Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet

Maddy summaryHRES 832 is a symbolic resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating October 19-25, 2025, as "National Chemistry Week." It recognizes chemistry's role in everyday life (from food and medicine to energy) and promotes public engagement with science, technology, engineering, and math education. The resolution specifically commends the American Chemical Society for organizing the 36th annual event, which focuses on themes like "The Hidden Life of Spices" and aims to inspire youth - especially underrepresented groups - to pursue STEM careers. As a non-binding ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.

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 summaryHRES 793 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of October 2025 as "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month." It highlights that specific learning disabilities affect 32% of students receiving special education services, with over 96% of affected 4th and 8th graders lacking reading proficiency and 92% lacking math proficiency in 2023-2024. The resolution calls on schools to continue providing free appropriate public education for these students, emphasizing evidence-based instructional methods. This is a symbolic measure with no new funding or mandates, aimed at raising awareness about learning disabilities and educational gaps.

Maddy summaryHR 5715, the October 7 Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award a gold medal to American hostages and victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be presented to recognize their suffering and sacrifice, with the medal displayed at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, but does not create new legal obligations or policy changes. This is a ceremonial recognition, not a substantive legislative measure.

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 requires five federal agencies (Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Treasury, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) to coordinate housing data sharing and jointly propose policy solutions. Within one year of enactment, the agencies must establish a shared agreement and submit a report to Congress addressing mortgage costs, housing construction barriers, local regulations, insurance availability, down payment assistance, and disaster resilience. The report will outline specific proposals to improve housing affordability and market efficiency. This is a procedural bill focused on interagency coordination, not direct policy changes or benefits for homeowners.

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 240 Main Street in Northport, New York, as the "Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Bruckenthal Post Office Building".

Maddy summaryHR 5660, the Pay Our Military Act, ensures military personnel and support staff receive pay during a government funding gap in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, reservists, Department of Defense civilian employees, and contractors supporting military operations, if Congress hasn’t passed regular funding by then. The funding remains available until either regular appropriations are enacted or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a temporary measure to prevent disruptions in military pay during budget negotiations.

Maddy summaryHR 5571, the "Expanding Seniors’ Access to PFAS Testing Act," requires Medicare to cover 100% of the cost for blood tests detecting PFAS chemicals (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) for seniors starting January 1, 2028. It amends Medicare law to add "PFAS testing" as a no-cost preventive service under Part B, defined as a physician-ordered blood test to measure PFAS levels. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ and certain disabled individuals who need these tests. The coverage eliminates copays and deductibles for the tests, aligning them with other preventive services, but applies only to tests performed on or after the 2028 effective date.

Maddy summaryThe SPEED and Reliability Act of 2025 streamlines federal permitting for new or modified electric transmission lines by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue permits within 18 months if projects meet specific criteria. It directly affects utilities building transmission infrastructure, landowners (like farmers and ranchers) along proposed routes, and state agencies through new consultation requirements. Key provisions include prioritizing projects that improve grid reliability (e.g., reducing outages), mandating landowner input during planning, and ensuring costs are allocated only to customers who benefit from the new infrastructure. The bill also clarifies FERC’s role versus state authorities and modifies cost allocation rules to align with benefits like reduced congestion and lower power losses.