Rep. Josh Harder

Maddy summaryHR 1734 establishes a task force of financial regulators (including Treasury, Fed, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau officials) to study deep fake threats to banking security. The task force must issue a report within one year detailing current protections used by banks and credit unions, standard definitions for AI terms like "deep fakes," risks of identity theft via AI fraud, and best practices for prevention. The report will also include regulatory recommendations to protect consumers from data theft and fraud. This procedural bill requires a study but does not enact new laws or directly affect consumers or institutions until recommendations are considered.

Maddy summaryHR 1705 creates a new 30% federal tax credit for agricultural businesses investing in qualifying technology projects focused on specialty crop production. The credit applies to eligible equipment, software, and systems used in precision agriculture (like GPS-guided tools for efficient input use) or controlled environment agriculture (indoor farming systems with climate control and automation). Businesses can claim this credit for property placed in service after January 1, 2025, with projects needing completion by December 31, 2035. The bill specifically targets innovations that improve efficiency in growing, processing, or packaging specialty crops as defined in existing law.

Maddy summaryHR 1694, the AI Accountability Act, directs the Commerce Department's Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information to study accountability measures for AI systems used in communications networks (like social media and telecom) and spectrum sharing. The study will examine how these measures can help close the digital divide, reduce cybersecurity risks, and clarify terms like "trustworthy" AI, while consulting with industry, academia, and consumers. It requires two reports within 18 months: one detailing the study findings and stakeholder feedback, and another recommending how to make AI system information accessible to the public. The bill does not impose new regulations but focuses on gathering data to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryHR 1757, the EMPSA Act, modifies Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rules to eliminate a "marriage penalty" for married individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It directly affects married adults with these disabilities who currently face reduced benefits due to their spouse's income. Key provisions include: (1) allowing eligibility based solely on the individual's own income/resources (excluding spouse's), (2) calculating benefits at the standard rate minus the individual's own income (not spouse's), and (3) excluding the spouse's income/resources from eligibility determinations. This change ensures married individuals with qualifying disabilities receive full SSI benefits without penalty for their spouse's financial situation.

Maddy summaryHR 1657, the Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025, prohibits cosmetic companies from conducting or contracting animal testing for products sold in the U.S. beginning one year after the law takes effect. It also bans the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using such testing after that date, with limited exemptions (e.g., for foreign regulatory requirements or when no non-animal safety alternatives exist). The bill directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and distributors by requiring them to shift to non-animal testing methods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will enforce the law, including reviewing records and imposing civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal mental health law to allow states to use up to 5% of their existing mental health funding for early intervention programs targeting children and adolescents. It requires states to include evidence-based prevention strategies in their plans - such as school-based support or community programs - to delay or reduce the severity of mental health issues before they become serious. States must report biennially to Congress on program details, demographics served (including age), and outcomes like reduced wait times for care. The law directly affects states receiving federal mental health funds and focuses on preventing escalation of mental health challenges in young people.

Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2025 amends the Horse Protection Act to ban harmful practices known as "soring," which deliberately cause pain to horses to exaggerate their gait for shows. It specifically prohibits devices like action devices (e.g., boots causing friction) and weighted shoes on Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses at events. The bill increases penalties, including escalating disqualifications for repeat offenses (180 days → 1 year → 3 years) and raises fines for violations to $5,000 per offense. It also requires stricter licensing for inspectors and mandates public posting of violation records to help event organizers enforce rules.

Maddy summaryThe American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 would create pathways to permanent residency for certain immigrant youth who entered the U.S. as children (Dream Act component) and for individuals from countries with Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure (American Promise Act component). To qualify, applicants must meet continuous physical presence requirements (since January 1, 2021 for Dream Act applicants, and for 3+ years for American Promise applicants), pass background checks, and satisfy educational or employment criteria. Conditional permanent resident status would be granted initially, with the option to convert to full permanent residency after meeting additional requirements like earning a degree, serving in the military for two years, or demonstrating three years of earned income. The bill includes fee exemptions for low-income applicants, establishes a grant program to assist applicants with legal help, and creates specific procedures for background checks and appeals.

Maddy summaryHRES 166 is a non-binding House resolution expressing U.S. support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic. It condemns the Iranian regime's terrorism, regional proxy wars, internal suppression of ethnic and religious minorities, and human rights abuses - including executions and repression of women-led protests. The resolution calls for holding the regime accountable through sanctions, supports the Ten-Point Plan for Iran’s democratic transition, and urges protection for Iranian political refugees in Albania. It does not create new laws but affirms U.S. policy alignment with Iranian protesters' demands.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes rules for prescribing certain medications used to treat substance use disorders. It allows healthcare providers to use telehealth for the initial patient evaluation instead of requiring an in-person visit, but only for drugs approved by the FDA for addiction treatment (schedules III-V). The telehealth must meet specific standards, including real-time audio/video communication. This affects doctors and other practitioners who prescribe these medications for substance use disorders.