Rep. Josh Harder

Maddy summaryHR 2477, the Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025, would amend Medicare rules to require equal reimbursement for portable ultrasound transportation and setup services as is currently provided for portable X-ray services. This change directly affects Medicare beneficiaries needing portable ultrasound exams and healthcare providers (like mobile clinics) who offer these services. The bill mandates that Medicare pay separately for portable ultrasound transportation and setup in the same way and to the same extent as portable X-ray services, using similar supplier requirements as existing regulations. The policy change would take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHR 2398, the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, amends federal tax law to exempt certain student loan repayment or forgiveness assistance from income tax for veterinarians working in rural areas. It specifically expands existing tax exclusions to include programs under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act (7 U.S.C. 3151a) and similar state-level programs designed to increase rural veterinary access. This change directly affects veterinarians participating in qualifying loan repayment or forgiveness programs in states prioritizing rural veterinary services. The policy change modifies IRS tax treatment to reduce the financial burden on veterinarians serving underserved rural communities.

Maddy summaryThe Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to reimburse State homes or provide medications directly for certain high-cost drugs used by veterans in State-run nursing homes. A medication is defined as high-cost if its price (including a 3% fee) exceeds 8.5% of the VA's monthly payment for the veteran's care at that home. This applies specifically to State homes that provide such medications to veterans under VA contracts. The bill ensures veterans receive essential medications without financial burden on the State homes, using clear cost thresholds to determine eligibility.

Maddy summaryHR 1937, the Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025, expands the Veterans Community Care Program by allowing veterans to access home healthcare services through nurse registries. The bill specifically adds "nurse registry" to the definition of eligible providers, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, companions, and homemakers. It clarifies that a "nurse registry" is an entity that arranges contracts for these healthcare workers under state licensure requirements. This change directly affects veterans seeking community-based homecare services by broadening their available provider options within the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands transportation assistance for rural veterans by updating a Department of Veterans Affairs grant program. It allows grants to be awarded to county veterans service organizations and tribal organizations, in addition to existing recipients, and increases the maximum grant amount to $80,000 for organizations needing to purchase ADA-compliant vehicles. The bill defines "rural" using the USDA's Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) system and removes fixed annual funding limits, allowing for flexible budgeting. It directly affects rural veterans who need transportation to healthcare facilities and the organizations that provide this service.

Maddy summaryHR 2362, the VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025, requires lenders using the standard Uniform Residential Loan Application to add a specific disclaimer below the military service question. The disclaimer states: "If yes, you may qualify for a VA Home Loan. Consult your lender regarding eligibility." This affects all lenders nationwide that use this common mortgage application form. The bill also mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study within 18 months to check if at least 80% of lenders are including the required disclaimer on the form.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025 expands the definition of "nurse registry" within the Veterans Community Care Program. It directly affects veterans using community care by allowing more home healthcare workers, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, companions, and homemakers, to be provided through these registries. The key change adds specific language to clarify that nurse registries - entities procuring contracts for these workers - qualify as providers, provided they meet state licensure requirements. This update streamlines access to a broader range of homecare services for veterans under the existing program.

Brake for Kids Act of 2025 This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to produce and distribute a national public safety campaign on the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. Specifically, the campaign must increase awareness and education about the issue through a variety of media, including television, radio, and social media advertising.  DOT must use Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to produce and distribute the campaign.

Maddy summaryHR 2322, the FRIDGE Act of 2025, would provide $1 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to fund technical assistance for improving cold chain infrastructure in developing countries. This aims to reduce losses of U.S. agricultural exports caused by inadequate refrigeration, transport, and storage systems, which currently result in billions of dollars in spoiled goods annually. The program would offer needs assessments, training, and support for cold storage, port upgrades, and supply chain development in target countries. It directly affects U.S. agricultural exporters who lose revenue due to spoilage and developing nations seeking to enhance their trade capabilities. The funding is specifically authorized for these infrastructure improvements under the existing Agricultural Trade Act of 1978.

Maddy summaryThe Paycheck Fairness Act strengthens equal pay protections by expanding the definition of "sex" to include pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. It modifies employer defenses for pay disparities to require proof that any pay difference is job-related, not based on sex, and accounts for the entire pay gap. The bill prohibits employers from asking about salary history, enhances penalties for violations, and requires employers with 100+ employees to collect and report detailed pay data by race, sex, and job category. It also establishes training programs for employers on eliminating pay bias and creates a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to coordinate enforcement efforts. This legislation directly affects employers, particularly those with 100+ employees, and aims to address pay disparities impacting women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups.