Rep. Steve Womack

Maddy summaryHR 703, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, makes a key tax deduction permanent for small business owners. It removes the temporary sunset provision (subsection (i)) from Section 199A of the tax code, ensuring the qualified business income deduction remains available for eligible small businesses. This change directly affects pass-through business owners (like S-corps, partnerships, and sole proprietorships) who currently qualify for this deduction. The permanent change takes effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 7 prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions or health insurance plans covering abortion, with exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape, incest, or when a woman's life is endangered. It blocks federal premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act for health plans covering abortion (except in specified cases) and requires clear disclosure of abortion coverage and related surcharges in plan materials. The bill allows individuals or employers to purchase separate abortion coverage using non-federal funds, such as out-of-pocket payments, without affecting federal subsidies. It directly affects federal health programs, ACA marketplace plans, and health insurance issuers offering coverage that includes abortion services.

Maddy summaryThe PURR Act of 2025 creates a uniform federal regulatory framework for pet food in the United States, replacing inconsistent state and historical livestock feed regulations. It preempts state laws on pet food labeling, advertising, and marketing (while preserving state food safety oversight), establishes a 90-day review timeline for new pet food ingredients, and allows ingredients listed in the AAFCO publication to be considered "Generally Recognized as Safe" without specific FDA approval. The bill sets clear rules for ingredient labeling (including "sometimes present" for fats, flavors, and grains) and permits certain marketing claims like "natural" or "hairball control" without premarket approval, provided specific conditions are met. This legislation directly affects pet food manufacturers, pet owners, and veterinarians by creating a more consistent regulatory environment for pet food products nationwide. The FDA must issue specific guidance on pet food nutrition, labeling, and safety within 18 months of enactment.

This bill increases the annual limit on the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenses (also referred to as the short line railroad tax credit) and expands eligibility for claiming the credit. Under current law, the tax credit is limited each tax year to $3,500 multiplied by the sum of the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased by the taxpayer (miles owned or leased) and the number of railroad track miles assigned to the taxpayer by a Class II or III railroad (miles assigned). This bill increases the annual limit to $6,100 multiplied by the sum of miles owned or leased and miles assigned. The $6,100 amount used in the calculation of the tax credit limit is adjusted for inflation for tax years beginning after 2025. The bill also expands eligibility for the tax credit to include gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2024. Under current law, the tax credit is limited to gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2015.

Maddy summaryHR 404, the "Hearing Protection Act," reclassifies firearm silencers (devices that reduce gunfire noise) as firearms for federal tax and regulatory purposes. It imposes a 10% federal tax on silencers, requires the destruction of all existing federal silencer registration records within one year, and preempts state laws that tax or regulate silencers. The bill clarifies that silencers are treated as firearms under federal law, including for licensing and marking requirements, and defines "firearm silencer" to include specific components. Note: The bill’s title is misleading - it addresses firearm silencer regulation, not hearing protection for people.

Maddy summaryHR 450, the FORCE Act, prevents the U.S. government from removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. It requires the President to make a specific determination under the 1996 LIBERTAD Act before Cuba can be removed. The bill directly affects Cuba's international designation status and U.S. foreign policy actions toward the country. It does not change existing law but blocks any removal until the specified determination is made. The provision applies to both the President and the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryThe FAIR PREP Act of 2025 prohibits the IRS from preparing individual tax returns or refund claims, except for the existing IRS Free File Program and certain qualified return preparation services. It clarifies that the IRS may still provide fillable tax forms with automated calculations and correct mathematical or clerical errors without violating the prohibition. The bill also bans the IRS from developing or operating new electronic tax preparation services after enactment without explicit new congressional authorization. This directly affects how the IRS delivers tax filing assistance, preserving current free options while restricting new government-run tools.

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its clinics for one year unless they certify they won't perform abortions. Exceptions apply for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, or when a woman's life is in danger due to a medical condition. The bill redirects the redirected funds to community health centers and other providers serving women's health needs, authorizing $235 million for this purpose. It explicitly states this will not reduce overall federal funding for women's health services. The policy change directly affects Planned Parenthood clinics receiving federal funds, requiring them to certify abortion restrictions or lose funding.

Maddy summaryThe Sustainable Budget Act of 2025 would establish a 18-member National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to develop budget recommendations. The Commission would include members appointed by the President and congressional leadership, with specific requirements for approval of its reports (requiring 12 members, including 4 from each major party). The Commission would need to propose policies to balance the budget within 10 years (excluding interest payments) and address entitlement spending and revenue gaps. After submitting reports to Congress, the President would transmit a proposed joint resolution implementing the recommendations, which would then undergo expedited consideration in both houses with limited debate and no amendments allowed. This bill creates a process for developing budget recommendations but does not directly change current fiscal policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 7180) designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 80 1st Street in Kingsland, Arkansas, as the "Kingsland 'Johnny Cash' Post Office" to honor the musician. It updates all official federal references (laws, maps, documents) to use this new name. The bill affects only the specific post office location and has no policy or funding changes. It is a ceremonial naming resolution, not a substantive legislative measure.