Rep. Troy E. Nehls

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.

Maddy summaryThe Student Visa Integrity Act of 2026 strengthens oversight of international student programs by requiring foreign educational institutions to obtain accreditation from recognized agencies, disclose financial ties to the Chinese government, and comply with stricter reporting requirements. The bill increases criminal penalties for visa fraud and mandates background checks and training for school officials, including verification of immigration status and criminal history. It restricts certain types of study for students from designated "countries of concern" like China, Iran, and Russia, and limits online course participation to no more than 10% of a student's coursework. This legislation directly affects all international students and educational institutions participating in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Maddy summaryThe Unsubscribe Act of 2025 regulates "negative option" billing practices, where companies automatically charge consumers unless they actively opt out. It requires merchants to clearly disclose all terms before charging, obtain explicit consumer consent, and provide an easy online cancellation method. The bill specifically targets contracts like free-to-pay conversions (e.g., "free trial" followed by automatic charges), mandating clear upfront terms about pricing and renewal. Consumers directly benefit through greater transparency and control, while merchants must comply with new disclosure, consent, and cancellation rules starting one year after enactment. Enforcement falls to the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Under Pressure Act," directs the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to prepare a report for Congress within 18 months of its enactment. The report must detail the rate and causes of rail tank car pressure relief device failures during derailments, including specific information like the presence of fire, its temperature and duration, and the device's compatibility and thermal protection. It also requires the FRA to provide recommendations to prevent future failures and an update on relevant National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendations. The FRA must consult with various rail industry stakeholders and employee organizations while developing this report.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new federal criminal penalties for intentionally coercing minors (under 18) through interstate means (like mail or online platforms) to engage in harmful acts. It specifically prohibits forcing minors to commit self-harm (including suicide attempts), animal cruelty, abusive nonsexual conduct, sexually explicit acts, or obscene speech. Violations carry fines and prison terms of up to 10 years, with harsher penalties (up to 20 years or life) if serious injury or death results. The law directly protects minors from coercion by perpetrators using interstate communication or commerce, with enforcement under existing federal criminal code.

Maddy summaryHR 5017, the Greyhound Protection Act of 2025, prohibits commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, open field coursing, and related betting across state lines. It bans activities like using live animals as bait, conducting interstate simulcast betting, and transporting greyhounds for racing purposes. The law amends the Animal Welfare Act to make these actions unlawful, with penalties including fines and up to 7 years in prison per violation. It applies to conduct occurring on or after October 1, 2027, and does not override existing state laws banning these activities. The bill directly affects greyhound racing industry participants and the animals involved in these practices.

Maddy summaryHR 2426 requires the VA Secretary to commission an independent study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction care provided by VA health care providers versus non-VA providers for veterans. The study must examine health outcomes, use of proven treatment methods, care coordination, veteran satisfaction, and access times across different care types like telehealth and in-person visits. It mandates a report to Congress and public release within 18 months, detailing findings on factors like symptom improvement, suicide risk assessment, and whether veterans with multiple conditions receive integrated care. This bill directly affects veterans seeking mental health or addiction therapy services and aims to identify gaps in care quality between VA and non-VA systems.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.

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 clarifies and expands the definition of "public charge" for immigration purposes, affecting non-citizens applying for visas, admission, or adjustment of status. It defines a public charge as someone receiving certain government benefits (including SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, and income support programs) for more than 12 months within any 36-month period. The determination considers factors like age, health, assets, education, and family status in a holistic assessment, while exempting refugees, asylees, and military dependents. The bill requires the government to publish a comprehensive list of covered benefits within 180 days of enactment.