Rep. Jake Auchincloss

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 3916 (My Body, My Data Act of 2025), requires businesses and other "regulated entities" to minimize collection and sharing of personal reproductive or sexual health data - such as pregnancy status, contraceptive use, or abortion-related information - and gives individuals specific rights. It mandates that entities provide individuals with easy access to their data, the ability to correct inaccuracies, and the right to request deletion of such information within 15 days. The law also requires clear privacy policies detailing data practices and prohibits retaliation against individuals who exercise these rights, such as charging higher prices or denying services. It applies broadly to most businesses (excluding HIPAA-covered healthcare providers) and is enforced by the FTC with private lawsuits allowed for violations.

Maddy summaryHR 3906, the Medical Research for Our Troops Act, restores funding levels for military medical research by increasing the Defense Health Agency's research budget from $40.395 billion to $41.576 billion in the 2025 appropriations act. It ensures Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs funds are used consistently with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, requiring the Defense Secretary to support all previously identified research programs and maintain existing funding allocations. The bill directly affects military medical research initiatives and the Defense Health Agency's budget implementation. This is a procedural funding adjustment, not a new policy, maintaining continuity for ongoing research projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private firearm transfers between individuals to go through a licensed dealer who must conduct a background check. It applies to most private sales but includes exceptions for transfers between family members (like parents and children), law enforcement, emergencies preventing harm, and temporary loans at shooting ranges or for hunting. Dealers must provide background check notices in both English and Spanish. The law aims to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms through private transactions while maintaining existing state authority on firearm laws.

Maddy summaryHR 3868, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025, modifies federal firearm background check procedures to address delays. It requires federal firearms licensees to wait 10 business days after a background check query if the system doesn’t immediately flag a transfer, unless the buyer submits an electronic petition confirming they aren’t prohibited from owning firearms. The petition process includes a 10-day response deadline from the Attorney General, with licensees allowed to proceed if the system remains silent after 10 days. The bill also mandates detailed annual reports from the FBI on petition delays and GAO reports on implementation, focusing on how these changes affect firearm transfers to prohibited individuals.

Maddy summaryThe TRACE Act requires all new firearms manufactured in the U.S. to include a second, hidden serial number (inside the receiver or visible only under infrared light) within 12 months of enactment. It extends the retention period for background check records from 24 hours to 180 days and mandates that licensed firearm dealers conduct regular physical inventory checks of their stock. The bill also removes longstanding funding restrictions in federal appropriations laws that previously prohibited using funds to implement these measures. These changes directly affect firearm manufacturers, licensed dealers, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which must issue implementing regulations within 180 days.

Maddy summaryThe Complete Streets Act of 2025 requires states to establish programs that help local governments, transit agencies, Tribal governments, and other eligible entities design and build transportation infrastructure accommodating all users - including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and people with disabilities. States must provide technical assistance and grants for complete streets projects, with funding coming from 5% of transportation funds apportioned to each state. The bill establishes new design standards requiring protected bike lanes, accessible sidewalks, and appropriate lighting for many road projects, with compliance required for certain new construction and reconstruction projects on Federal-aid highways within metropolitan areas. It also mandates that states develop "complete streets prioritization plans" focusing on improving safety, mobility, and accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 473 is a non-binding House resolution calling on the U.S. government to urgently use diplomatic efforts to ensure food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza. It directly addresses the needs of approximately 2.2 million Palestinians facing acute hunger, including 10,000 children identified with acute malnutrition, following a border blockade that blocked aid from March to May 2025. The resolution specifically urges the White House and State Department to secure "immediate and secure delivery and disbursement" of aid and a lasting end to the conflict, citing collapsed bakeries, exhausted food rations, and a near-total health system collapse.

Maddy summaryThe Family Vaccine Protection Act makes the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) an official part of federal law, requiring it to provide vaccine recommendations based on strong scientific evidence. It mandates that the CDC Director must adopt ACIP's recommendations unless they don't meet the evidence standard, and if not adopted, the CDC must explain its decision and notify Congress within 48 hours. The bill establishes procedures for ACIP to review new vaccines within 90 days of licensure and to consider breakthrough therapies or public health emergencies. This act aims to strengthen transparency and evidence-based decision-making in vaccine recommendations for the public health system. It affects the CDC, ACIP, and Congress through formalized processes for vaccine policy development.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals key provisions of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which previously shielded gun manufacturers and dealers from civil lawsuits. It allows gun trace data from the federal Firearms Trace System to be used as evidence in civil court cases involving gun violence. Victims of gun violence (or their families) who sue gun manufacturers, dealers, or distributors in state or federal court can now access and rely on this trace information. The bill directly changes the legal landscape by removing a major barrier to holding gun industry entities accountable in civil cases. It does not alter criminal proceedings or affect gun ownership rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create rules allowing covered financial entities (like investment companies, brokers, and advisers) to deliver required regulatory documents - such as prospectuses, annual reports, and proxy statements - electronically to investors. It mandates specific transition steps: initial paper delivery for investors preferring it, a 180-day shift to electronic delivery, and annual paper reminders for two years after transition to maintain opt-out options. The rules must ensure documents are readable, securely delivered, and include clear mechanisms for investors to switch back to paper at any time. The SEC must finalize these rules within one year of the bill’s enactment, while existing document delivery requirements remain unchanged.