Rep. Gary J. Palmer

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 3492, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, makes it a federal crime to perform genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on minors under 18, except for specific medical reasons. The bill broadly defines prohibited procedures to include gender transition-related surgeries (like hysterectomies or mastectomies) and medical treatments such as puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones administered to minors. It criminalizes these acts when they occur across state lines, involve payments, or use interstate commerce, while explicitly banning religious tradition as a defense. Exceptions include medically necessary procedures for health emergencies, childbirth, or conditions certified by a physician.

Essential Caregivers Act of 2025   This bill prohibits certain health care facilities from limiting the access of essential caregivers to residents of those facilities, including during designated emergency periods.   Specifically, the bill generally prohibits Medicare skilled nursing facilities, Medicaid nursing facilities, Medicaid intermediate care facilities, and associated inpatient rehabilitation facilities from restricting the access of essential caregivers to residents of the facilities, including during emergency periods in which visitation rights are otherwise restricted. During emergency periods, facilities may restrict access for an initial period of up to seven days and for one additional maximum seven-day period (if the additional period is approved by the state health department). Facilities may restrict access for a total of 7 days (or 14 days with the approval of the state health department) during an emergency period. Essential caregivers must agree to comply with any safety protocols set by the facility, which may be no more stringent for caregivers compared to those for staff. Caregivers who fail to comply with these requirements may be denied access, subject to an appeals process.

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 summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) working with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicaid programs. It mandates that PBMs pay pharmacies a specific reimbursement amount based on drug acquisition costs plus a fixed fee, pass through manufacturer rebates directly to beneficiaries at the point of sale, and prohibits steering practices that direct patients to specific pharmacies. The bill applies to Medicare Part D plans and Medicaid managed care organizations beginning January 1, 2027, affecting how PBMs interact with pharmacies and handle drug rebates. Violations could result in criminal penalties of up to $1 million or 10 years in prison for willful noncompliance. The bill aims to increase transparency and fairness in pharmacy drug pricing for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThe Safeguarding US Rulemaking Act (HR 6581) would amend federal rulemaking procedures to bar foreign governments designated as "foreign adversaries" by the Secretary of Commerce, and their nationals or entities, from submitting public comments or petitions during rule development. This change applies to all federal agencies when creating new regulations under standard rulemaking processes. The bill adds a new provision requiring that only U.S. citizens and entities, and foreign entities not from designated adversary countries, may participate in public input phases. As a result, non-adversary foreign entities would still be permitted to provide input, while designated foreign adversaries would be excluded.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Clean Air Act to clarify when certain plastic conversion facilities are excluded from the definition of "solid waste incineration units." It directly affects companies operating facilities that transform plastic or post-use polymers (via methods like pyrolysis) into usable materials, provided at least 50% of the output by mass is a "product" (e.g., usable substances for sale or manufacturing), not energy or ash. Key mechanisms include adding a specific exclusion for qualifying conversion units (Section 2(A)(iv)) and creating a 180-day petition process for other similar units to seek exclusion (Section 2(B)). The bill defines "product" to exclude electricity, heat, or ash but include materials with commercial applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Natural Gas Act to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) exclusive authority to approve U.S. LNG export terminal projects, requiring FERC to deem such exports consistent with the public interest. It directly affects natural gas companies seeking to build or expand export facilities and streamlines FERC's review process by removing prior requirements for interagency coordination. The bill clarifies that FERC's decisions won't override existing sanctions laws, including restrictions on trade with countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism under current law. This change aims to accelerate domestic LNG export projects while maintaining legal safeguards for national security and foreign policy.

Maddy summaryHR 6466, the Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act, prohibits non-consensual administration of abortion drugs (like mifepristone or misoprostol) to pregnant women without their informed consent. It criminalizes this act with penalties up to 25 years in prison and allows victims to sue for triple damages, psychological/physical injury compensation, and attorney fees. The bill directly affects pregnant women who might face coerced procedures and medical providers or others who administer such drugs without consent. Key provisions include criminal penalties for the act itself, enhanced penalties for serious injury or death, and a civil remedy framework for victims seeking compensation.

Maddy summaryHR 5749, the Official Time Reporting Act, requires federal agencies to report annually on how they use "official time" - when union-represented employees perform union duties during work hours. Agencies must submit detailed data to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) by December 31 each year, including total official time granted, costs, explanations for year-over-year increases, and specific activities covered. OPM then compiles this information into a public report by March 31, showing agency-level breakdowns and comparing data across years. This bill directly affects all federal agencies with union-represented employees, mandating transparency about official time usage and associated costs. The reporting aims to provide clear, standardized data for public accountability without changing existing official time policies.