Rep. Jack Bergman

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 869) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the November 10, 1975, sinking of the Great Lakes freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, which resulted in the loss of all 29 crew members. It honors the memory of the 29 crew members who died in the tragedy and recognizes the enduring contributions of Great Lakes shipping to the U.S. economy and cultural heritage. The resolution also acknowledges efforts by historians, museums, and communities to preserve the ship's legacy and promote maritime education. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to mark this historical event.

Maddy summaryHR 6018, the Bringing Assistance for Rural Needs During Shutdowns Act, ensures that Farm Services Agency (FSA) services remain operational during government shutdowns. This means FSA employees - providing critical support like farm loans, disaster assistance, and crop insurance - would continue working without furloughs. The bill directly affects rural farmers and communities relying on these services, preventing disruptions to essential agricultural aid. By classifying FSA services as "essential" under federal law (specifically, as covering "safety of human life or protection of property"), it guarantees uninterrupted access to these programs during shutdowns.

Maddy summaryHRES 864 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2025. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes veterans' service and sacrifice, calling on all Americans to observe Veterans Day. The resolution references historical context about Veterans Day's origins (from Armistice Day to honoring all veterans) but contains no concrete policy changes. It directly addresses the general public, urging them to participate in the observance. As a non-binding resolution, it affects no specific individuals or groups through legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that critical firearm-related government operations continue during federal shutdowns. It designates background checks (via the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforcement, and firearm export licensing (handled by Commerce and State Departments) as essential services that must remain operational. These functions would be treated as "excepted" under federal law, meaning their employees would continue working even if other government services halt. The bill affects how background checks and firearm export licenses are processed during shutdowns but does not change gun ownership laws or eligibility.

Prevent Government Shutdowns Act This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year. The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if the appropriations process has not been completed.

Maddy summaryHRES 822 is a non-binding resolution designating October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day." It supports raising public awareness about the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects ocean and Great Lakes areas for conservation, recreation, and cultural heritage. The resolution encourages responsible visits to sanctuaries and recognizes their economic benefits, including supporting jobs in tourism and fishing. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the system’s role in preserving marine ecosystems and coastal communities. This symbolic gesture aims to foster public engagement with marine sanctuaries across the U.S.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests (blood or biological tests analyzing cell-free DNA) starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries aged 68 and older (starting in 2028, with the age limit increasing by 1 year annually), requiring tests to be FDA-cleared and deemed reasonable/necessary by the Secretary for early cancer detection across multiple organ sites. Payment will initially match current stool DNA test rates before 2031, then shift to a lower rate or new payment system after 2031, with limits preventing more than one test per year. The bill explicitly states it does not alter coverage for existing cancer screenings like breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryH.J.Res. 128 proposes a constitutional amendment to withhold salaries from members of Congress during government shutdowns. A government shutdown is defined as a period when federal agencies lack funding due to Congress failing to pass an appropriations bill or continuing resolution. The amendment would require Congress to pass implementing legislation to enforce this pay suspension. This policy would directly affect all current House and Senate members by stopping their regular salaries during any shutdown period.

Maddy summaryHR 5580, the Charlie Kirk Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce 400,000 $1 silver coins in 2026 to honor Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who died in 2025. The coins must feature Kirk's image on the obverse and "well done, good and faithful servant" on the reverse, with standard minting specifications. They will be sold at face value plus production costs to collectors, with no net cost to the government. This bill has no policy impact beyond commemoration; it affects only the U.S. Mint and coin collectors.