Rep. Byron Donalds

Maddy summaryHR 1165, the Port Crane Security and Inspection Act of 2025, requires the Department of Homeland Security to inspect high-risk foreign cranes connected to port cyber infrastructure before they are used at U.S. ports. It mandates a 180-day assessment of security risks from existing and new cranes and orders the removal of any crane posing a threat until certified safe. The bill prohibits operating new foreign cranes (from countries identified as security threats) after enactment and bans foreign software on port cranes after a 5-year phaseout period. This directly affects U.S. ports using cranes with technology from designated "covered foreign countries," such as those identified in national threat assessments.

Maddy summaryHR 1137, the "No Kill Switches in Cars Act," repeals Section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), which previously required vehicle manufacturers to implement advanced impaired driving technology. This bill directly affects car manufacturers by removing a mandate to integrate specific safety technology designed to detect driver impairment. The key provision is the repeal itself, eliminating the requirement without creating new obligations or altering existing vehicle safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands 529 college savings account flexibility by allowing funds to cover costs for industry-recognized postsecondary credentials, not just traditional degrees. It defines "qualified expenses" to include tuition/fees for recognized credential programs (like certifications or apprenticeships), required testing fees, and continuing education needed to maintain credentials. To qualify, programs must meet specific criteria, such as appearing on state lists under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or being listed in VA or Defense directories. The change applies to 529 distributions made after the law's enactment, giving families more options to use these accounts for job-focused training.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 8 is a non-binding congressional resolution urging the U.S. President to end the current "One China Policy" and recognize Taiwan as an independent country. It specifically calls for resuming normal diplomatic relations (including appointing ambassadors), negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement with Taiwan, and advocating for Taiwan's full membership in international organizations like the UN and WHO. The resolution argues that Taiwan has maintained democratic governance and independence for over 70 years, separate from the People's Republic of China. This resolution does not change U.S. law but expresses Congress's position on foreign policy toward Taiwan.

Maddy summaryHR 1089, the BOWSER Act, would repeal the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (Public Law 93-198) one year after the bill's enactment. This action would eliminate the District's existing self-governing authority, directly affecting Washington, D.C. residents and its local government. The key provision is the outright repeal of the 1973 law that established the District's home rule structure, shifting governance control to Congress.

Maddy summaryHR 1052, the UNPLUG EVs Act, rescinds unobligated federal funds from two electric vehicle infrastructure programs. It targets unused balances from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and charging/fueling grant programs under federal highway law. These rescinded funds will be deposited into the U.S. Treasury's general fund to reduce the federal deficit. The bill does not alter existing program requirements or affect current EV infrastructure projects, only redirecting unspent allocated funds.

Maddy summaryThe HOUSE Act of 2025 would repeal a new federal energy efficiency standard for housing projects funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), reverting to the previous energy efficiency requirements that were in place before the new rule was proposed. It also prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Housing Finance Agency from implementing similar energy efficiency standards for their housing programs. This bill directly affects new housing developments receiving federal financing from HUD, USDA, VA, or FHFA, allowing them to follow less stringent energy efficiency standards previously required. The change would eliminate the need for builders to meet the updated federal benchmark, shifting compliance back to the older baseline.

Maddy summaryHR 992, the PATROL Act, prohibits the federal Attorney General from suing states that build border barriers (like walls or fences) to prevent illegal entry or protect state territory. It specifically blocks civil lawsuits under existing border laws (33 U.S.C. 401/403) against states for such barrier projects. The bill defines key terms like "barrier" (including walls or fences) and "immigration laws" to clarify its scope. This directly affects states constructing border infrastructure and limits federal legal actions against those efforts. The bill does not create new border policies but changes the legal landscape for state-led border security measures.

Maddy summaryHR 1037, the Voter Eligibility Verification Act of 2025, amends a 1996 federal law to require state election officials to provide immigration status information for individuals on potential voter lists within 15 days when requested by a state Attorney General or Secretary of State. This bill directly affects state election administrators who must now verify voter eligibility using immigration data upon formal request. The key provision establishes a 15-day deadline for states to share this information, creating a new administrative requirement for voter eligibility checks. The bill focuses on modifying existing federal law to facilitate state-level verification processes without changing voter eligibility criteria.

Fair Access to Banking Act This bill places restrictions on certain banks, credit unions, and payment card networks if they refuse to do business with a person who complies with the law. Restrictions include prohibiting the use of electronic funds transfer systems and lending programs, termination of an institution's depository insurance, and specified civil penalties. Banks and other specified financial institutions are allowed to deny financial services to a person only if the denial is justified by a documented failure of that person to meet quantitative, impartial, risk-based standards established in advance by the institution. This justification may not be based upon reputational risks to the institution. The bill establishes the right for a person to bring a civil action for a violation of this bill.