Rep. Wesley Bell

Maddy summaryHR 2753, the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025, is a procedural bill that would prevent Congress from using budget reconciliation to cut Medicaid or SNAP benefits. It amends the Congressional Budget Act to block reconciliation bills or amendments that reduce Medicaid enrollment/benefits (under Social Security Act Title XIX) or SNAP eligibility/benefits (under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008). This rule would apply until January 20, 2029, and only affects the budget reconciliation process, not the programs themselves. The bill does not change current benefit levels or eligibility rules for Medicaid or SNAP recipients.

Maddy summaryThe Raise the Wage Act of 2025 gradually increases the federal minimum wage from $9.50 to $17.00 per hour over six years, with annual adjustments based on median wage growth. It raises the base wage for tipped workers from $6.00 to $17.00 per hour, phasing out their separate minimum wage structure by 2029. The bill also eliminates special minimum wage certificates for disabled workers after 2029, requiring employers to pay the standard minimum wage. These changes apply to most covered workers, including tipped employees and those under 20, with specific transition timelines for each group.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisors. The Federal Labor Relations Authority would determine if state laws provide these rights, and if not, would establish them for affected employees. The bill guarantees public employees the right to form unions, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while requiring public employers to recognize unions and put agreements in writing. It also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would disrupt emergency services. This would apply to public employees in states that don't meet the federal standards for collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to evaluate existing and ongoing research on menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life health for women in the military and as veterans. It directs them to identify gaps in knowledge about treatments, the impact of military service (including combat roles and exposure to toxins like burn pits), mental health effects, and healthcare provider training needs. Within 180 days of enactment, the departments must submit a report with findings and a strategic plan to address identified gaps and prioritize future research. The bill ensures this work supplements, rather than duplicates, existing efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryThe Invest to Protect Act of 2025 establishes a $50 million annual grant program (2027-2031) for local governments employing fewer than 175 law enforcement officers, including counties, municipalities, and Tribal governments. Grants fund de-escalation training, victim-centered domestic violence response training, evidence-based safety training for scenarios like mental health crises or active shooters, recruitment/retention bonuses (capped at 20% of salary), and mental health resources for officers. Recipients must report on program use, disclose bonus amounts publicly, and comply with audits to prevent misuse of funds. The bill aims to improve officer safety and community relations through targeted support for smaller law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryHRES 297 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions for paraprofessionals (like instructional assistants) and education support staff (including bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and clerical staff) in schools. It specifically calls for livable wages, job security, access to affordable health care, paid leave, and meaningful input in school policies for these workers. As a resolution, it does not create new laws or mandate changes but serves as a symbolic statement highlighting these workers' needs. The resolution directly addresses the concerns of over 3 million school support staff facing issues like underpayment, lack of benefits, and job instability.

Maddy summaryHR 2687, the End Kidney Deaths Act, creates a federal tax credit for living kidney donors who give non-directed donations (meaning they don't know the recipient's identity). It provides a $10,000 annual credit for five years ($50,000 total) to donors whose kidney is removed after December 31, 2026, with special rules if the donor dies during this period. The credit applies only to living, non-directed kidney donations and explicitly states it does not count as "valuable consideration" under laws prohibiting organ sales. This bill directly affects living kidney donors who choose to donate anonymously, aiming to incentivize such donations by offsetting related costs through tax relief. The credit expires after December 31, 2036.

Maddy summaryThe No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act would deny tax deductions for employers who spend money to influence employees' decisions about union activities, such as union elections or collective bargaining. It defines "labor organization activities" broadly to include union elections, labor disputes, and collective actions. The bill requires employers to report such spending on tax returns and prevents them from deducting these expenses from taxable income. This would apply to employers using tactics like captive audience meetings, outside consultants, or other efforts to sway workers' union decisions. The policy aims to remove tax incentives for employers to interfere with workers' rights under labor law.

Maddy summaryHR 2680, the Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025, ends reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs under federal law and expands free meal eligibility. It raises the income threshold for free lunch eligibility from 130% to 224% of the federal poverty level (Sec. 201) and allows schools to directly certify children receiving Medicaid benefits as eligible for free meals without additional applications (Sec. 202). The bill also permits schools to request retroactive reimbursement for meals served to eligible children starting the first day of the school year (Sec. 203) and increases the community eligibility program multiplier to 2.5 for schools serving high-poverty areas (Sec. 204). These changes directly affect public school students from low-income families and school districts receiving federal meal reimbursement funds.

Maddy summaryHR 2668, the DART Act of 2025, expands federal funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to support state and local diversion and rehabilitation programs instead of incarceration. It allows JAG funds to cover pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release rehabilitation services, directly affecting local justice systems and individuals facing the criminal justice system. The bill creates a National Diversion and Rehabilitation Clearinghouse to share evidence-based practices, provide technical assistance, and promote trauma-informed approaches. These changes aim to reduce recidivism by addressing root causes like addiction and mental health, shifting focus from incarceration to treatment and community-based solutions.