Rep. Ashley Hinson

Maddy summaryThis bill would streamline the process for making certain oral contraceptives available over-the-counter for adults aged 18 and older. It requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to prioritize review of applications for these contraceptives (excluding emergency contraceptives or drugs also approved for abortion), waive associated fees, and ensure they remain available without a prescription after approval. Minors under 18 would still require a prescription for these contraceptives. Additionally, the bill mandates a GAO report within one year detailing federal funding for contraception across programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act health exchanges over the prior 15 years.

Maddy summaryThis bill would impose increasing tariffs on Chinese-made drones (starting at 30% and rising to 45% over four years) to reduce reliance on Chinese drone manufacturers. It establishes a fund using tariff revenue to provide grants for first responders, farmers, ranchers, and critical infrastructure providers to purchase secure drones not made in China or by Chinese companies. The legislation also requires documentation for drones entering the US to verify they don't contain components made in China. The bill directly affects those who currently rely on Chinese-made drones for critical operations, as over 90% of drones used by first responders are made in China. Its goal is to strengthen national security by reducing dependence on Chinese drone technology for essential services.

Maddy summaryThe Essential Caregivers Act of 2024 requires nursing homes and similar facilities to allow residents to designate essential caregivers who provide emotional support or assistance with daily activities. During emergencies when regular visitation is restricted, facilities must permit at least one essential caregiver access to residents daily and cannot deny access without following specific procedures. Facilities may deny access for a maximum of 7 days during emergencies (or 14 days with state approval), and must provide a written explanation and appeal process if access is denied. The bill establishes a 48-hour appeal process for residents and caregivers to challenge denials, with facilities required to prove violations during appeals. This law applies to Medicare skilled nursing facilities, Medicaid nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and certain inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 3-year Medicare demonstration project to test AI-driven claim processing. It requires Medicare contractors to partner with at least 500 physicians who voluntarily use a new AI platform that automatically creates and submits clean claims after recording patient encounters, applies billing rules, and populates medical records. During the project, patients won’t face cost-sharing for incorrectly billed services, and claims submitted through the project are exempt from Medicare’s standard audit program. The project must be evaluated by the Secretary within one year, with a report to Congress on outcomes and potential scaling.

Maddy summaryHR 7427 clarifies that states may use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to support pregnancy centers and other "alternatives to abortion" programs that provide life-affirming services like counseling, parenting resources, and material support to pregnant individuals. The bill explicitly defines these programs as those promoting childbirth over abortion through services such as prenatal care coordination, job training, infant supplies, and adoption referrals, while excluding entities that provide or facilitate abortions. It also prohibits federal discrimination against grantees or states that fund such programs, including preventing the government from imposing unfair requirements or cutting funding based on a provider's opposition to abortion. This bill directly affects pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, and maternity homes receiving TANF funding, ensuring their eligibility under existing federal law. The legislation responds to a 2023 federal proposal that threatened to restrict such funding.

Maddy summaryHR 7142 (Alternatives to PAIN Act) requires Medicare Part D plans to cover non-opioid pain management drugs with no deductible and at the lowest copay level starting in 2025. It defines "qualifying non-opioid drugs" as FDA-approved medications that don’t act on opioid receptors (like certain NSAIDs or nerve pain treatments), excluding opioids and schedule I-III drugs. The bill prohibits Medicare plans from forcing patients to try opioids first (step therapy) or requiring prior approval for these non-opioid options. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries needing pain management, especially those seeking alternatives to opioids for post-surgical or acute pain. The policy change aims to improve access to non-addictive pain treatments while preserving doctors' authority to prescribe medically appropriate care.

Maddy summaryHR 6755 (Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act) requires states to establish child support obligations for biological fathers to pay at least 50% of a mother's reasonable out-of-pocket medical expenses related to pregnancy and delivery, upon her request. This applies to costs like copays, insurance deductibles, and other direct expenses incurred during pregnancy and birth. The bill explicitly excludes abortion-related expenses from this requirement, defining abortion as intentional pregnancy termination except for medical reasons like ectopic pregnancy or preserving life/health. States must implement this provision within one year of enactment, with possible extensions if state legislation needs updating.

Maddy summaryThe Preserving Seniors’ Access to Physicians Act of 2023 increases the Medicare payment adjustment rate for physicians from 1.25% to 4.62%, directly affecting doctors who treat Medicare patients (primarily seniors). It also reduces the funding for the Medicaid improvement fund from $5,796,117,810 to $3,973,117,810. These changes impact Medicare providers and Medicaid programs, with the Medicare adjustment aimed at supporting physicians adjusting to payment changes. The bill does not specify how the Medicaid funding reduction relates to its stated goal of preserving seniors' access to physicians.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects religious child welfare providers from losing government contracts or funding if they refuse to provide services conflicting with their sincerely held religious beliefs (e.g., certain foster care or adoption placements). It prohibits states and federal agencies from denying contracts, licenses, or renewals for this reason, and allows providers to sue for violations with recovery of damages and legal fees. States violating the law risk losing 15% of federal child welfare funding. The law applies to all federally funded child welfare services, including foster care, adoption support, and family preservation programs.

Maddy summaryThe Maximum Pressure Act (HR 6114) is a legislative proposal that would maintain and expand U.S. sanctions against Iran. The bill would codify existing sanctions, require Iran to meet 12 specific conditions before sanctions could be lifted (including ending support for terrorism, releasing hostages, and ending nuclear enrichment), and expand sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and missile programs. It also establishes new reporting requirements for the U.S. government to monitor Iran's activities and the impact of sanctions. The legislation would require congressional review before any sanctions could be lifted or modified, preventing the executive branch from unilaterally easing restrictions.