Rep. Richard McCormick

Maddy summaryHRES 930 is a symbolic resolution designating December 8, 2025, as "Jimmy Lai Day" to honor Jimmy Lai's advocacy for free press, religious freedom, and democracy in Hong Kong. It calls on the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities to release Jimmy Lai and other Hong Kong prodemocracy advocates detained under Hong Kong's National Security Law. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but expresses congressional support for Lai's work and condemns the imprisonment of those advocating for Hong Kong's freedoms. It directly affects U.S. diplomatic messaging toward China, not Hong Kong's legal system or residents.

Maddy summaryHRES 925 is a non-binding resolution condemning the Iranian government's ongoing persecution of the Baha'i religious minority. It directly affects Baha'is in Iran, who face systemic discrimination, imprisonment, denial of education and employment, and violence due to their faith. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release Baha'i prisoners, end hate propaganda targeting them, and reverse policies banning their access to education and jobs. It also urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to demand Iran's compliance and use existing sanctions authorities against officials responsible for human rights abuses against Baha'is.

Maddy summaryThe Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends the authorization period for the Global Child Thrive program - which provides U.S. foreign assistance to support orphans and vulnerable children globally - from 2025 to 2030. It requires the Secretary of State to appoint a Special Advisor for Assistance to Orphans and Vulnerable Children within 90 days of enactment. The bill also extends the time period for issuing implementing directives under the Foreign Assistance Act. This legislation ensures continued U.S. funding and coordination for international child welfare programs.

Maddy summaryHR 5021, the American Decade of Sports Act, requires the U.S. Department of State to create a formal 5-year strategy (updated every 5 years) for using major international sporting events hosted in the U.S. between 2024 and 2034 - including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics - to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote U.S. soft power. It mandates renaming the State Department’s sports diplomacy division as the Office of Sports Diplomacy, adding at least 3 dedicated staff members, and coordinating with host cities, sports leagues, and visa agencies to streamline international visitor access. The strategy must detail diplomatic goals, partnerships with local communities and the sports industry, and plans for cultural exchange, while requiring annual progress reports to Congress until 2034. This bill directly affects the State Department, host cities, international athletes, and diplomatic engagement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. agencies maintaining federal sanctions lists to notify each other within 30 days when an individual or entity is added to one list, then review whether they should be added to other lists within 90 days. It applies to six specific sanctions lists, including Treasury’s blocked persons list, Commerce’s Entity List, and Defense’s military end-user list. Agencies must report to Congress within one year on how they implemented the coordination process and whether it led to additional sanctions. The goal is to prevent gaps where sanctioned parties could evade restrictions by operating outside a single list’s scope.

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority with respect to research on rare pediatric diseases, including by permitting the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to satisfy pediatric study requirements and by reauthorizing programs that support pediatric research.  Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations to permit research on new drugs in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved, provided certain conditions are met; permits the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements, if such sponsors demonstrated a lack of due diligence in satisfying the requirement; renews the FDA’s authority to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of new products intended to treat rare pediatric diseases through September 30, 2029; and reauthorizes through FY2027 certain funding for the National Institutes of Health to support priority pediatric research.  The bill also provides statutory authority for the FDA’s interpretation of the orphan drug exclusivity period. The bill specifies, consistent with FDA regulations, that the seven-year market exclusivity period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drugs) prohibits the approval of the same drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to the disease or condition. (In Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra , a court rejected the FDA’s interpretation and held that orphan drug exclusivity extends to all uses or indications for the disease or condition.)

Maddy summaryThe ROTOR Act narrows the definition of "sensitive government mission" for aircraft operations, excluding training flights and flights by officials below Cabinet rank. It requires regular reporting to Congress about exceptions to ADS-B Out requirements, establishes deadlines for requiring ADS-B In equipment on most aircraft, and mandates safety reviews for airports with military operations. The bill also improves coordination between the FAA and Department of Defense on airspace management and safety information sharing. These changes increase transparency around aircraft operations that don't broadcast their location while enhancing safety oversight. The bill directly affects Federal agencies operating aircraft, the FAA, and aircraft operators required to equip with ADS-B technology.

Maddy summaryHR 6211, the Medical Professional Access Act, allows health care professionals working under federal contracts to provide services across state lines during federally declared emergencies without needing separate state licenses. It directly affects doctors, nurses, and other licensed health care workers who serve under federal agreements in response to crises like natural disasters or pandemics. The key provision overrides state licensing laws when services are provided during emergencies certified by the President, HHS Secretary, or other federal authorities, as long as the care stays within the scope of the federal contract. This streamlines access to medical help in urgent situations without requiring professionals to navigate varying state licensing rules. The bill does not change routine practice or apply outside of federally declared emergency contexts.

Maddy summaryHRES 880 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the strategic U.S.-India partnership, not a bill with new policy or funding. It reaffirms longstanding cooperation on defense, counterterrorism, technology, and people-to-people ties, citing historical milestones like the 2008 nuclear agreement and recent Quad collaboration. The resolution has no binding effect but formally supports continued partnership through existing mechanisms like the U.S.-India Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology initiative. It highlights shared priorities including Indo-Pacific stability and counterterrorism efforts, with no new legislative requirements or changes to law.

Maddy summaryHRES 864 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2025. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes veterans' service and sacrifice, calling on all Americans to observe Veterans Day. The resolution references historical context about Veterans Day's origins (from Armistice Day to honoring all veterans) but contains no concrete policy changes. It directly addresses the general public, urging them to participate in the observance. As a non-binding resolution, it affects no specific individuals or groups through legislative action.