Rep. Val T. Hoyle

Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 This bill provides back pay to employees of federal contractors who lost pay due to a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown) in FY2026. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations for federal agencies that are subject to a lapse in appropriations in FY2026 to adjust the price of contracts to compensate federal contractors for providing back pay to employees who were affected by the lapse in appropriations.  The agencies must adjust the price of any contract for which the contractor stopped, suspended, delayed, or interrupted all or part of the work under the contract due to the lapse in appropriations. The price adjustment must compensate the contractor for reasonable costs incurred to (1) compensate employees who were furloughed or laid off, were not working, or experienced a reduction of hours or compensation due to the lapse in appropriations; or (2) restore paid leave taken by employees during the lapse in appropriations if the contractor required or permitted employees to use paid leave as a result of the lapse in appropriations. The maximum amount of weekly compensation of an employee for which an adjustment may be made under this bill may not exceed the lesser of (1) the employee's actual weekly compensation, or (2) $1,442 (or a lesser amount pro-rated for an employee who works less than 40 hours per week). The bill also requires the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to submit a report to Congress on the adjustments made under this bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures federal firefighters continue receiving pay and benefits during government funding gaps and shutdowns. It authorizes continuing appropriations for firefighter pay during any period without full-year funding for fiscal year 2026, and prohibits layoffs due to reduction-in-force actions during funding lapses. The law directly affects firefighters employed by executive agencies or military departments whose primary duties involve fire control and extinguishment. Key provisions guarantee job security and pay continuity without requiring new legislation during budget implementation delays.

Maddy summaryHRES 772 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for National Public Lands Day (observed September 27, 2025). It encourages U.S. citizens to visit public lands on this fee-free day, recognizing their cultural, spiritual, and economic value. The resolution cites existing statistics on public lands' economic contributions (e.g., $252 billion in economic output from Bureau of Land Management lands in 2024) but does not create new policies or alter fees. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and serves only to promote awareness of existing public land access.

Maddy summaryHR 5604, the National Guard Proper Use Act, prohibits military and National Guard personnel from being ordered to enforce federal immigration laws. It adds new sections to military law (Title 10 for active forces and Title 32 for the National Guard), explicitly stating members cannot be directed to perform duties related to immigration enforcement. This directly affects military commanders who might attempt to assign such tasks and ensures National Guard members remain focused on their core missions, not civilian immigration enforcement. The bill references the Posse Comitatus Act (18 U.S.C. §1385), a longstanding law that limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement. It clarifies existing legal boundaries without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents federal agencies from terminating employees during a government shutdown caused by a lapse in discretionary funding. It prohibits removals of civil service employees at any agency affected by a funding gap, and if an employee is wrongfully removed, they can return to their job with back pay once funding resumes. The law directly protects all federal employees covered by the civil service system during shutdowns. It applies automatically to any funding lapse, requiring automatic reinstatement without needing separate legal action.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 51 directs the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from hostilities against Venezuela and designated terrorist organizations (transnational criminal groups listed as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists) without congressional authorization. It applies to military actions since February 20, 2025, including recent Caribbean operations referenced in the bill's findings. The resolution invokes the War Powers Resolution, requiring removal of forces when no declaration of war or specific statutory authorization exists. It explicitly excludes self-defense against sudden attacks but mandates withdrawal for unapproved military engagement.

Maddy summaryHJRES 126 is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from military operations against specific targets without congressional authorization. It requires the President to end hostilities involving: (1) foreign terrorist organizations designated after February 20, 2025; (2) countries where those groups operate; or (3) non-state groups trafficking illegal drugs, unless Congress explicitly authorizes such actions through a war declaration or specific law. The bill cites recent military strikes on vessels as examples of unauthorized hostilities and emphasizes that drug trafficking alone does not justify military force under the War Powers Resolution. This resolution applies to all current and future operations targeting these groups without prior congressional approval.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns the use of federal regulatory agencies (like the FCC) or lawsuits to suppress lawful speech critical of political parties or the President, specifically referencing concerns about tactics mirroring authoritarian practices. It does not create new laws but formally warns that such actions undermine First Amendment protections and democratic norms. The resolution directly affects media organizations, journalists, and public discourse by calling on government agencies to avoid using their power for political retaliation. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to protecting free expression and urges officials to refrain from pressuring media to silence criticism.

Maddy summaryThe MAP Roads Act establishes a federal pilot program to fund states in digitizing county road records and creating publicly accessible digital maps. It directly affects rural counties and state transportation departments by providing grants to convert paper maps into standardized digital formats, ensuring datasets distinguish public vs. private roads and work with mapping platforms. States must use funds for digitization, training, and building centralized repositories updated annually, with $20 million authorized yearly from 2026-2031. The program aims to improve rural commerce, safety, and navigation without altering road jurisdiction or ownership under existing law.

Maddy summaryThe Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 ensures continued operation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs during government funding gaps. It allows the FAA to use unspent funds from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to maintain critical services - including air traffic control, airport infrastructure, and safety research - at the previous fiscal year's funding level if Congress fails to pass a new budget. This prevents shutdowns for up to 30 days or until a new budget is enacted, with spending limited to prior-year rates and subject to existing program rules. The bill directly affects all FAA operations, keeping airports and air traffic systems running during budget delays.