Maddy summaryThe Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 establishes a national network of up to 20 research sites to study how biochar (a charcoal-like substance) improves soil health, carbon sequestration, and farming practices. It directs the Agriculture Department to fund research testing biochar across diverse soils, climates, and agricultural systems to assess its impact on crop yields, climate mitigation, and profitability for farmers, ranchers, foresters, and land managers. The bill authorizes $50 million annually from 2026 to 2030 for this research, focusing on practical, science-based guidance for sustainable biochar use. The network will generate data to help land managers adopt biochar for soil health, carbon reduction, and resilience to extreme weather.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal right for livestock producers to sell meat and dairy products across state lines without facing conflicting state regulations. It prevents states from imposing production standards (like animal welfare rules) on products not raised within that state, ensuring a uniform national market for covered livestock products. The law specifically covers animals raised for meat or dairy (including milk products), but excludes egg production. This aims to eliminate barriers to interstate commerce for these products while aligning with U.S. trade obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes the process for seasonal agricultural workers who need commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). It requires the Transportation Secretary to create online systems for easy license renewal (Section 2(a)) and clarifies that farm equipment like tractors and harvesters ("implements of husbandry") are not subject to commercial vehicle weight calculations (Section 2(b)). It directly affects farm-related service industries and their seasonal employees who operate restricted CDL vehicles. The changes simplify administrative processes and remove regulatory barriers for agricultural operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new federal program to improve rural roads critical for agriculture. It provides funding for projects that replace weight-limited bridges, enhance access to farms and agricultural facilities, and upgrade safety on high-risk rural roads. The program targets local roads and rural minor collectors, with the federal government covering up to 90% of eligible project costs. It directly affects rural communities and agricultural businesses by addressing infrastructure barriers to farm operations and local economic activity. The funding is allocated through existing highway apportionment formulas under Title 23, U.S. Code.
Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers Act of 2025 or the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025 This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters. Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the bill establishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP, requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, and extends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers. The VA must address its mental health treatment programs by establishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders, tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, and establishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner. Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.
Maddy summaryHR 1919, the "Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act," prohibits the Federal Reserve from developing, testing, or issuing any central bank digital currency (CBDC) or similar digital assets. It specifically bans the Fed from offering direct financial products to individuals, maintaining individual accounts, or issuing CBDCs directly or indirectly through intermediaries like banks. The bill also blocks the Fed from using any digital asset for monetary policy and clarifies that physical currency's privacy protections remain intact. This policy directly affects the Federal Reserve System's ability to create or manage digital monetary tools.
Farmers First Act of 2025 This bill extends through FY2030 and revises the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). This Department of Agriculture program provides competitive grants to states, Indian tribes, and qualified nonprofit organizations to provide stress assistance programs (i.e., professional agricultural behavioral health counseling, helplines, and resources) to individuals engaged in farming, ranching, and agriculture-related occupations. The bill specifies that the grant funding for farm telephone helplines and websites may also be used for crisis lines. Further, FRSAN grant recipients may establish referral relationships with providers, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, health centers, rural health clinics, and critical access hospitals.
Maddy summaryHR 4382 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics/Paralympics and 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics/Paralympics. It specifies gold, silver, and half-dollar coin designs with defined mintage limits (e.g., up to 100,000 $5 gold coins for each event), all bearing inscriptions like "2028" or "2034" and standard coin features. A surcharge ($5-$50 per coin) is added to sales, with all funds directed to the respective Olympic committees to support event hosting and legacy programs like youth sports. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring surcharge revenues to cover all design, production, and marketing expenses before funds are disbursed.
Maddy summaryHCONRES 43 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing that public performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner" should use the original English lyrics written by Francis Scott Key. It encourages performers and event organizers to preserve the anthem's historical integrity by using its original English text, rather than translated or adapted versions, as a way to honor its 1814 origins and 1931 designation as the national anthem. The resolution does not create new law or impose legal requirements but formally states Congress's preference for maintaining the anthem's traditional English lyrics in public settings. It directly affects public events where the anthem is performed, such as sports games, ceremonies, and official gatherings.
Maddy summaryThe Livestock Indemnity Program Improvement Act of 2025 updates how market value is calculated for livestock loss compensation under the existing program. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to determine market value quarterly, in coordination with the Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator and using other appropriate resources. This change directly affects livestock producers who receive payments for losses due to natural disasters (like droughts or floods) or disease outbreaks. The bill ensures compensation rates reflect current market conditions more frequently, without altering eligibility or payment amounts.