Rep. Addison P. McDowell

Maddy summaryThe SKIM Act (HR 3810) increases penalties for fraud involving counterfeit access devices like credit cards. It requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to raise fraud offense levels by 4 points (minimum level 14) and count all unauthorized charges from 10+ counterfeit devices toward total losses. The bill also mandates a 90-day report to Congress from the Attorney General and DHS, detailing law enforcement coordination, fraud technologies, assistance requests, and recommendations for combating such fraud. This directly affects federal courts (through sentencing changes), law enforcement agencies, and businesses vulnerable to access device fraud.

Maddy summaryHRES 478 is a symbolic House resolution designating the month of July as "American Patriotism Month." It does not create new laws or policies but encourages voluntary observance through ceremonies, educational activities, and community events celebrating American history and values. The resolution highlights historical events like Independence Day, Pearl Harbor, and 9/11 as examples of patriotism, while urging schools, organizations, and communities to participate in commemorations. It has no binding effect on citizens or government operations and merely requests the President issue an annual proclamation. This is purely a ceremonial recognition with no direct impact on individuals or policy implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill would reform immigration parole by requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant temporary entry only on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian needs or significant public benefit, reversing what the bill describes as systemic overuse. It imposes a strict annual cap of 3,000 paroles starting in fiscal year 2029, restricts parole for nationals of designated "countries of concern" without a State Department waiver, and allows states to sue if they claim financial harm exceeding $100 from parole decisions. The bill directly affects immigrants seeking temporary entry and DHS officials administering the program. Key mechanisms include the new cap, country restrictions, and state lawsuit provisions to enforce compliance.

Maddy summaryHR 3608, "Connor’s Law," requires commercial motor vehicle operators (like truck and bus drivers) to read and speak English well enough to converse with the public, understand English traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. The bill adds this language requirement to existing federal safety rules for commercial drivers. Drivers found noncompliant with this rule would face an "out of service" order, meaning they cannot operate their vehicle until they meet the requirement. This directly affects commercial drivers operating in the U.S. under federal safety regulations.

Maddy summaryHRES 447 is a non-binding House resolution condemning antisemitism and honoring Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two Israeli Embassy employees killed during a peace-focused panel discussion in 2023. The resolution specifically condemns all forms of antisemitism - including violence, vandalism, and online harassment - and remembers the victims, who were killed by a far-left activist affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. It calls for enforcing existing hate crime laws and protecting religious freedom, without creating new legislation. This resolution symbolically supports Jewish communities and victims of antisemitic violence but does not alter legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 433) is a symbolic congressional statement condemning former FBI Director James Comey for a social media post described in the bill as inciting violence against President Trump. It claims Comey's post - featuring the phrase "86-47" with "cool shell formation" - seemed to call for eliminating the president, jeopardizing his security during a foreign trip. The resolution formally condemns this as "indefensible," urges barring Comey from future federal employment, and requests a DOJ investigation into his post. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but reflects the sponsors' position on the matter. The bill focuses on the stated claims within its text, not on verified facts about the post or Comey's intent.

Maddy summaryHR 3512, the Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act, imposes a new annual tax on funds received by third-party investors who finance lawsuits through litigation financing agreements. It directly affects investors (including foreign entities) who provide funding to plaintiffs or law firms in exchange for a share of settlement or judgment proceeds, excluding small agreements under $10,000 or standard loans. The tax equals the top individual income tax rate plus 3.8 percentage points, with 50% withheld from settlement payments by parties involved in the lawsuit. The law also clarifies that such funds cannot offset losses and excludes certain typical legal fee reimbursements from taxation. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe SECURE American Telecommunications Act establishes new licensing requirements for submarine and terrestrial telecommunications cables connecting the United States to foreign countries. It prohibits issuing licenses for cables connecting to "foreign adversaries" or using equipment on a specific FCC list, and shifts licensing authority from the President to the Federal Communications Commission. The bill requires cable operators to report cybersecurity incidents within 24 hours and follow minimum physical and cybersecurity standards for cables and landing stations. It also creates a study on establishing submarine cable protection zones and increases penalties for damaging submarine cables, with violations potentially resulting in up to 25 years in prison.

Maddy summaryHRES 421 is a resolution memorializing 345 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2024, listing each officer's name. It expresses the House of Representatives' support for law enforcement, acknowledges the sacrifice of these officers, and recognizes the need for adequate resources to protect officers while they serve the public. The resolution also extends condolences to the families of fallen officers. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores a tax deduction for personal losses caused by disasters, crimes, or scams (like stolen property or damage from hurricanes). It directly affects taxpayers who filed returns before 2025 but couldn’t claim this deduction due to a prior suspension. The bill reinstates the deduction and extends the deadline to file refund claims for these losses until the tax filing deadline for the year the bill becomes law. This allows eligible individuals to claim refunds they were previously barred from receiving.