Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Maddy summaryThe Vets Connect Act (HR 7176) creates a secure online platform allowing veterans to reconnect with fellow service members based on shared military service details (like branch, units, and dates of service) without sharing personal contact information. Veterans must explicitly opt in to appear in the system, and their personal data (phone numbers, email, etc.) is never stored or displayed without their consent. Access is restricted to verified veterans, and the system prohibits commercial use of data, requiring strict security measures and audit logs to protect user privacy. This directly affects veterans seeking to reconnect with peers while ensuring their information remains private and secure.

Maddy summaryThe PrEP Access Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include pharmacist-provided HIV prevention services, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) counseling, medication administration, and related testing. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (primarily seniors) and pharmacists, allowing pharmacists to bill Medicare for these services under state law. Key provisions set payment at 80% of the lesser of actual charges or 85% of physician rates, and prohibit balance billing for these services. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, making PrEP more accessible through pharmacy settings.

Maddy summaryThe Capping Costs for Consumers Act of 2026 modifies cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act for health insurance marketplace plans. It directly affects low-to-moderate income individuals (household income between 150%-400% of the federal poverty level) purchasing coverage through the marketplace. Key provisions shift the cost-sharing tiers: for 2028 and later plan years, gold-level coverage replaces silver-level for determining cost-sharing reductions, increasing the percentage of covered costs (e.g., 85% for incomes above 300% of poverty instead of 73-70% under current rules). The bill also adjusts premium assistance credits to use gold plan costs instead of silver plan costs for tax years beginning after 2027.

Maddy summaryHRES 996 is a resolution introduced by multiple House members to impeach Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, for alleged violations of law and the Constitution. It outlines three articles of impeachment: obstructing congressional oversight by denying access to detention facilities and withholding funds, violating public trust through warrantless arrests and excessive force (including tear gas on children), and self-dealing by awarding federal contracts to associates without competitive bidding. If approved by the House, this resolution would formally charge Noem, triggering a Senate trial to determine her removal from office. The resolution itself does not enact new policy but initiates the constitutional impeachment process against a sitting Cabinet official.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes minimum salary and wage standards for paraprofessionals and education support staff in public schools. It requires states to set a minimum annual salary of $45,000 for full-time staff (increasing with inflation after 2030) and a minimum hourly wage of $30 for part-time staff (also inflation-adjusted). The federal government will provide $25 billion in FY2026, with annual funding increases, to help states implement these standards through grants. States must ensure all local schools meet these minimums within 4 years of receiving funds, with 98% of grant money allocated directly to schools for salary increases or professional development.

Maddy summaryThe Fertilizer Research Act of 2025 requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to publish a detailed report on the U.S. fertilizer industry within one year of the bill's enactment. The report will analyze market trends, import data (including sources and companies), supply chain logistics, industry concentration, pricing patterns, regulatory impacts, and transparency of price reporting - without including confidential business information. This data aims to improve market transparency for agricultural producers and inform future policy discussions about fertilizer costs and competition.

Maddy summaryHR 6088, the *Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025*, repeals specific sections (10101-10108) from a prior reconciliation law. This action revives previous provisions related to food security programs that were modified by those repealed sections. The bill directly affects federal food assistance and agricultural support programs by restoring their prior legal framework. It does not create new policies but reverses recent changes to existing food security measures.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal nutrition law to include Puerto Rico in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), allowing it to transition from its current funding method to the same SNAP benefits available to U.S. states. Puerto Rico must submit a 180-day plan to the USDA detailing its transition to SNAP, with approval required within another 180 days. The transition period lasts up to 5 years from the bill's effective date, during which Puerto Rico would continue receiving block grants while preparing for full SNAP participation. This change directly affects Puerto Rico's 1.4 million residents who currently receive nutrition assistance under a separate funding structure.

Maddy summaryThe MORE Act (HR 5068) would remove cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances, effectively decriminalizing it at the federal level while establishing a new tax on cannabis products. The bill creates an Opportunity Trust Fund that would distribute tax revenues to support communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, including funding for expungement programs, job training, and equitable licensing initiatives for minority business owners. It also includes provisions to prevent discrimination based on cannabis use in federal programs, immigration proceedings, and workplace policies. The bill would require federal courts to expunge non-violent cannabis convictions and establish a process for resentencing individuals currently serving time for such offenses. These provisions aim to address racial disparities in cannabis enforcement and create more equitable opportunities in the legal cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryHR 4782, the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act, establishes a USDA program to connect local farmers with food distribution networks. It requires eligible entities (like state agriculture agencies) to use funds to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed local foods from covered producers - including at least 25% from small-size, mid-size, beginning, or veteran farmers - while providing technical assistance for food safety and supply chains. The bill allocates $200 million annually (2026-2030) from the Commodity Credit Corporation, mandating 10% for Tribal governments and 1% per state before distributing remaining funds. This directly supports regional food security by boosting economic opportunities for local farmers and improving access to fresh, nutritious food through established distribution channels.