Rep. Michael T. McCaul

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 2102 (Major Richard Star Act), allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both full military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation simultaneously, without the previous offset that reduced retired pay. It directly affects veterans already eligible for both benefits due to combat-related injuries, removing the requirement that their retired pay be reduced by the disability compensation amount. The key provision amends Title 10 and Title 38 to eliminate the offset rule (sections 5304 and 5305 of Title 38) for these veterans. The change applies to payments starting after the bill’s enactment date, effective for all qualifying veterans. This is a policy change to increase financial support for affected veterans, not a new benefit.

Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025   This bill imposes penalties on certain persons (individuals and entities) if the President determines that the Russian government or a person acting at Russia's direction is involved with (1) refusing to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine; (2) violating a negotiated peace agreement; (3) initiating another invasion of Ukraine; or (4) overthrowing, dismantling, or seeking to subvert the Ukrainian government.   If the President makes such a determination, the bill requires certain actions including the President must impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on specified persons such as the Russian president, certain Russian military commanders, and any foreign person that knowingly provides defense items to the Russian armed forces; the President must increase the rate of duty on all goods and services imported from Russia into the United States to at least 500% relative to the value of such goods and services; the President must increase the rate of duty on all goods and services imported into the United States from countries that knowingly engage in the exchange of Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products to at least 500% relative to the value of such goods and services; the Department of the Treasury must impose property-blocking sanctions on any financial institution organized under Russian law and owned wholly or partly by Russia, and any financial institution that engages in transactions with those entities; and the Department of Commerce must prohibit the export, reexport, or in-country transfer to or in Russia of any U.S.-produced energy or energy product.

Maddy summaryHRES 262 establishes a House Select Committee focused solely on investigating Mexican drug cartels and their international networks, including U.S. and Mexican government efforts to address them. The committee has no legislative authority but may hold public hearings, conduct investigations, and issue policy recommendations by December 2025, with final reports due by December 2026. This procedural resolution affects only House committee structure and processes, not direct policy changes for the public or government agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes U.S. economic sanctions and visa restrictions on the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and related entities, targeting individuals and groups linked to the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. It requires the President to block assets and deny visas to PRC members, affiliates, and any group operating under their umbrella, effective 90 days after enactment. The law also mandates a report within 90 days on whether "Lion’s Den" meets criteria for terrorism designation under existing U.S. law. These measures apply specifically to designated terrorist organizations and their networks, without altering broader U.S. counterterrorism policy.

Maddy summaryHR 2246, the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act, restricts U.S. investments in Chinese companies involved in sensitive national security technologies by prohibiting certain transactions and requiring notifications. The bill targets U.S. persons (individuals and businesses) making investments in "covered foreign persons" (those connected to China's military, surveillance, or defense sectors) in specific "prohibited technologies" including advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonic systems. It creates a public database of covered entities, mandates divestment from securities of companies on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List after a 365-day period, and requires notifications for certain transactions. The law applies specifically to China as the "country of concern," with Hong Kong and Macau included in the definition.

Maddy summaryHR 2052 requires the President to submit annual reports to Congress assessing the Houthis' military capabilities, their attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and violations of the UN arms embargo against Yemen. These reports must detail Houthi funding sources (including Iran), weapons systems, economic impacts, and Iran's role in supporting attacks. The bill also authorizes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that support Houthi attacks on shipping or provide military aid, including asset blocking and visa denials. The sanctions apply to those responsible for or complicit in such attacks, with limited waiver options for national security. The bill's reporting and sanction requirements expire five years after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 2012, the Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2025, requires the President to submit a detailed report to Congress before terminating, waiving, or significantly altering U.S. sanctions on Iran. The bill directly affects the President and Congress, mandating a 30-day (or 60-day during specific summer months) congressional review period for such actions. During this period, relevant committees must review the proposal, and Congress can block the action via a joint resolution of disapproval. The bill does not change sanctions policy itself but establishes a formal process for congressional oversight of any major sanctions-related decisions. It applies to sanctions under multiple existing laws, including the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 and the 2010 Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 620 East Pecan Boulevard in McAllen, Texas, as the "Agent Raul H. Gonzalez Jr. Memorial Post Office Building".

Maddy summaryHR 2000, the Arctic Watchers Act, establishes a new State Department program to monitor security, economic, and political activities in the Arctic region. The program assigns "Arctic Watchers" to at least three European diplomatic posts and one North American post to track foreign influence (particularly from China and Russia), protect U.S. interests, and strengthen engagement with Arctic stakeholders. It requires annual reports to Congress detailing assigned staff, responsibilities, and strategies, with $10 million authorized annually for fiscal years 2025 and beyond. The bill directly affects U.S. diplomatic operations in Arctic-focused countries and aims to counter perceived threats to U.S. security and economic interests in the region.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for actor James Earl Jones to recognize his career achievements in theater and film. It directs the Treasury Secretary to strike a gold medal bearing his name, which will be presented to his son, Flynn Earl Jones, following Jones' passing. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs. As a ceremonial honor with no policy changes, it does not affect legislation or government operations.