Rep. Josh Harder

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct a study on how artificial intelligence (AI) and data center growth affects energy resources, with specific focus on rural and remote areas. The study will examine infrastructure needs, alternative energy sources (like solar, wind, and hydro), impacts on energy costs and reliability, and ways to speed up permitting for these facilities. It requires a report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. The bill does not create new regulations or funding but aims to inform future energy planning for AI/data center development.

Maddy summaryHR 5145, the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act, extends enhanced federal subsidies for health insurance premiums through 2026. It directly affects individuals purchasing coverage through health insurance marketplaces who qualify for premium tax credits. The bill extends the period for increased credit amounts (through 2026 instead of 2025) and maintains the rule allowing tax credits for households earning above 400% of the federal poverty level. These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 5141, the "Stop the Rate Hikes Act," limits electric utilities to requesting a single rate increase per year. This bill directly affects electric utilities by restricting how often they can seek higher rates from customers. The key provision amends the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to require that each utility submit no more than one rate increase request annually. The policy change aims to reduce frequent rate adjustments for consumers, applying specifically to retail utility rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the EPA to establish guidelines for indoor air contaminants like radon, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide that affect schools and childcare facilities. It mandates a national assessment of indoor air quality in these buildings, with updates every five years, and provides technical assistance to schools and childcare providers to implement air quality improvements. The EPA must publish science-based guidelines with recommended concentration limits for key contaminants and support voluntary building certifications for healthier indoor environments. These provisions directly impact local schools, childcare centers, and state/local governments responsible for building maintenance and health standards.

Maddy summaryHR 5105, the UNLOCK Act, amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to expand eligibility for federal housing funds. It allows metropolitan cities, urban counties, states, local governments, insular areas, and tribal entities to use Section 106 funds for constructing new residential housing for low- and moderate-income residents, with or without nonprofit partnerships. The key change adds a new funding category (paragraph 27) to existing housing programs, streamlining access to resources for affordable housing projects. This bill directly affects local governments and tribal entities seeking to build or support affordable housing without requiring mandatory nonprofit involvement.

Maddy summaryHR 5085 exempts federal agencies from conducting environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for infill housing projects that meet specific criteria. These projects must be located on previously developed urban sites (under 20 acres, with 75% urban adjacency), pass required environmental assessments, and avoid high-risk wildfire/flood zones per FEMA data. The bill also shortens FEMA’s natural hazard risk assessment update cycle from every 5 to every 3 years. This directly affects federal agencies approving housing developments and developers seeking streamlined project approvals.

Maddy summaryHRES 670 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) expressing congressional support for designating September 22 as "National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day." It aims to raise public awareness about mental health challenges and suicide prevention within military service members and veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices and the need to reduce stigma around seeking help. The resolution does not create new programs, allocate funding, or change existing policies - it simply encourages national attention during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. This designation directly affects the military and veteran communities by promoting dialogue about their mental health needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal pay rules to provide hazard pay for specific federal firefighters. It requires that firefighters conducting prescribed burns (controlled fires for land management) and smokejumpers during training or operations receive the same hazard pay rate currently given to those fighting wildfires. The change applies to employees covered under Title 5 of U.S. Code, with implementation required within 90 days of enactment through Office of Personnel Management regulations. The policy directly affects federal wildfire management personnel performing these high-risk duties.

Maddy summaryHR 5097 establishes a new grant program under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to help specialty crop producers in the U.S. adopt mechanized and automated equipment. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants covering equipment like drones, sorting machines, precision irrigation systems, and robotic tools, plus required training for their use. Recipients must contribute at least 50% of the costs through non-Federal matching funds. This program directly affects commercial specialty crop growers by providing financial support to modernize operations and improve efficiency.

Maddy summaryHR 5031, the *Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act*, requires Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage (MA-PD) to pay long-term care pharmacies an additional supply fee for each specified prescription dispensed to eligible beneficiaries during 2026 ($30) and 2027 (adjusted for inflation). This fee must be paid alongside existing reimbursements for drug costs and dispensing, with a $10,000 penalty for non-payment. The bill also directs the GAO to study long-term care pharmacy payment sustainability under Medicare, analyzing historical payments for brand/generic drugs and dispensing fees. It aims to ensure uninterrupted pharmacy access for Medicare beneficiaries in long-term care settings, particularly in rural areas.