Rep. Derek Schmidt

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses. Individuals voting in federal elections must present an eligible photo identification document. An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification document with both the request for, and the submission of, the absentee ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes how motor carriers (like trucking companies) screen driver safety records. It makes safety history checks voluntary for employers, prohibiting them from using such data to deny jobs without first giving applicants notice and a chance to appeal (per Section 31150(c)(3)). It also requires labeling safety violations under review in databases and creates a formal appeals process for disputed data (Sections 31150(d)-(e)). The law directly affects motor carrier employers and job applicants in the commercial driving industry by changing how safety data is used in hiring decisions.

Maddy summaryHR 7235, the "Protecting Motherhood Act," requires all federal agencies to stop using the term "birthing person" in official documents and instead use specific terms like "female," "mother," "pregnant woman," or "woman." It directly affects federal agencies that produce regulations, forms, or communications, mandating the use of these defined terms when referring to individuals based on biological sex. The bill provides detailed definitions for terms like "female" (based on biological sex at conception) and "pregnant woman" (an adult human female carrying a child). The law takes effect 30 days after enactment. This is a procedural change focused solely on terminology in government documents, with no direct impact on healthcare access or services.

Maddy summaryThe Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (HR 4323) allows victims of human trafficking to petition courts to vacate convictions for non-violent federal crimes (level A offenses) or expunge arrest records if those offenses were directly related to their trafficking victimization. The bill establishes clear procedures for filing these motions, requires courts to consider testimony from anti-trafficking service providers, and ensures confidentiality for petitioners. It also adds a new "human trafficking defense" that permits defendants to claim duress due to trafficking victimization in criminal cases. The law mandates reports to Congress on implementation, including the number of petitions filed and outcomes, to assess its impact on trafficking survivors.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Senior Advisor for National Security within the USDA to coordinate national security efforts related to food and agriculture. It requires the USDA Secretary to submit biennial reports to Congress and the National Security Council identifying vulnerabilities such as foreign control of agricultural data, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity risks, and dependence on foreign-sourced inputs. The bill mandates improved interagency coordination, including sharing personnel with defense and intelligence agencies, and requires the USDA to assess gaps in security efforts and propose solutions. The primary direct effect is on the USDA's internal operations and reporting structure, not on agricultural policies or farmers.

Maddy summaryHR 7137, the Shutdown Fairness Act, requires federal agencies to pay covered employees (including most federal workers and military personnel) and covered contractors their regular pay during government shutdowns. It appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover standard employee compensation and contractor payments for work performed during a lapse in regular appropriations, ensuring pay continues without delay (within 7 days if a shutdown is ongoing at enactment) and aligns with regular pay schedules. The bill applies only to individuals employed or with accepted offers before the shutdown began and mandates that these payments be charged to future appropriations. It does not change agency obligations under existing contracts or authorize new spending beyond the specified shutdown period.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from allowing "covered applications" (apps developed, owned, or controlled by Chinese entities or determined to pose national security risks by the Secretary of Defense) on government devices. It requires agencies to remove such apps within 60 days of being identified and issue cybersecurity-safeguarded exception guidelines for research/intelligence use within 270 days. The Office of Management and Budget must maintain and update a list of covered apps every 180 days, consulting with homeland security, defense, and intelligence agencies. The policy directly affects all federal agencies managing government devices, aiming to prevent potential security risks from Chinese-linked applications.

Maddy summaryHR 6662, the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Credentialing Integration Act of 2025, requires the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to create a single, unified system for medical provider credentialing and privileging. It directly affects military and VA medical staff (like doctors and nurses) by replacing separate, non-interoperable systems currently used by each department. Key provisions mandate a joint report on existing systems within 120 days, selection of one unified system by January 2027, and full implementation by January 2028, ensuring seamless sharing of provider credentials across both departments. This eliminates redundant credentialing processes and improves administrative efficiency for medical providers working across DoD and VA facilities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 998) is a symbolic House of Representatives commendation honoring President Trump, U.S. military/intelligence agencies, and Justice Department personnel for the alleged success of "Operation Absolute Resolve" in apprehending Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. It cites Maduro's charges (including narcoterrorism conspiracy) and the Maduro regime's alleged dismantling of Venezuelan democracy, state-sponsored drug trafficking, and human rights abuses. The resolution expresses support for Venezuela's democratic transition but contains no new policy, funding, or legal changes. As a procedural resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or alter laws.

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.