Rep. Jahana Hayes

Maddy summaryThe Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025 would establish a federal grant program to fund school-based mental health services for students in grades K-12, particularly those experiencing trauma, grief, suicide risk, or violence. It directly affects schools (including Bureau of Indian Education schools), students, and community mental health providers through partnerships that must include school districts and local mental health entities. Key provisions require services to be culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and integrated with positive behavioral supports, with grants capped at $2 million per award for 5 years (renewable) and funded at $300 million annually for 2027-2028. Recipients must report annually on program outcomes, ensure equitable access across urban and rural areas, and comply with privacy laws like HIPAA and FERPA.

Maddy summaryHJRES 126 is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from military operations against specific targets without congressional authorization. It requires the President to end hostilities involving: (1) foreign terrorist organizations designated after February 20, 2025; (2) countries where those groups operate; or (3) non-state groups trafficking illegal drugs, unless Congress explicitly authorizes such actions through a war declaration or specific law. The bill cites recent military strikes on vessels as examples of unauthorized hostilities and emphasizes that drug trafficking alone does not justify military force under the War Powers Resolution. This resolution applies to all current and future operations targeting these groups without prior congressional approval.

Maddy summaryThis resolution condemns the use of federal regulatory agencies (like the FCC) or lawsuits to suppress lawful speech critical of political parties or the President, specifically referencing concerns about tactics mirroring authoritarian practices. It does not create new laws but formally warns that such actions undermine First Amendment protections and democratic norms. The resolution directly affects media organizations, journalists, and public discourse by calling on government agencies to avoid using their power for political retaliation. It reaffirms the House’s commitment to protecting free expression and urges officials to refrain from pressuring media to silence criticism.

Maddy summaryThe Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2025 requires the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs to study noncitizen veterans removed from the U.S. between 1990 and 2025, including their service records and reasons they were denied benefits. It creates a system to identify noncitizen veterans before removal proceedings begin and establishes a Military Family Immigration Advisory Committee to review cases and recommend against removal for veterans. The bill also creates a program to streamline citizenship for noncitizen service members, allows adjustment of status for certain removed veterans, and modifies immigration requirements for family members of service members. These provisions directly affect noncitizen veterans, active duty service members, and their family members who are not U.S. citizens. The law aims to ensure veterans' service is properly recognized in immigration proceedings and to facilitate their path to citizenship.

Maddy summaryThe POJA Act of 2025 amends the Age Discrimination in Employment Act to explicitly prohibit age discrimination against job applicants, not just current employees. It directly affects job seekers aged 40 and older who face bias during hiring. The bill requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to conduct a study within one year of enactment, counting age discrimination claims filed since 2015 (including closed cases), and issue a public report with prevention recommendations for employers. This study aims to address gaps in protecting applicants during the hiring process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health plans and insurers to create a clear, timely process for patients or doctors to request exceptions when step therapy protocols (which force patients to try cheaper drugs first) might harm them. It mandates approval for exceptions in six specific cases, such as when prior treatments failed, delaying care risks severe harm, or the required drug causes adverse reactions. Plans must respond within 72 hours (24 hours for emergencies) and cover the requested drug for at least one year if approved. Additionally, health plans must report annual data on exception requests, approvals, denials, and reasons to the government for transparency.

Maddy summaryThe HEADACHE Act establishes a National Headache Disorders Initiative (NHDI) under the Department of Health and Human Services to address conditions like migraines, cluster headaches, and other headache disorders affecting vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women, and older adults. It creates an Advisory Council with patient advocates, healthcare providers, and federal agency representatives to guide research, improve diagnosis protocols, and reduce disparities in care. The bill requires federal agencies to share headache-related data and mandates an annual congressional report evaluating progress, disparities across demographics, and recommendations for better access to treatment and stigma reduction, with the initiative set to expire after five years.

Maddy summaryThe Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2025 requires companies that deploy complex AI systems making significant decisions (such as those affecting education, employment, healthcare, or financial services) to conduct impact assessments and submit annual reports to the Federal Trade Commission. It applies to companies with over $50 million in annual revenue or those handling information about more than 1 million consumers. Companies must assess potential negative impacts on consumers, including bias, privacy risks, and fairness concerns, and document their findings. The FTC will maintain a public repository of anonymized information from these reports to inform consumers and researchers about how AI systems are being used.

Maddy summaryHRES 746 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning all political violence - including attacks on elected officials, candidates, and public figures - and rejecting rhetoric that dehumanizes opponents. It specifically urges law enforcement to investigate and prosecute such violence, calls on public officials and media to avoid inflammatory language, and references recent incidents like the 2025 assassination of activist Charlie Kirk and targeted shootings of Minnesota legislators. The resolution does not create new laws but formally expresses the House’s commitment to protecting public servants and promoting peaceful political discourse. It directly affects the House’s public stance and serves as a call to action for officials, media, and communities to foster civil engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most health insurance plans, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and CHIP to cover vaccines recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It applies to vaccines recommended as of October 25, 2024, including updates through 2029, and covers all such vaccines for the period starting when the bill is enacted until December 31, 2029. The requirement excludes vaccines given within minimum recommended intervals. It directly affects patients, insurers, and government health programs by ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for covered vaccines during this timeframe.