Rep. Russ Fulcher

Maddy summaryThe Rural Hospital Revitalization Act of 2026 provides zero-interest loans to specific rural hospitals for building new facilities or renovating existing ones. To qualify, a hospital must be located in a county with fewer than 20,000 people, be at least 35 miles from the nearest hospital, have operated for at least 30 years, and demonstrate financial stability. The loans are initially interest-free for five years and can be refinanced later at standard rates if the hospital's financial situation improves, or renewed once under strict conditions if the hospital struggles financially. Additionally, receiving hospitals become eligible for technical assistance grants designed to help improve their operations and financial health.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins must feature designs honoring victims and first responders (including the inscription "Never Forget") and will be sold only during 2027-2028. All surcharges ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin) collected from sales will fund the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, with no net cost to the federal government. The coins are legal tender but primarily intended for collectors, not circulation.

Maddy summaryThe Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act authorizes the creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women’s history, to be located within the National Mall Reserve in Washington, D.C. If the site is managed by another federal agency, the bill requires that agency to transfer the land after notifying Congress and relevant committees. The museum must ensure exhibits and programs accurately represent diverse women’s experiences by consulting a broad range of experts and community voices. The Smithsonian will submit biennial reports to Congress detailing how the museum meets these representation standards.

Maddy summaryHR 6802, the CLEAR Act of 2025, blocks the Forest Service from enforcing a specific rule (89 Fed. Reg. 92808, November 25, 2024) related to law enforcement and criminal prohibitions. The bill directly prevents the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service from implementing or administering this regulation. It does not create new policy but halts enforcement of an existing rule, affecting how the Forest Service operates under that specific provision. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on stopping the rule’s application without altering broader law enforcement authority.

Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act or the GEO Act This bill expands the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for the Department of the Interior to process applications related to geothermal leases. Specifically, Interior must process each application for a geothermal drilling permit or other authorization under a valid existing geothermal lease within 60 days after completing all requirements under applicable federal laws and regulations (including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Historic Preservation Act) unless a U.S. federal court vacates or provides injunctive relief for the underlying lease.

Maddy summaryThe FAIR Labels Act of 2026 establishes new labeling requirements for cell-cultivated protein products and plant-based alternatives designed to look like meat or poultry. It mandates that labels for these products prominently display the terms "cell-cultivated" or "plant-based alternative protein product" and include clear disclaimers stating the items are not derived from live animals or birds. Additionally, the bill updates regulatory oversight by requiring the USDA and FDA to revise their agreement, assigning the USDA primary responsibility for regulating cell-cultivated meat and poultry while the FDA oversees production safety and facility compliance. The legislation also directs these agencies to create common standards of identity for these products within 180 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 aims to increase the involvement of local water contractors during environmental consultations for federal water projects. It directly affects federal agencies operating water supply projects and the public or quasi-municipal agencies and water user associations that contract for water from these projects. The bill mandates that these water contractors receive routine opportunities to discuss and submit information during the development of biological assessments and draft biological opinions under the Endangered Species Act. Furthermore, it requires federal agencies to inform and engage contractors on the legal and scientific basis for proposed actions that could reduce water delivery, explaining why less impactful alternatives are inadequate, and providing details on proposed mitigation measures.

Maddy summaryThe MATCH Act requires U.S. agencies to align export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment with allied nations to prevent adversaries from accessing critical technology. It mandates a 150-day period for diplomatic efforts to secure countrywide denial policies from allied suppliers, after which U.S. jurisdiction would extend to equipment exported from countries not complying with these controls. The bill specifically targets semiconductor manufacturing equipment that the U.S. cannot currently produce in high volume and includes a list of Chinese companies deemed to warrant comprehensive restrictions. If allies fail to implement matching controls, the Act would allow the U.S. to regulate equipment exported from non-compliant allied countries and restrict servicing of restricted items at facilities in adversary nations. The legislation includes a sunset provision that expires five years after enactment, with annual reporting requirements to Congress on progress and compliance.

Maddy summaryThe ESA Amendments Act of 2025 makes significant changes to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to streamline conservation efforts and reduce regulatory burdens. It establishes a national listing work plan with priority classifications for species to better allocate resources, and creates "Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances" that provide private landowners with regulatory certainty in exchange for conservation actions. The bill also requires the government to publish the basis for listings online, streamlines permitting processes for projects that comply with conservation measures, and modifies critical habitat designation to better accommodate existing conservation plans on private lands. These changes aim to improve conservation outcomes while reducing delays for landowners, developers, and federal agencies working with listed species.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026 prohibits state and local governments from suing energy companies for damages related to climate change or greenhouse gas emissions. This bill declares that regulating emissions is exclusively a federal responsibility and voids any state laws that hold energy businesses liable for alleged climate harms. Consequently, all pending lawsuits of this nature against energy producers must be dismissed immediately, preventing states from imposing retroactive penalties for past lawful operations. The legislation directly affects companies involved in the production, refinement, and sale of oil, gas, and coal by shielding them from civil liability in both state and federal courts.