Rep. Josh Harder

Maddy summaryHR 4045, the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Fund Act of 2025, amends Section 598 of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act to make the commemoration program for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War mandatory. The bill changes language from "may conduct" to "shall conduct" for the Secretary of Defense, requiring them to carry out the existing commemorative program starting November 11, 2025. This procedural change ensures the program continues without discretionary choice, directly affecting the Department of Defense's implementation of the commemoration. It does not create new funding or alter benefits, focusing solely on mandating the existing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires major internet companies (including social media, streaming services, and app stores) and broadband providers to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes affordable broadband in rural and high-cost areas. It exempts smaller companies that transmit less than 3% of U.S. broadband data or earn under $5 billion annually. The Federal Communications Commission must create a new support mechanism to help rural broadband providers cover costs, while ensuring contributions remain fair and predictable. The bill explicitly states it does not grant the FCC new authority over these companies.

Maddy summaryHR 3753, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act, would increase housing stipends for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to take fully online courses. Currently, veterans enrolled solely in distance learning programs receive only 50% of the standard housing allowance; this bill removes that restriction, providing full housing stipends for online students attending more than half-time. The change applies to all veterans pursuing online degrees under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ensuring they receive the same housing support as on-campus students. The policy takes effect for terms beginning August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe NCAA Accountability Act of 2025 establishes clear due process requirements for the NCAA (referred to as a "covered athletic association") when investigating member colleges or student athletes for rule violations. It requires the NCAA to provide detailed written notices to schools within 60 days of starting an investigation, including specific allegations and potential penalties, and to hold hearings within one year. The bill mandates fair enforcement, prohibits using confidential sources in evidence, and allows schools to seek binding arbitration if they dispute penalties. It also empowers the Attorney General to impose civil penalties up to $15 million for NCAA violations of these rules, affecting all NCAA member institutions and their athletic programs.

Maddy summaryHR 3946, the FIGHT Act of 2025, amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically prohibit gambling on animal fighting events and restrict the interstate transport of roosters used in such ventures. It defines "rooster" as male chickens over six months old and makes it unlawful to sponsor, exhibit, attend (for those under 16), or gamble on animal fighting events - whether in-person or broadcast. The bill creates a civil enforcement mechanism allowing any person to file a lawsuit to stop violations after providing 60 days' notice to authorities, with potential fines up to $5,000 per violation. It also establishes seizure of property used to facilitate violations and clarifies that state laws on animal fighting remain in effect unless directly conflicting with federal provisions.

Maddy summaryHR 3931, the Kids on the Go Act of 2025, requires states to appoint a "Safe routes to school coordinator" for transportation projects. If a state hires such a coordinator, the federal government will cover 95% of eligible project costs under the relevant transportation program (previously a lower percentage). This bill directly affects state transportation agencies and school districts receiving federal funds for safe routes to school initiatives. The key change is the increased federal funding rate tied to the coordinator position, aiming to improve student safety during school commutes. The bill does not mandate hiring but offers a significant funding incentive for states that choose to implement this role.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans Patient Advocacy Act (HR 2068) requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure rural veterans can access patient advocates at VA medical facilities, including assigning advocates to rural community-based outpatient clinics when feasible. This policy directly affects veterans receiving care at rural VA locations by providing dedicated support to help navigate healthcare services. The VA must implement this change within two years of the bill’s enactment, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on implementation progress within the same timeframe. The law focuses on improving access to advocacy for a specific group (rural veterans) without altering broader healthcare benefits or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 3923, the Wildfire Coordination Act, establishes a permanent Wildfire Science and Technology Advisory Board within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The Board coordinates federal wildfire research, translates scientific findings into practical applications, and shares best practices with fire departments, researchers, and tribal/state/local governments through online portals and workshops. It includes 18 non-federal members representing fire services, private sector entities, researchers, and public health experts, alongside senior officials from 15 federal agencies. The bill authorizes $10 million in funding and requires the Board to submit a report to Congress within two years detailing progress, barriers, and future research priorities.

Maddy summaryThe Advanced AI Security Readiness Act requires the National Security Agency to develop an AI Security Playbook to protect advanced AI systems that pose national security risks if stolen. The playbook must identify vulnerabilities in AI infrastructure, critical components (like models or training insights) that could be exploited, and strategies to prevent cyber threats from nation-state actors. It mandates both a classified version for government use and an unclassified version for sharing security best practices with private sector AI developers. The NSA must submit an initial report within 90 days and a final report within 270 days after the bill's enactment to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private firearm transfers between individuals to go through a licensed dealer who must conduct a background check. It applies to most private sales but includes exceptions for transfers between family members (like parents and children), law enforcement, emergencies preventing harm, and temporary loans at shooting ranges or for hunting. Dealers must provide background check notices in both English and Spanish. The law aims to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms through private transactions while maintaining existing state authority on firearm laws.