Rep. Paul A. Gosar

Maddy summaryHR 5704 would repeal the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act of 2013, restoring the original 1948 law that prohibits U.S. government agencies like the State Department and U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) from sharing materials intended for foreign audiences within the United States. The bill requires such materials to be made available in English for review by the press and Congress but blocks domestic distribution, mandates they be archived by the National Archives for 20 years before public access with clear disclaimers about their origin, and bans using federal funds to influence domestic public opinion. This would directly affect how these agencies produce and handle international communications.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) process to strengthen due process for individuals denied firearm purchases. It requires courts to hold hearings on challenges within 30 days, places the burden on the government to prove ineligibility by "clear and convincing evidence," and mandates courts to award attorney fees to successful challengers. The bill also requires the FBI to submit annual reports to Congress detailing NICS challenge volumes, reversal rates, and processing times. These provisions directly affect people wrongly flagged in the NICS database who seek to correct their records. The law focuses on procedural fairness, not altering firearm eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "surviving spouse" for tax purposes. It changes the eligibility period from two to five taxable years after a spouse's death, allowing more time for widows or widowers to file taxes as a surviving spouse. This directly affects individuals who lost a spouse and need to claim spousal tax benefits. The change applies to tax returns filed for years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHR 5580, the Charlie Kirk Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce 400,000 $1 silver coins in 2026 to honor Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who died in 2025. The coins must feature Kirk's image on the obverse and "well done, good and faithful servant" on the reverse, with standard minting specifications. They will be sold at face value plus production costs to collectors, with no net cost to the government. This bill has no policy impact beyond commemoration; it affects only the U.S. Mint and coin collectors.

Maddy summaryHR 5592, the Childhood Genital Mutilation Prevention Act, prohibits medical procedures related to gender identity for minors under 18, with exceptions for treating specific medical conditions like disorders of sex development or injuries. It criminalizes performing such treatments under certain circumstances (e.g., involving interstate commerce) with penalties up to 10 years in prison, while exempting care for diagnosed medical needs. The bill also excludes these procedures from Medicare/Medicaid coverage after 90 days and bans federal funding for such treatments or related health coverage. This directly affects minors under 18, healthcare providers, and insurers offering these services, but allows exceptions for medically necessary care.

Maddy summaryHRES 719 is a House resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The resolution condemns his assassination and all political violence, extends condolences to his family, and calls on Americans to reject violence while promoting civil discourse. It specifically recognizes Kirk's legacy as a defender of constitutional principles and his role in inspiring youth through free speech and faith-based civic engagement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy changes but formally expresses the House's stance on honoring his life and legacy.

Maddy summaryHR 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, ensures military personnel, civilian Defense workers, and supporting contractors receive pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates emergency funds for active-duty service members, reserves, and their supporting personnel (including Coast Guard staff under DHS) if regular appropriations aren't enacted by the end of the fiscal year. The bill provides necessary pay and allowances during any period when full-year funding is unavailable, covering both active service and support roles. Funding expires when regular appropriations are passed, a funding resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a procedural measure to prevent pay delays for military and support staff during fiscal year 2026 funding lapses.

Maddy summaryHR 5392, the Northern Arizona Protection Act, nullifies President Biden's August 2023 proclamation creating the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona. It prohibits the future designation or extension of national monuments within the specific area shown on the August 2023 map without explicit congressional approval. This bill directly affects federal land management in that region by blocking monument designations under the Antiquities Act without Congress authorizing them.

Maddy summaryHR 5393, the Southern Arizona Protection Act, nullifies a 2000 presidential proclamation that established the Ironwood Forest National Monument in Arizona. It prohibits the future creation or expansion of national monuments within the specific area depicted in the 2000 Ironwood Forest National Monument map, except with explicit approval from Congress. The bill directly affects land management decisions in that Southern Arizona region by restricting the use of the Antiquities Act, which allows presidents to designate national monuments. This changes the process by requiring Congressional action instead of presidential authority for monument designations in the specified area.