Rep. Mike Ezell

Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act This bill removes less-than-lethal projectile devices (e.g., certain TASERs) from regulation under the Gun Control Act. The term less-than-lethal projectile device means a device that (1) is not designed or intended to expel (and may not be readily converted to discharge) commonly used ammunition or projectiles exceeding a velocity of 500 feet per second; (2) is designed and intended to be used in a manner not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; and (3) does not accept (and cannot be readily modified to accept) an ammunition feeding device. The bill also requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether a device satisfies the definition of a less-than-lethal projectile device within 90 days of a request.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate joint development and integration of defense technologies between the two countries. It directs the U.S. Secretary of Defense, with Israel’s agreement, to identify Israeli-origin technologies for rapid adoption into U.S. military systems, focusing on areas like counter-drone systems, missile defense (including "Golden Dome for America"), AI, cyber defense, and directed energy. The initiative requires annual congressional reporting on progress, partnerships with industry, and technology transitions, while authorizing $150 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2029. It aims to strengthen bilateral defense innovation and streamline the use of Israeli technologies within U.S. military programs.

Maddy summaryHR 4304, the FAIR Bet Act, amends the tax code to allow gamblers to deduct 100% of their wagering losses instead of the current 90% limit. This change directly affects individuals who report gambling losses on their federal income tax returns. The key provision modifies Section 165(d) of the Internal Revenue Code to remove the 90% restriction on deducting gambling losses. The bill does not alter how gambling winnings are taxed, only the deduction available for losses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to publish proposed land protection plans in the Federal Register at least 60 days before finalizing them, giving the public a formal opportunity to submit comments. It applies to all land protection plans for National Wildlife Refuge System units, except for small expansions under 50 acres or 15% of a refuge’s total acreage. The law establishes a standardized process for public input on federal land management decisions, directly affecting how the agency engages with communities and stakeholders during planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents state or local governments from banning or restricting energy connections (like installation, modification, or access) based on the type or source of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, or renewable fuels. It directly affects consumers choosing energy providers and energy companies seeking to offer services. The key provision prohibits local laws, regulations, or policies that limit energy services sold in interstate commerce, covering all energy types listed in the bill’s definitions. It does not create new programs but limits regulatory authority at the state or local level. The law aims to ensure open access to diverse energy sources without source-based restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe Make Elections Great Again Act (HR 7300) would require voters to present photo identification to cast ballots in person or by mail for federal elections, with limited exceptions for religious objections or military voters. It would establish new requirements for proving U.S. citizenship during voter registration, including documentary proof of citizenship and proof of state residency. The bill would change mail-in ballot procedures by requiring voters to request mail-in ballots (rather than universal mail-in voting), implementing barcode tracking for mail-in ballots, and setting strict deadlines for ballot receipt. These provisions would apply to all states for federal elections held in 2027 or later, affecting how voters register, vote in person, and submit mail-in ballots for federal office elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain less-than-lethal projectile devices from federal sales taxes and National Firearms Act restrictions. It directly affects manufacturers, importers, and producers of these devices, which are defined as non-lethal tools (like rubber bullets or beanbag rounds) designed not to cause serious injury and unable to be easily converted to use standard firearm ammunition. Key mechanisms include a 90-day classification process for manufacturers seeking exemption, an annual public list of approved devices, and annual congressional reports on devices excluded from the exemption. The policy change applies to devices meeting specific safety criteria, such as projectile velocity limits and design features preventing misuse as conventional weapons.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for businesses selling products made with U.S.-grown cotton. The credit equals 24% of the cotton's market value if processed only in the U.S. or in countries with U.S. trade deals, or 18% for other processing locations. To qualify, cotton must be digitally traced from U.S. farms to finished products and certified by the USDA as meeting origin requirements. It directly affects clothing and textile manufacturers selling qualifying products in the U.S. market.

This bill designates a portion of Interstate Route 680 in Omaha, Nebraska, as the Hal Daub Freeway. Harold John Daub Jr. served in the House of Representatives from 1981-1989 and as the mayor of Omaha, Nebraska, from 1995-2001.

Maddy summaryHR 7114, the "No Bounties on Badges Act," would amend federal law to allow the Attorney General to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of individuals who harm, kill, or conspire to harm or kill U.S. federal law enforcement officers. The bill creates a new provision authorizing monetary rewards for tips that result in arrests, convictions, or prevention of attacks against officers, including in foreign countries. This policy change directly affects federal law enforcement officers by expanding reward mechanisms for information about threats against them, and it grants the Attorney General new authority under Title 18. The bill does not prohibit bounties but instead establishes a formal reward program for information related to violence against officers.