Rep. Chuck Edwards

Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2025 This bill provides a streamlined process for certain Ukrainian nationals (including accompanying spouse and children) who are living in the United States to receive lawful permanent resident status. Specifically, the bill permits Ukrainian nationals who have been paroled into the United States after February 20, 2014, to apply for and receive lawful permanent resident status. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may waive grounds for inadmissibility (excluding certain crimes or security related grounds) for individuals who apply for status adjustment. DHS must establish vetting requirements (including an interview) for applicants that are equivalent to those under the United States Refugee Admissions Program. The bill also preserves eligibility for the status adjustment of certain battered spouses whose eligibility for such status stemmed from a marriage that has terminated. Finally, the bill requires DHS to issue guidance to implement these requirements and establishes a deadline for eligible individuals to apply for adjustment.

Maddy summaryHR 3059, the Streamlining Critical Mineral Permitting Act, modifies the Solid Waste Disposal Act to create a new pathway for temporary hazardous waste permits. It directly affects mining and processing facilities handling "critical energy resources" (defined as energy resources essential to U.S. energy systems with vulnerable supply chains, as determined by the Energy Secretary). The bill adds a new category allowing these "critical energy resource facilities" to qualify for interim hazardous waste permits under Section 3005(e). This aims to expedite permitting for facilities processing minerals critical to clean energy and national security, without changing existing environmental standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most private health insurance plans to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast exams with no out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles or copays) for enrolled patients. It specifically covers exams used to evaluate abnormalities found in screenings (diagnostic) or for high-risk screening without abnormalities (supplemental), based on medical guidelines. Plans can still require prior authorization for these exams, and state laws offering stronger protections remain in effect. The rule takes effect for plan years starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe TAKE IT DOWN Act makes it a crime to intentionally share intimate images or digital forgeries of people without their consent, with penalties of up to 2 years in prison for adults and 3 years for minors. It requires major online platforms to establish a 48-hour process for victims to request removal of such content, with platforms protected from liability when acting in good faith. The bill defines "digital forgery" as AI-generated content that appears authentic and applies to websites and apps primarily hosting user-generated content, excluding email services and broadband providers. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these notice and takedown requirements. This legislation directly affects victims of nonconsensual intimate content, the platforms hosting such material, and individuals who distribute it.

Maddy summaryHRES 337 is a symbolic House resolution honoring linemen for their critical role in maintaining power infrastructure and responding to emergencies. It recognizes them as first responders who work in dangerous conditions 24/7 to keep electricity flowing, supporting schools and businesses during storms. The resolution formally supports designating April 18, 2025, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day" to publicly acknowledge their contributions. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct policy impact or effect on affected individuals.

Maddy summaryThe Housing Supply Frameworks Act (HR 2840) directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create federal guidelines and best practices for state and local governments to reform zoning rules that restrict housing supply. It focuses on practical changes like reducing parking minimums, allowing more housing types (e.g., duplexes, accessory dwellings), streamlining approval processes, and increasing density near transit - aiming to address a nationwide housing shortage affecting cost-burdened households. The guidelines, developed with public input from planners, developers, and community groups, are intended to help states and localities voluntarily adopt reforms that increase housing availability across income levels. States and localities that adopt these recommendations must report progress to Congress within five years, though the bill does not mandate specific changes or provide direct housing construction funds.

Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025 or the SOAR Act of 2025 This bill establishes certain requirements with respect to the payment and provision of supplemental oxygen and related services under Medicare. For example, the bill provides for separate payments, indexed to inflation, of oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services under Medicare (rather than under the competitive acquisition program). It also specifically covers services that are provided by respiratory therapists under Medicare and provides for an additional payment adjustment for these services. Additionally, the bill (1) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop an electronic template for providers to use when prescribing oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services; and (2) establishes certain rights for beneficiaries receiving these items and services, such as the right to choose their suppliers and to receive clear communications and be informed about the services provided.

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage to include audiology services provided by qualified audiologists without requiring a physician referral or supervision. Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare will pay 80% of the standard rate for these services, which include hearing and balance assessments and treatment. It specifically allows audiologists to legally provide these services under state law, as long as they are covered if provided by a physician. The bill does not expand the types of services covered beyond those already payable under Medicare as of December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 would reform the Low-Income Housing Credit program, which provides tax credits to developers of affordable housing. It would increase state allocations based on population with annual cost-of-living adjustments, modify tenant eligibility rules to allow higher income limits for some residents, and add protections for domestic violence victims in housing. The bill would simplify rules for rural and Native American housing projects, clarify credit eligibility requirements, and require greater transparency in program administration. These changes would directly affect developers, property owners, and low-income tenants in housing projects that receive LIHC tax credits.