Rep. Stephen F. Lynch

Maddy summaryHJRES 121 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Congress and states to set reasonable limits on money raised or spent to influence elections. It would permit regulations distinguishing between natural persons (individuals) and corporations or other artificial entities, potentially restricting corporate spending in elections. The amendment explicitly states that such regulations cannot abridge press freedom. This is a proposed constitutional change requiring ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures, not yet law.

Maddy summaryHR 5309, the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025, authorizes a posthumous Congressional gold medal for Constance Baker Motley, a pioneering civil rights attorney and judge. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to strike the medal with her image and name, to be presented to her son, Joel W. Motley III, and her niece, Constance Royster. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates at cost to cover expenses, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint fund. This is a commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes, honoring Motley’s legacy as the first African-American woman appointed to a federal judgeship.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the existing program providing support and treatment services for law enforcement officers experiencing mental health crises. It extends the funding authorization period from 2020-2024 to 2025-2029 under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who access these crisis support services through participating state and local programs. It makes no new policy changes but ensures the current program continues operating without interruption for five additional years.

Maddy summaryHR 5278, the Affordable Inhalers and Nebulizers Act of 2025, limits out-of-pocket costs for patients using prescription inhalers and nebulizers to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The bill requires private health insurance plans, Medicare Part B and Part D, and new payment programs to cover these products with no deductible and a maximum cost of $15 per 30-day supply. It directly affects patients with asthma or COPD who rely on covered inhalers, nebulizers, and related equipment like spacers. The law applies to all specified inhaler products (including medications and administration equipment) and takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 3593, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025, reauthorizes and expands federal funding for nursing education programs to address workforce shortages. It directly affects nursing schools, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, nurse anesthesia, and clinical nurse specialist programs by expanding grant eligibility to include these specific training pathways. Key provisions include increasing annual funding from $137 million to $184 million (2026-2030), requiring schools to use funds for simulation/technology resources and faculty/student expansion, and adding clinical partnerships with healthcare facilities. The bill also updates terminology and adds protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in nursing education settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to extend eligibility to school support staff, including paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and clerical staff. It allows these employees to qualify for FMLA leave if they work 60% of their expected monthly hours (instead of the standard 1,250 hours), based on their school’s assigned schedule. Employers must maintain records of expected hours for each staff member. The change directly benefits part-time and seasonal education support staff who previously faced barriers to FMLA coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Social Security Act to remove a payment limitation for certain Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Specifically, it strikes a provision (subparagraph (C) of Section 1915(c)(11)) that restricted how states could fund these waivers under Medicaid. The change directly affects state Medicaid programs that use HCBS waivers to provide home and community care for people with disabilities or elderly individuals. By removing this restriction, states gain more flexibility in allocating Medicaid funds for these services, without altering eligibility or service requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Empowering Striking Workers Act of 2025 would expand unemployment insurance eligibility to workers unable to work due to labor disputes, including strikes or lockouts. It sets a 14-day waiting period (or earlier if replacements are hired, a lockout starts, or the dispute ends) before benefits begin, treating these workers as "unemployed" under federal law. The bill also removes the standard requirement for these workers to actively seek other employment to qualify for benefits. This directly affects workers involved in labor disputes, such as those on strike or unable to work due to employer lockouts.

Maddy summaryHR 2181, the Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025, strengthens protections for federal Inspectors General (IGs) by requiring the President to have specific, documented reasons to remove them. The bill amends federal law to specify nine grounds for removal, including documented felony convictions, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or neglect of duty - each requiring written justification. This directly affects IGs who oversee federal agency accountability and investigations, as it prevents arbitrary removals and mandates transparency in the process. The law applies to all federal Inspectors General across agencies, ensuring their independence is maintained through clear, enforceable standards.

Maddy summaryHR 1510, the Due Process Continuity of Care Act, expands Medicaid eligibility to cover individuals in jail or custody while awaiting trial or disposition of charges, at a state's option. This allows states to provide Medicaid benefits to this population without requiring them to be convicted first. The bill provides $50 million in planning grants to states to develop implementation plans, including assessing healthcare needs, recruiting providers (especially for behavioral health and substance use treatment), and creating electronic billing systems for correctional facilities and outpatient providers. States must also consult with stakeholders like jails, providers, and Medicaid advocates before finalizing their plans.