Rep. Laurel M. Lee

Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2025 This bill modifies criminal penalties for an offense involving the theft of a firearm from a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer, or from their business premises. Specifically, the bill does the following: increases from 10 to 20 years the maximum prison term, and creates a 3- or 5-year mandatory minimum prison term for an offense that occurs during the commission of a burglary or robbery. An attempt to commit an offense is subject to the same penalties as a substantive offense.

Maddy summaryHR 1711, the DHS Intelligence and Analysis Oversight and Transparency Act, requires the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis to conduct annual audits of its information systems and "bulk data" (large data sets without specific identifiers). The bill mandates that the DHS Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis notify Congress within 30 days of using new bulk data or changing its terms, and submit audit findings to Congress within 30 days after each audit. These audits, conducted annually after the bill's enactment, are designed to increase transparency around how DHS handles bulk data. The law directly affects DHS's Intelligence and Analysis Office and requires reporting to the Homeland Security and Intelligence committees in both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the exclusivity period for certain advanced drugs from 7 to 11 years. It defines "advanced drug product" as a drug using genetically targeted technology to modulate gene function (e.g., suppress or activate genes). This change directly affects pharmaceutical companies developing these specific advanced therapies by granting them longer market exclusivity. The policy change modifies the Social Security Act to provide extended protection for these innovative drugs, allowing companies more time to recoup research and development costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Project Safe Neighborhoods program through fiscal years 2026-2030, extending funding for a nationwide initiative that helps local law enforcement reduce violent crime. It allows agencies to use funds for hiring crime analysts, covering overtime for officers and support staff, and purchasing technology to aid crime reduction efforts. The bill also requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress detailing how funds are spent, community outreach activities, and specific violent crime statistics (like murder and assault) in each program area. The program directly affects law enforcement agencies in all 94 federal judicial districts across all 50 states and territories.

Maddy summaryHR 1651 would nullify a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule finalized on May 9, 2024. This rule established emissions standards for greenhouse gases from new, modified, and reconstructed fossil fuel power plants, set guidelines for existing plants, and repealed the previous "Affordable Clean Energy Rule." The bill would make this EPA rule unenforceable, directly affecting fossil fuel power plants by removing these federal emissions requirements. It does not create new regulations but cancels an existing EPA rule.

Maddy summaryHR 250 requires the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin by December 31, 2025, and place it in a permanent, public-accessible location within the U.S. Capitol by December 31, 2026. The statue must be positioned to be viewable during guided Capitol tours offered by the Capitol Visitor Center. This is a procedural bill focused solely on the acquisition and placement of the statue, with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on constituents or laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion (known as the "Black Panthers"), the first predominantly Black armored unit in World War II's European Theater. It recognizes their combat service from 1944-1946, including key roles in the Battle of the Bulge and breaking the Siegfried Line, despite facing racial prejudice during and after the war. The medal will be displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The bill commemorates the battalion's 130,000 enemy casualties inflicted, 50% casualty rate, and their 1978 Presidential Unit Citation. It does not create new laws or affect current policies.

Maddy summaryHR 1551, the Protect and Serve Act of 2025, creates a new federal criminal offense for intentionally harming law enforcement officers under specific circumstances. It imposes harsher penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for serious injury or life imprisonment if death occurs, kidnapping is involved, or a firearm is used. The law applies when the crime crosses state lines, involves interstate weapons, occurs on federal property, or targets federal officers. Prosecutions require the Attorney General’s written certification, considering factors like prior state convictions and public safety impact. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors by expanding federal jurisdiction for certain violent crimes against them.

Maddy summaryThe American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of terrorism. It directs the transfer of approximately $1.5 billion from the Binance Holdings Limited case, plus 50% of excess unobligated balances from Department of Justice and Treasury forfeiture funds, into the Victims Fund. The bill establishes deadlines for agencies to deposit funds (within 30 days of receipt or 15 days after enactment), requires annual reports on fund activity, and authorizes annual payments to eligible claimants starting in 2026. This legislation directly affects terrorism victims who receive compensation from the fund and federal agencies that handle forfeited assets from terrorism-related cases.

Maddy summaryHR 1502 authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the volunteers and communities (primarily from Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas) who supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be presented to the individuals who contributed to the canteen’s operations and then permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing historical service, not a policy change affecting current laws or programs.