Rep. Alma S. Adams

Maddy summaryThe COVER Now Act allows cities, counties, or other local governments in states that have not expanded Medicaid to provide health coverage to Medicaid-eligible residents. Local governments in non-expansion states can apply for a federal demonstration project to cover these residents, with the federal government paying 90-100% of costs over seven years (starting at 100% for the first three years). The bill prohibits states from retaliating against localities that participate, such as by shifting costs, reducing funding, or blocking healthcare provider participation. This directly affects uninsured residents in non-expansion states and local governments seeking to fill coverage gaps.

Maddy summaryHR 576 makes Executive Order 14096 legally binding by codifying it into federal law. This order directs federal agencies to prioritize environmental justice, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental hazards. The bill requires agencies to integrate environmental justice considerations into their decision-making processes, directly affecting federal departments managing environmental programs. It transforms an executive directive into a permanent legal requirement, ensuring continued focus on equitable environmental policies.

Maddy summaryHRES 48 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by commemorating his 96th birthday on January 20, 2025. The resolution affirms his teachings on diversity, equality, and nonviolence, and specifically condemns hate, discrimination, and harassment targeting Black Americans, Indigenous peoples, Jewish communities, Asian-American/Pacific Islander groups, Muslim communities, Hispanic/Latino communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. It calls on all people to uphold Dr. King’s values of justice, tolerance, and peace. As a symbolic gesture, this resolution has no legal effect but expresses the House’s commitment to these principles.

Maddy summaryHRES 51 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on its 105th anniversary. The resolution commends the sorority for its founding in 1920 at Howard University and its decades of work in scholarship, service, and community leadership. It recognizes the organization's global membership (over 100,000 members across 875 chapters) and its historic milestones, including being the first National Pan-Hellenic Council organization to centralize operations and charter chapters in Africa. This resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of the sorority's legacy.

This bill increases the annual limit on the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenses (also referred to as the short line railroad tax credit) and expands eligibility for claiming the credit. Under current law, the tax credit is limited each tax year to $3,500 multiplied by the sum of the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased by the taxpayer (miles owned or leased) and the number of railroad track miles assigned to the taxpayer by a Class II or III railroad (miles assigned). This bill increases the annual limit to $6,100 multiplied by the sum of miles owned or leased and miles assigned. The $6,100 amount used in the calculation of the tax credit limit is adjusted for inflation for tax years beginning after 2025. The bill also expands eligibility for the tax credit to include gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2024. Under current law, the tax credit is limited to gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2015.

Maddy summaryHR 485, the Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes Congress to award a gold medal in recognition of Muhammad Ali's lifetime contributions to sports, civil rights, and humanitarian causes. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to strike the medal and present it to Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, following his death in 2016. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure with no policy impact, solely honoring Ali's legacy through a symbolic medal.

Maddy summaryThe Lumbee Fairness Act would grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a status they have sought for decades. This recognition would make the tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, including healthcare, housing, and education programs. The bill designates Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties in North Carolina as the tribe's service area for delivering these benefits, treating them as if they were on a reservation. It also authorizes the tribe to take land into trust and clarifies jurisdictional relationships with North Carolina regarding tribal lands.

Maddy summaryHR 507, the Veterans Member Business Loan Act, amends the Federal Credit Union Act to explicitly include loans made to veterans as qualifying "member business loans" under credit unions. This change directly affects veterans seeking business financing through federal credit unions, allowing them to access these loans under the same framework as other small business borrowers. The key mechanism is adding a new definition category ("made to a veteran") to the existing eligibility criteria for business loans, using the standard military definition of "veteran" from Title 38, U.S. Code. The bill does not create new funding or programs but expands existing credit union lending options to include veterans. This definition change takes effect six months after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 45 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for its 117 years of community service. It commends the sorority’s founding in 1908, its global membership of over 120,000 members, and its current service initiatives focused on social justice, community uplift, and economic empowerment. The resolution has no legal effect and serves solely to recognize the organization’s contributions to communities. It was introduced by multiple House members and referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.

Maddy summaryHR 433, the Department of Education Protection Act, prohibits the use of federal funds to reorganize the Department of Education. Specifically, it blocks any spending from current fiscal year appropriations on activities that would decentralize the department, reduce staffing, or alter its structure, responsibilities, or authority relative to its organization as of January 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Department of Education by preventing structural changes to its existing offices and operations. This is a procedural measure focused solely on preserving the current departmental framework, not on changing education policy or funding.