe SAVES Act (HR 2605) creates a 5-year pilot program where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to provide service dogs to veterans with specific disabilities. It directly affects veterans with covered conditions like blindness, mobility impairments, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or other disabilities deemed appropriate for service dog assistance by the VA. Key provisions include: grants capped at $2 million per nonprofit (with $10 million annually authorized), no fees charged to veterans, VA-provided lifetime veterinary insurance for the dogs, and requirements for nonprofits to train veterans and maintain humane animal standards. The program aims to expand access to service dogs as a support tool for veterans managing qualifying disabilities.

Maddy summaryH.J.Res. 127 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish parental rights regarding children's upbringing, education, and care as a fundamental right. It would guarantee parents the right to choose private, religious, or home schooling instead of public school, or make reasonable choices within public schools for their children. The amendment would require the government to demonstrate a "highest order" interest to limit these rights, and explicitly prohibits denying these rights based on disability. This proposal, if ratified by 38 states, would amend the U.S. Constitution but is not yet law.