Rep. Brad Finstad

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 summaryThe SAVES Act (HR 2605) creates a 5-year pilot program where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to provide service dogs to veterans with specific disabilities. It directly affects veterans with covered conditions like blindness, mobility impairments, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or other disabilities deemed appropriate for service dog assistance by the VA. Key provisions include: grants capped at $2 million per nonprofit (with $10 million annually authorized), no fees charged to veterans, VA-provided lifetime veterinary insurance for the dogs, and requirements for nonprofits to train veterans and maintain humane animal standards. The program aims to expand access to service dogs as a support tool for veterans managing qualifying disabilities.

Maddy summaryHR 5548, the Fraud Accountability and Recovery Act, blocks U.S. foreign aid to countries that fail to extradite individuals convicted of defrauding the U.S. or assist in recovering stolen federal funds. The bill directly affects foreign governments that do not take legal action to identify, freeze, seize, or repatriate funds fraudulently obtained from U.S. programs. Key provisions require the President to withhold aid under the Foreign Assistance Act if a country neglects these measures, and mandate annual reports listing non-compliant countries along with the value of unrecouped fraud funds. The bill cites examples like a $250 million pandemic food fraud scheme in Minnesota to highlight the scale of losses (estimated $233-$521 billion annually), but focuses on preventing future fraud by denying safe havens abroad. It includes a presidential waiver option for national security reasons, requiring prior congressional notification.

Maddy summaryHRES 719 is a House resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The resolution condemns his assassination and all political violence, extends condolences to his family, and calls on Americans to reject violence while promoting civil discourse. It specifically recognizes Kirk's legacy as a defender of constitutional principles and his role in inspiring youth through free speech and faith-based civic engagement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy changes but formally expresses the House's stance on honoring his life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis federal bill requires abortion providers to inform patients about potential reversal of mifepristone-based chemical abortions (the two-drug process) at least 24 hours before the procedure. After the first drug is dispensed, providers must give written instructions stating that reversal may be possible if the second pill hasn't been taken. Facilities must post visible signs about reversal options, and the government must maintain a website with reversal resources. Violations allow affected patients or family members to sue for damages.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Protect Adoptees and American Families Act (PAAF Act), automatically grants U.S. citizenship to certain internationally adopted children who meet specific criteria. It directly affects children adopted by U.S. citizen parents before age 18, who were living in the U.S. under legal custody before turning 18, and who were not already U.S. citizens. The key mechanism provides automatic citizenship for those already residing in the U.S. on the bill's effective date, and for those outside the U.S. upon lawful entry, subject to a criminal background check for visa issuance. It clarifies citizenship eligibility under immigration law without requiring additional naturalization steps for qualifying adoptees.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures continued pay for specific Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel and Coast Guard members during government shutdowns in fiscal years 2026-2027. It directly affects DHS law enforcement officers (including those in job series like 0083, 1801, and 1811), DHS administrative and payroll staff, and Coast Guard personnel. The bill authorizes emergency funding from the Treasury to cover their pay and allowances when regular appropriations are not in place. This funding expires on January 1, 2027, or earlier if Congress passes a new appropriations bill covering these costs.

Maddy summaryHR 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, ensures military personnel, civilian Defense workers, and supporting contractors receive pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates emergency funds for active-duty service members, reserves, and their supporting personnel (including Coast Guard staff under DHS) if regular appropriations aren't enacted by the end of the fiscal year. The bill provides necessary pay and allowances during any period when full-year funding is unavailable, covering both active service and support roles. Funding expires when regular appropriations are passed, a funding resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a procedural measure to prevent pay delays for military and support staff during fiscal year 2026 funding lapses.

Maddy summaryHR 5100 extends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through fiscal year 2026, instead of ending on September 30, 2025. This bill directly affects small businesses and research institutions that rely on federal funding for research and development through these programs. The key mechanism is updating expiration dates across multiple program provisions in the Small Business Act to maintain funding authority and program operations for one additional year. The extension does not alter program eligibility, funding levels, or core requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 695 is a commemorative resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative speaker and Turning Point USA leader, following his assassination on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. The resolution condemns the attack, offers condolences to his family, and recognizes first responders. It reaffirms the First Amendment right to peaceful assembly and emphasizes that violence cannot silence democratic participation. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to Kirk's memory and the principles of democratic engagement.