Rep. Pat Harrigan

Maddy summaryHR 2581, the Iranian Terror Prevention Act, requires the U.S. government to designate 29 specific Iranian-backed militant groups as terrorist organizations within 90 days of the bill’s passage. The President must then decide within 60 days whether to impose sanctions on these groups, blocking their U.S. assets and transactions under existing law. The bill also mandates regular reports to Congress on these designations and sanctions, including for any new groups meeting the criteria. This law directly affects the 29 named groups (such as the Badr Organization and Houthis) and any entities controlled by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Maddy summaryHR 2551, the Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025, prohibits the U.S. Department of Defense from renewing, extending, or entering into long-term retail contracts with businesses controlled by "covered nations" (nations designated under existing law as security concerns) on military installations in the U.S. It requires retailers to disclose ownership ties to covered nations to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), which must assess national security risks within 180 days. The bill allows limited waivers only if essential services for troops' welfare are unavailable elsewhere and security risks are mitigated, with strict reporting requirements. Retailers failing to disclose ownership changes or misrepresenting control face immediate contract termination. This directly affects retailers operating on military bases with potential foreign ties.

Maddy summaryThe Free Speech Fairness Act (HR 2501) would amend tax law to allow 501(c)(3) organizations, such as charities and educational nonprofits, to make political campaign statements as part of their regular activities without risking their tax-exempt status. The bill specifies that these statements must be made in the ordinary course of the organization's exempt purpose and result in only minimal additional costs. This change clarifies that routine political commentary by these groups does not violate their tax-exempt status under current rules. The provision would apply to tax years beginning after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe FARMLAND Act of 2025 strengthens oversight of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land, particularly from countries like China and other "foreign entities of concern" as defined in the law. It requires agricultural land buyers to conduct due diligence and certify compliance, creates civil penalties for false or missing reports, and prohibits foreign persons from participating in Farm Service Agency programs. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress on foreign ownership of farmland by specific countries and requires development of a centralized database tracking foreign ownership. It also expands the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States' authority to review certain real estate transactions involving foreign entities of concern.

Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act (HR 2395) redefines federal firearm definitions to exclude antique and collector firearms from being classified as firearms, and removes distinctions between short-barreled rifles and shotguns in federal regulations. It prevents state laws from imposing taxes or registration requirements on short-barreled rifles and shotguns, requiring state rules to align with federal compliance instead. The bill also mandates the federal government to destroy specific records related to these firearms within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2025 would prohibit states and local governments from imposing taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts during interstate or foreign commerce. This bill directly affects state tax policies and manufacturers or dealers selling these items across state lines. It explicitly states that the bill does not change the existing federal tax on firearms and ammunition that funds wildlife conservation programs. The key provision bans state-level taxes for these sales in interstate transactions while preserving current federal funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHRES 254 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, to be observed on November 10, 2025. The resolution honors the Corps' founding at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia on November 10, 1775, its history of service in major conflicts, and its values of honor, courage, and commitment. It encourages public participation in commemorative events and local recognition of Marines' contributions to national defense.

Maddy summaryThe Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 allows state and federal correctional facilities to operate jamming systems that block cell signals from entering or leaving the facility, specifically targeting contraband devices used by inmates. It directly affects prisons and jails by enabling them to disrupt unauthorized wireless communications without FCC approval, provided the jamming is limited to housing areas within the facility. Key requirements include state facilities covering all costs themselves, consulting with local law enforcement before implementation, and notifying the Bureau of Prisons. The law aims to address security risks from smuggled phones while restricting jamming to only necessary areas and requiring transparency.

Maddy summaryHR 2382, the First Responders Retirement Parity Act, clarifies that government retirement plans may include firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics without losing their "governmental plan" status under federal tax and retirement laws. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act to specifically allow public safety agencies (contracted with local governments) to cover these workers - whose primary duties involve firefighting or out-of-hospital emergency medical services - as part of their retirement plans. This change directly affects first responders employed by local public safety agencies, ensuring their retirement benefits remain eligible for the same tax advantages as other government employees. The key mechanism updates legal definitions to prevent plans covering these roles from being disqualified under current rules.

Maddy summaryHR 2222, the "Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025," modifies federal egg regulations to allow surplus broiler hatching eggs (used to hatch chicks for meat production) to be sold to egg breakers (facilities that process whole eggs into liquid products). The bill directs the FDA and USDA to create new rules within 180 days permitting these eggs to be stored under conditions compatible with hatching while also being sold for processing into liquid egg products. This change aims to increase the supply of eggs available for processing by making it easier to redirect surplus hatching eggs to egg breakers. The bill directly affects broiler hatcheries, egg breakers, and the broader egg processing industry by altering how certain surplus eggs can be handled and sold.