Rep. Steve Womack

Maddy summary# Summary of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 This comprehensive appropriations bill allocates funding for the Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies for fiscal year 2026. ## Key Funding Areas 1. **Department of Transportation**: Includes funding for transportation infrastructure, safety programs, and related initiatives. 2. **Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)**: - Tenant-based rental assistance (Section 8) - Public housing operating and capital funds - Lead hazard reduction programs - Fair housing activities - Homeless assistance grants - Community development programs - Healthy homes initiatives 3. **Related Agencies**: Funding for the Access Board, Federal Maritime Commission, National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), National Transportation Safety Board, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, and Surface Transportation Board. ## Major Restrictions and Provisions 1. **Funding Restrictions**: - No funds may be used for certain types of training (e.g., training inducing emotional stress, religious content, or designed to change personal values) - No funds for first-class airline travel in contravention of federal regulations - No funds for certain projects (e.g., no funds to support projects using eminent domain for private economic development) - No funds to facilitate new scheduled air transportation to Cuban Government-confiscated property 2. **Reporting Requirements**: - Quarterly reports to Congress on uncommitted, unobligated, recaptured, and excess funds - Semi-annual reports on properties with failing physical inspections 3. **Fund Transfer Rules**: - Strict limitations on reprogramming funds without Congressional approval - Restrictions on transferring funds between accounts (e.g., no more than 10% or $5 million transfer between offices) - Specific rules for transfer of funds to the Information Technology Fund 4. **Other Significant Provisions**: - Restrictions on using funds for certain types of litigation - Requirements for transparency in consulting services - Limits on using funds for executive-legislative activities - Prohibitions on using funds for certain types of contracts (e.g., "HAP Contract Support Services" solicitation) The bill contains numerous specific restrictions on how funds may be used, with over 100 provisions detailing what the funds cannot be used for, reflecting a strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility and program accountability.

Maddy summaryHR 1919, the "Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act," prohibits the Federal Reserve from developing, testing, or issuing any central bank digital currency (CBDC) or similar digital assets. It specifically bans the Fed from offering direct financial products to individuals, maintaining individual accounts, or issuing CBDCs directly or indirectly through intermediaries like banks. The bill also blocks the Fed from using any digital asset for monetary policy and clarifies that physical currency's privacy protections remain intact. This policy directly affects the Federal Reserve System's ability to create or manage digital monetary tools.

Maddy summaryHR 4474, the Equal Shot Act of 2025, prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance - such as loans or guarantees - to firearm businesses solely because of their industry. It directly affects firearm manufacturers, distributors, trade associations, and affiliated entities like shooting ranges or training providers. The bill requires the SBA to treat these applicants equally under existing law, removing any policy that would block them based on their connection to firearms. This is a concrete policy change ensuring firearm-related businesses have the same access to SBA programs as other eligible applicants.

Maddy summaryHR 4382 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics/Paralympics and 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics/Paralympics. It specifies gold, silver, and half-dollar coin designs with defined mintage limits (e.g., up to 100,000 $5 gold coins for each event), all bearing inscriptions like "2028" or "2034" and standard coin features. A surcharge ($5-$50 per coin) is added to sales, with all funds directed to the respective Olympic committees to support event hosting and legacy programs like youth sports. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring surcharge revenues to cover all design, production, and marketing expenses before funds are disbursed.

Maddy summaryHR 4132, the Prescription Information Modernization Act of 2025, allows drug manufacturers to provide FDA-approved prescribing information for prescription drugs exclusively through electronic means, while requiring them to offer paper copies at no additional cost upon request by prescribers or dispensers. The bill directly affects drug manufacturers, doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who rely on prescribing information. Key provisions include mandating that manufacturers give prescribers/dispensers the choice to continue receiving paper copies or request them as needed, and requiring the HHS Secretary to issue implementing regulations within one year to support this transition. The law takes effect two years after enactment or when final regulations are issued, whichever comes first.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant Congress the power to pass laws banning the physical desecration of the U.S. flag (such as burning, trampling, or defacing it). If ratified, it would directly affect individuals who engage in such acts by making them subject to federal criminal penalties under new laws Congress could create. The amendment would add a specific clause to the Constitution stating: "Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." Ratification would require approval by 3/4 of state legislatures within seven years of submission.

Maddy summaryHRES 483 is a House resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army's founding on June 14, 1775. It expresses appreciation for the Army's service over 250 years, honors soldiers' valor and core values, and calls for public observance through ceremonies and activities. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely commemorative. It was introduced by 30 bipartisan House members and referred to the Armed Services Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 649, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, amends the National School Lunch Act to allow schools participating in the program to offer students both organic and non-organic whole milk, in addition to reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free options. Key provisions include clarifying that milk fat in whole milk should not count toward saturated fat limits for meal compliance, prohibiting schools from purchasing milk from Chinese state-owned enterprises, and ensuring schools cannot be barred from offering the full range of milk types listed. The bill directly affects public and private schools serving the National School Lunch Program by expanding their milk options for students. It focuses on concrete policy changes to dietary offerings and sourcing restrictions within the school nutrition program.

Maddy summaryHR 3694, the VALID Act of 2025, requires lenders to include specific information about VA loans in mortgage disclosures. It amends the National Housing Act to mandate that disclosures state the loan-to-value ratio and clarify that VA loans are available under Chapter 37 of Title 38 (veterans' benefits law), assuming prevailing interest rates. The bill also requires the Federal Housing Finance Agency to add a military service question to the Uniform Residential Loan Application form, placing it above the signature line within six months of enactment. This directly affects veterans and active-duty service members applying for VA-guaranteed mortgages, as well as the lenders processing those applications.

Maddy summaryHR 1286, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to simplify forms sent to veterans filing claims. Within 30 days of enactment, the VA must hire an independent research center (FFRDC) to assess these forms, working with veterans' groups, legal experts, and the VA itself. The VA must then report the assessment to Congress within 90 days and implement approved changes - like clearer language or better organization - within two years. This directly affects veterans navigating VA claims by aiming to reduce confusion in the application process.