Rep. Jefferson Van Drew

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe Passenger Rail Crew Protection Act makes it a federal crime to assault or interfere with employees working on or around passenger trains, including engineers, conductors, and station staff. This law prohibits actions that hinder crew members from doing their jobs or reduce their ability to perform safety-sensitive duties. Penalties range from fines and up to six months in jail for minor offenses to up to 20 years in prison if the assault involves a weapon, intent to commit murder, or results in serious bodily injury. The bill directly affects anyone onboard a train or at a station serving passenger rail lines by establishing specific legal consequences for such interference.

Maddy summaryThe BEACON Act of 2026 establishes two grant programs to improve treatment for veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It authorizes $30 million over three years for grants to nonprofits, academic institutions, and health providers to develop and test non-drug neurorehabilitation approaches, focusing on mental health outcomes, suicide risk reduction, and long-term recovery. The bill requires grantees to prioritize patient-centered care, conduct clinical studies, and partner with VA facilities, with each grant capped at $5 million annually. A separate $10 million annual program funds independent research on TBI treatments, requiring third-party analysis and annual reports to Congress. The pilot programs expire after three years, with evaluations to determine future expansion.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses Congress's appreciation for the Federal Protective Service and its law enforcement officers. It formally recognizes the dedication of these officers who protect over 8,500 federal facilities and honors those who have died in the line of duty. The resolution encourages continued collaboration between the service and the communities it serves to strengthen public safety and trust.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Philadelphia Campaign Two Hundred and Fiftieth Commemoration Commission to officially recognize the 250th anniversary of the 1777-1778 military events in the American Revolution. The Commission, composed of 14 voting members appointed by various government officials and historical leaders, will develop a report recommending federal activities such as preserving artifacts, creating digital resources, and hosting educational events. To support these efforts, the legislation authorizes $5 million in funding for the commission to operate in 2027 and 2028 and requires the group to submit interim and final reports to Congress before dissolving.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, updates federal definitions to classify nursing degrees as professional degrees. It directly affects students pursuing nursing education and the federal financial aid programs that support them. The legislation amends the Higher Education Act to explicitly list nursing degrees, such as the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, alongside other advanced fields like medicine and law. By making this change, the bill ensures that nursing programs are recognized at the same level as other established professional disciplines within the federal student aid system.

Maddy summaryThe Training Rural Law Enforcement Officers Act of 2026 allows nonprofit organizations to receive federal grants to provide free training to small rural police departments and sheriff's offices with fewer than 50 officers. This change aims to help smaller agencies access funding that they often cannot navigate due to complex application processes and reporting requirements. The bill authorizes these grants only if the training aligns with Department of Justice priorities and is delivered at no cost to the recipient agencies. Eligible nonprofits must have recognized expertise in law enforcement training as determined by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House of Representatives' sentiment to honor public servants for their dedication to the United States. It specifically acknowledges the work of federal, state, and local government employees, as well as uniformed service members, who deliver essential services and support the economy. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Public Service Recognition Week with ceremonies and activities that recognize these contributions. Because it is a symbolic expression of the House's feelings rather than a law with enforceable rules, it does not create new policies or mandate specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to analyze indirect economic costs on small businesses when creating new rules, including costs affecting businesses that interact with regulated entities (like suppliers or partners). It creates a new process allowing small businesses to petition the Small Business Administration's Chief Counsel to review agency certifications claiming a rule won't significantly impact them. Agencies must then provide detailed cost analyses, publish guidance online for small business feedback, and face penalties if they fail to cooperate with reviews. The bill does not change existing regulations but adds new review steps for small business input.