Rep. Josh Harder

Maddy summaryHR 8880, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to commission an independent assessment of its claim forms within 30 days of the bill's enactment. This assessment, conducted by a federally funded research center (FFRDC) in consultation with veterans' service organizations and legal experts, must identify how to make VA forms clearer and better organized for claimants. The VA must then implement the recommended changes within two years, submitting the assessment to Congress within 90 days of receiving it. The bill directly affects veterans filing claims by aiming to reduce confusion in the paperwork process, without altering benefit eligibility or amounts.

Maddy summaryThe Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2024 provides $100 million in federal funding (2024-2030) to address shortages of quality, affordable child care in underserved areas, known as "child care deserts." It offers competitive grants to states and tribal entities for two key purposes: (1) supporting workforce development through training and career pathways for child care providers (including stackable credentials and affordability assistance), and (2) funding construction, expansion, or renovation of child care facilities in these areas. The grants require states to coordinate with existing workforce programs and prioritize nontraditional hours, affordability, and provider retention. This legislation directly affects eligible child care providers and families in communities lacking sufficient early childhood care options, supplementing rather than replacing existing federal funding streams.

Maddy summaryThe Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 establishes new safety requirements for high-hazard trains carrying hazardous materials, including speed limits of 50 mph (40 mph in urban areas) for trains with 20 or more flammable liquid tank cars. The bill requires rail carriers to provide real-time electronic train consist information to emergency responders and State emergency commissions, including details about hazardous materials being transported, routes, and emergency response contacts. It mandates railroads to develop and regularly update hazardous materials emergency response plans, with triennial reviews by the Federal Railroad Administration. The act also phases out older tank cars by December 2027, requiring all tank cars to meet DOT-117 specifications for flammable liquids, and increases civil penalties for rail safety violations up to $5 million.

Maddy summaryHR 9005, the Teacher, Principal, and Leader Residency Access Act, amends the Higher Education Act to allow Federal Work-Study funds to support paid residency programs for aspiring teachers, principals, and school leaders. The bill enables schools to use these funds for compensation during residency training and travel, prioritizing students eligible for Federal Pell Grants. It defines a "residency program" as a structured, year-long apprenticeship where participants work alongside mentor educators while completing coursework in teaching or leadership skills, culminating in full state certification. This directly affects school districts facing teacher shortages, especially in high-need subjects and schools serving low-income or minority students, by expanding access to a proven model that increases educator retention. The policy change focuses on funding mechanisms rather than outcomes, making residency participation financially feasible for participants and institutions.

Gas Prices Relief Act of 2024 This bill eliminates the excise tax on gasoline from the enactment date of this bill until December 31, 2024 (gasoline tax holiday). The bill states that it is the policy of Congress that consumers immediately receive the benefit of this tax reduction.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to include physician assistants and nurse practitioners as eligible providers for injured federal workers. It defines "other eligible provider" as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant within their state-authorized scope of practice. The law updates key sections to replace "physician" with "physician or other eligible provider" for treatment, certification, and claim processes. The Secretary must finalize implementing regulations within six months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to cover medical costs for retired Federal working dogs. Eligible nonprofits (501(c)(3) organizations with at least two years of experience assisting retired law enforcement and military dogs) can apply for grants to help pay for veterinary care. The program, funded at $1 million annually from 2025 through 2029, targets dogs that have received a retirement letter from their agency and are in their handler's care. It directly affects retired working dogs and the nonprofits providing their medical assistance.

Maddy summaryHR 8859, the Deafblind DATA Act, requires the Census Bureau to create and publish a new annual table starting in 2026 showing the number of people in the U.S. who reported both hearing and vision loss in the American Community Survey. This table will display data by state, including sex, race, age, and economic factors like employment and income, without revealing personal details. The bill directly addresses the lack of a centralized count for deafblind individuals, who currently aren't accurately represented in census data. By cross-referencing existing survey responses, the Act aims to provide a clearer national picture to better understand and serve this population's needs.

Maddy summaryHR 8514, the Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act, increases the annual stipend for books and educational supplies under the Post-9/11 GI Bill from $1,000 to $1,400 for veterans using these benefits. It also establishes an automatic annual cost-of-living adjustment starting in fiscal year 2025, tying future increases to the difference between two 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI) periods. This adjustment applies to stipends for books, supplies, equipment, and other educational costs covered under the VA's Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program. The bill directly affects veterans enrolled in degree or certificate programs who receive education benefits through the VA. The key mechanism ensures the stipend grows with inflation, reducing the financial burden of educational expenses over time.

Maddy summaryHR 8850 amends the Child Nutrition Act to establish specific maximum monthly milk allowances for participants in the WIC program. It directly affects pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children enrolled in WIC who receive milk as part of their food packages. The bill sets new caps: 16 quarts per month for Food Package IV, and 22 quarts for Packages V and VI, with 24 quarts for Package VII. These changes create clear, fixed limits on the amount of milk provided under the program, replacing previous flexible allowances.