Rep. Mike Ezell

Next Generation 9–1–1 Act This bill establishes a grant program to support implementation of next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems by state, territorial, and tribal governments and requires other related activities. NG9-1-1 means a secure, interoperable, Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) system for receiving 9-1-1 requests for emergency assistance. (IP-based 9-1-1 systems have capabilities that legacy telephone systems do not, including enhanced location-finding and the ability to receive text and multimedia messages.) Under the bill, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must provide grants to state, territorial, and tribal governments (and entities established by those governments) to support the implementation and maintenance of NG9-1-1 systems. Grant funds may also be used for public outreach on NG9-1-1, implementation of cybersecurity measures, and, subject to certain limits, training and administrative costs. Entities applying for grants must submit a plan for NG9-1-1 coordination and implementation that ensures interoperability and reliability, incorporates cybersecurity tools, and meets other requirements related to technology and procurement. Applicants must also certify that they have established, or will establish within a specified time frame, a sustainable funding mechanism to support NG9-1-1 and effective cybersecurity resources. The NTIA must advise applicants on the preparation of implementation plans and provide technical assistance to grant recipients. Further, the NTIA must establish (1) an advisory board to provide recommendations with respect to the grant program and other topics related to NG9-1-1; and (2) a cybersecurity center to coordinate with state, local, and regional governments on the sharing of cybersecurity information related to NG9-1-1.

Maddy summaryHR 7074 requires the Secretary of the Interior to join the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) when reviewing transactions involving land or resources near federal lands managed by agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, or Bureau of Indian Affairs. It specifically targets acquisitions by foreign entities from China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran, mandating CFIUS to assess whether such transactions - reported by the Interior Secretary - constitute a "covered transaction" requiring review. The bill creates a new process for evaluating these land deals, with the review ending for a specific country once it’s removed from the U.S. list of "foreign adversaries." This directly affects foreign buyers from those four nations seeking to acquire land adjacent to federally protected areas.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic House resolution expresses U.S. congressional support for Iranian protesters demanding democracy and human rights. It condemns the Iranian regime's violent suppression of protests, including killings, mass arrests, and internet restrictions, while urging the regime to release political prisoners and restore communication access. The resolution reaffirms the Iranian people's right to self-determination through free elections and echoes a 2023 resolution (HCR 7) that similarly praised protesters. As a non-binding expression of support, it does not impose new policies or alter U.S. government actions.

Maddy summaryHR 6277, the SAWMILL Act, creates a loan guarantee program to support rural sawmills and wood-processing facilities. It provides guaranteed loans to eligible entities (like sawmill owners in rural areas) seeking to establish, expand, or improve operations within 250 miles of federal lands identified for ecological restoration involving vegetation removal. The program aims to reduce the cost of these restoration projects by ensuring local mills process the removed vegetation. The Department of Agriculture will offer up to $220 million in total loan guarantees under this program, with specific conditions set by the Secretary.

Maddy summaryHR 5745, the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act, allows oil and gas operators to convert decommissioned offshore platforms and pipelines into artificial reefs instead of fully removing them. It establishes a process where operators can apply to leave structures in place (called "Reefing in Place") after completing assessments of marine habitat benefits and economic costs. The bill requires the Director to determine if a structure qualifies as an "Eligible Structure" based on habitat potential and safety, with a three-year window for approval after qualification. It also prohibits federal removal orders during key application and assessment periods and permits states to assume liability for reef sites. This directly affects operators of inactive offshore structures and aims to create new marine habitats while streamlining decommissioning.

Maddy summaryHRES 984 is a symbolic resolution designating January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day." It directly honors all federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers across the United States for their service and sacrifices. The resolution expresses the House's support and gratitude, encourages public observance through ceremonies, and recognizes officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the agency that regulates ocean shipping in the United States, through fiscal year 2029 with increased funding from $49.2 million in 2026 to $57 million in 2029. It creates new complaint mechanisms for addressing anticompetitive practices by shipping exchanges and establishes three new advisory committees (for shippers, ports, and carriers) to provide input on ocean shipping policies. The bill also requires the FMC to develop rules for containerized freight price indexes and mandates annual reporting on foreign practices affecting ocean shipping competitiveness. These changes aim to improve oversight of the international ocean freight system while reducing regulatory duplication for industry participants.

Maddy summaryHR 3962, the ESTUARIES Act, extends a deadline within the National Estuary Program. It amends Section 320(i)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act by changing the year "2026" to "2031" in a requirement related to program management. This change directly affects the National Estuary Program, which oversees coastal water quality protection and restoration efforts. The bill makes a specific procedural adjustment to the program's timeline without altering its core policies or funding.

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act This act provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team in recognition of the team's achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

Maddy summaryHR 6560, the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act of 2025, prevents the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from expiring by automatically extending its core operations until the end of the fiscal year following its terminal year, unless Congress passes new legislation. The bill ensures that existing flood insurance policies remain valid, claims continue to be paid, and the program’s administrative functions operate under the same terms and funding levels in effect before the expiration date. It specifically does not extend temporary programs like pilot projects or commissions with fixed termination dates. This procedural bill directly affects FEMA, policyholders, and insurers by maintaining uninterrupted flood insurance coverage without requiring new congressional action for the extension period.