Rep. Brittany Pettersen

Maddy summaryHR 2906, the SERVICE Act, requires federal agencies to submit a detailed report to Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) before reducing their workforce by more than 5% in a fiscal year. The report must analyze financial impacts (including pay, benefits, and replacement costs), mission effects on specific offices/services, and the agency’s analytical basis for the reduction. The GAO must then review the report within 180 days and assess whether it includes all required elements and credible supporting data. This 210-day review period applies to all agencies covered under the law, directly affecting federal workforce planning decisions. The bill aims to ensure transparency and evidence-based decision-making around federal staffing changes.

Maddy summaryHR 2831, the Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act, doubles the maximum loan amounts for certain small business energy projects under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, raising the cap from $5.5 million to $10 million for two specific loan categories. This directly affects small businesses seeking financing for energy-related investments, such as efficiency upgrades or renewable energy installations. The bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to annually report to Congress on which industries and geographic areas receive these loans. These changes aim to increase access to capital for qualifying energy projects without altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryHR 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act, requires federal executive agencies and military departments to maintain specific staffing levels as defined by law, overriding prior provisions. It mandates that agency heads notify Congress within seven days if they cannot meet these required staffing levels, providing an explanation for the shortfall. The bill directly affects all executive agencies and military departments covered under Title 5 of the U.S. Code. Its key mechanism is the new staffing requirement combined with the mandatory noncompliance reporting process to Congress.

Maddy summaryHRES 319 is a non-binding resolution recognizing Clela Rorex, a Boulder County, Colorado, clerk who issued the first same-sex marriage license in the U.S. to Dave McCord and Dave Zamora in April 1975. It honors her decision to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite threats and public opposition, noting she issued six licenses total before the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015. The resolution specifically acknowledges her civil rights leadership and courage, and expresses support for Boulder County’s designation of July 23 as "Clela Rorex Day." As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThe GOSAFE Act prohibits the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of gas-operated semi-automatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (those holding more than 10 rounds). It defines gas-operated firearms as those that use gas from fired cartridges to cycle the action, requiring the Attorney General to publish a list of prohibited firearms within 180 days. The bill establishes a process for manufacturers to seek approval for new firearm designs before selling to civilians and creates a "Firearm Safety Trust Fund" to cover related costs. Certain firearms are exempt, including single-shot, muzzle-loading, and firearms with permanently fixed magazines holding 10 or fewer rounds. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 or up to 12 months in prison.

Maddy summaryHR 2767, the BRAIN Act, aims to advance brain tumor research and improve patient care by requiring the NIH to create a public database of tumor samples collected with federal funding. It authorizes $50 million annually for a Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network to accelerate treatment development and $10 million for cellular immunotherapy research (including CAR-T therapies) targeting brain tumors. The bill also mandates a national awareness campaign to increase understanding of cancer clinical trials and biomarker testing, plus $5 million yearly for pilot programs studying survivor care coordination and follow-up services. Additionally, it directs the FDA to issue guidance ensuring brain tumor patients can access clinical trials. These provisions directly affect patients, researchers, and healthcare providers focused on brain tumors and rare cancers.

Maddy summaryThe American Family Act (HR 2763) establishes a new refundable child tax credit that provides monthly payments to eligible families with children. It would pay $300 per month for each child under age 6 and $360 per month (120% of $300) for each child age 6 or older, with income limits of $150,000 for joint filers and $112,500 for other filers. The bill creates a "period of presumptive eligibility" to determine eligibility for monthly payments, allowing families to receive advance payments based on information from previous tax returns. This would directly affect millions of families with children who meet the income requirements, providing more consistent financial support throughout the year rather than an annual tax credit.

Maddy summaryHR 2799, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025, prohibits the sale, possession, and modification of devices that increase the firing rate of semi-automatic firearms to mimic machine guns (commonly called "bump stocks"). It specifically bans manual, power-driven, or electronic devices designed to speed up firing, as well as modified firearms that achieve this effect. Owners of pre-existing modified firearms must register them within 120 days of the law's enactment, with exemptions for government entities and firearms already lawfully modified and registered before the bill passes. The bill does not restrict standard semi-automatic firearms or require registration of unmodified guns.

Maddy summaryHR 1423, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025, expands GI Bill benefits to National Guard members who serve on full-time National Guard duty or active duty under Title 32. It removes previous exclusions by counting this service toward eligibility for Post-9/11 educational benefits, just like active-duty service. The change applies retroactively to service performed since September 11, 2001, allowing affected veterans to access benefits they were previously denied. This policy adjustment directly affects National Guard members who completed qualifying full-time duty since 2001.

Maddy summaryHRES 164 is a procedural resolution that would expedite the House's consideration of H.Res. 23, which proposes permitting parental remote voting by proxy. This resolution would immediately move H.Res. 23 to the floor for debate with only one hour of time equally divided between the Rules Committee chair and ranking minority member. It would prevent amendments to H.Res. 23 and require the "previous question" to be ordered for its adoption. The bill itself does not change voting rules but sets the process for debating the underlying resolution. H.Res. 23, if adopted, would directly affect parents seeking to vote remotely via proxy, but HRES 164 only governs the House's procedural steps.