Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Maddy summaryThe Protect Our Hospitals Act (HR 4807) repeals a specific provision (Section 71115 of Public Law 119-21) that altered Medicaid provider tax rules. This bill restores the prior tax structure for Medicaid providers, including hospitals and clinics that accept Medicaid, returning them to the tax treatment that existed before the change. As a result, these providers will no longer be subject to the modified tax rules enacted by the repealed provision. The bill does not affect Medicaid eligibility, benefits, or coverage - it solely reverts a tax policy change without introducing new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a barrier preventing most low-income students from accessing SNAP benefits. It amends the Food and Nutrition Act to explicitly allow students enrolled at least half-time in recognized higher education programs to qualify for SNAP, reversing a prior exclusion. The key change eliminates the previous requirement that students meet specific exceptions (now deleted) and adds a new eligibility category under Section 3(m)(5). This directly affects low-income undergraduate and graduate students at colleges and training programs who were previously ineligible. The changes take effect January 2, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 4796, the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, repeals a provision that blocked Medicaid payments to certain healthcare providers during a specific period. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who received care from these providers between the enactment of the prior law (Public Law 119-21) and this bill's enactment. The key provision retroactively restores Medicaid payments for services already provided during that blocked period, treating the payment restriction as if it never existed. This change ensures eligible individuals and providers receive reimbursement for covered care delivered during the prohibited timeframe.

Maddy summaryHRES 613 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for designating July as "Disability Pride Month." It directly affects people with disabilities by raising public awareness of their contributions and challenges, referencing CDC data showing 70 million U.S. adults live with disabilities. The resolution calls on the public and organizations to celebrate Disability Pride Month in July and actively work to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities, aligning with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is a non-binding gesture focused on recognition, not policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 4763, the PTO Act, requires most employers to provide employees with at least 1 hour of paid annual leave for every 25 hours worked, with a maximum of 80 hours per year. It applies to private-sector workers and certain government employees, protecting their right to use paid leave for any purpose without disclosing the reason. The bill mandates employers to maintain health benefits during leave, allow carryover of up to 40 hours of unused leave, and pay out unused leave upon separation. It also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees for using paid leave or requiring them to find replacements while on leave. The law includes enforcement mechanisms, allowing employees to file complaints with the Department of Labor or pursue private lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the minimum age for participating in employer retirement plans like 401(k)s from 21 to 18 for certain young workers. It directly affects 18- to 20-year-olds who work at least 500 hours over two consecutive 12-month periods. The key provision amends ERISA and tax code rules to replace "21" with "18" in eligibility requirements for these plans. The changes apply to plan years starting one year after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy H2O Act creates a federal grant program to help rural households and small facilities (like child-care centers) install certified water filtration systems that remove health contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and PFAS. Eligible recipients must live in rural areas, have tested water containing contaminants, and meet income limits (under 150% of their state’s median nonmetropolitan household income). Grants cover the cost of purchasing, installing, maintaining, and testing certified point-of-use or point-of-entry filtration systems. The program requires annual reports to Congress analyzing water quality trends, filter effectiveness, and emerging needs in affected communities. This initiative addresses immediate drinking water safety gaps where long-term infrastructure projects cannot yet provide solutions.

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas and health professional shortage areas. The bill provides for an additional increase of 2,000 positions per fiscal year from FY2026-FY2032; during this period, each hospital may receive up to 75 additional positions in total under the bill and current law. Additionally, one-third of the positions that are made available under the bill must be allocated to hospitals that are already operating above applicable resident limits. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on strategies to increase the diversity of the health professional workforce, including with respect to representation from rural, low-income, and minority communities.

Maddy summaryH.J. Res. 108 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove legal immunity for federal officials, including the President, from criminal prosecution for actions taken while performing official duties. It would prohibit the President from granting pardons to themselves and eliminate the defense that "official authority" excuses violations of federal or state law (with limited exceptions for certain congressional actions). If ratified, this amendment would require Congress to pass implementing laws to enforce these changes. The proposal is currently in the House Judiciary Committee and requires approval by three-fourths of state legislatures to become part of the Constitution.

Maddy summaryHR 4606, the Ally’s Act, requires private health insurance plans (including employer-sponsored plans and individual coverage) to cover hearing implants and related services. It directly affects people with hearing loss who need cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, or external sound processors, as determined by a physician or audiologist. The bill mandates coverage for devices, maintenance, repairs, upgrades every 5 years, hearing assessments, surgery, and rehabilitation - without separate cost-sharing or stricter limits than other medical services. Insurers cannot deny coverage if a provider deems the service medically necessary. The law applies to all applicable health plans and takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026.