Rep. Josh Harder

Maddy summaryHR 2095, the Postal Police Reform Act of 2025, amends existing law to clarify the roles of USPS police officers and their authority over property. It explicitly includes "Postal Service police officers" alongside Postal Inspectors in Section 3061 of Title 18, U.S. Code, and gives the Postmaster General new authority to create rules for protecting USPS-owned or controlled property. These rules can include fines or up to 30 days in jail for violations, with penalties clearly defined under the law. The bill directly affects USPS police officers and individuals on USPS property by standardizing their regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryHR 2162, the Honey Integrity Act, requires U.S. honey packers to test honey for economically motivated adulteration (EMA) - such as substitution or dilution to increase value - using scientifically validated methods like DNA and NMR testing. Qualifying commercial honey packers (those paying fees to the National Honey Board) must conduct testing, certify compliance, and report results to the FDA within 180 days of the law’s enactment. The bill mandates immediate reporting of EMA findings to authorities and prohibits accepting adulterated honey, with the FDA required to investigate and share data with agencies like Customs and Agriculture. This directly affects honey packers in interstate commerce, aiming to improve product integrity through standardized testing and enforcement.

Maddy summaryHR 2151, the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act, creates a federal grant program to support schools in managing epilepsy and seizure disorders among students. It directly affects students with these conditions and their schools by requiring funded training for staff on emergency care plans, individualized health plans, and seizure recognition. Key provisions mandate that schools develop written emergency and health care plans with medical providers and parents, train all staff (including bus drivers) every two years on seizure response, and ensure proper communication between schools and families. The bill allocates $34.5 million over five years (2026-2030) to supplement, not replace, existing school funding for these programs.

Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2025 or the HELPER Act of 2025 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a first-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment. Instead, the mortgage is subject to a one-time, up-front mortgage insurance premium.

National STEM Week Act This bill requires the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on STEM to designate a week each calendar year as National STEM Week. (STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.) During this established week, the committee must encourage educational institutions (i.e., elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education) to participate in the week and also encourage families of students attending these educational institutions to participate in STEM activities. Additionally, the committee must encourage STEM industries to (1) engage with students enrolled in educational institutions by providing mentorship programs, site visits, and guest lectures; and (2) support STEM education initiatives at these educational institutions through funding, resources, and expertise. The committee must annually report to Congress on the activities conducted during the established week.

Maddy summaryThe Access to Family Building Act establishes legal rights for individuals seeking fertility care and health care providers offering assisted reproductive technology (ART) services. It prohibits states or localities from imposing unreasonable restrictions on ART access - such as excessive costs, health barriers, or arbitrary limitations - that don’t advance safety or health outcomes. The bill allows patients, providers, or insurers to sue to enforce these rights, while explicitly preserving state health/safety regulations that protect patient safety. It does not override existing state insurance laws or require changes to medical facility safety standards. This bill directly affects patients pursuing fertility treatment, fertility clinics, and health insurers covering ART services.

Maddy summaryThe Credit for Caring Act of 2025 creates a federal tax credit for family caregivers of elderly or disabled relatives. It allows eligible caregivers (with over $7,500 in earned income) to claim a credit equal to 30% of qualified caregiving expenses exceeding $2,000, capped at $5,000 per year. Qualified expenses include human assistance, home modifications, respite care, counseling, lost wages for unpaid time off, and transportation, all requiring certification from a licensed healthcare provider that the care recipient has long-term needs. The credit phases out for higher earners (over $75,000 single/$150,000 joint) and requires documentation of expenses and care recipient certification.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.

Resident Education Deferred Interest Act or the REDI Act This bill allows borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments until the completion of their programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to transition its workforce from a special personnel management system to the standard federal personnel system under Title 5 of the U.S. Code by December 31, 2025. It protects TSA employees by ensuring no reduction in pay, benefits, or retirement rights during the transition, while preserving collective bargaining rights for screening agents. The legislation also mandates consultation with labor unions during the process and requires several reports on workforce issues including recruitment, harassment policies, and workplace safety.