Rep. Valerie P. Foushee

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits defendants in federal criminal cases from using a victim's LGBTQ identity (sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression) as a defense to excuse or reduce punishment for violent crimes. It amends federal law to ban arguments that claim a "nonviolent sexual advance" or inaccurate perception of someone's LGBTQ status justified the defendant's actions. The law allows limited admission of past trauma evidence under standard federal rules but requires the Attorney General to annually report on federal prosecutions involving bias-motivated violence against LGBTQ individuals. This directly affects defendants in federal court cases where such defenses were previously used, aiming to end the practice of treating LGBTQ victims' identities as justification for violence.

Maddy summaryThe PRIDE Act of 2025 updates the Internal Revenue Code by replacing gender-specific terms like "husband and wife" with gender-neutral terms such as "married couple" or "spouse" across over 30 tax code provisions. This change affects all married couples filing federal taxes and the IRS, as it modernizes tax law language to be inclusive of all married individuals regardless of gender. The bill makes specific textual amendments to sections dealing with filing status, deductions, credits, and estate tax provisions without creating new tax benefits. It ensures tax law language does not assume the gender of spouses, making the tax code more equitable for all married couples. This is a language update to existing tax law, not a change in tax policy or benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to advance its computing capabilities for weather forecasting. It requires NOAA to establish centers of excellence focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and next-generation computing, while developing a 10-year strategic plan for high-performance computing needs. The plan must address infrastructure, workforce, and technology requirements across NOAA’s operations, including improving forecasts for hazardous weather events like hurricanes and flash floods. NOAA must also report biennially to Congress on progress and collaborate with the Department of Energy on computing needs. The bill affects NOAA directly and aims to enhance forecast accuracy for public safety and weather-related decision-making.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes technical corrections to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to streamline claims for individuals harmed by water contamination at Camp Lejeune. It clarifies the evidence required (30+ days at the base plus a link between contaminants and health harm), specifies that cases must be handled in North Carolina courts (with limited transfer options), and sets attorney fee caps (20% before suit, 25% after). These changes directly affect veterans and civilians who lived at Camp Lejeune and filed claims under the 2022 law. The bill does not create new eligibility but aims to improve the legal process for existing cases.

Maddy summaryThe Women's Health Protection Act of 2025 would protect access to abortion services across the United States by prohibiting states from imposing restrictions that are more burdensome than those on comparable medical procedures. The bill directly affects people seeking abortion care and health care providers by banning restrictions such as mandatory in-person visits, requirements for specific tests, limitations on telemedicine, and rules based on a patient's reason for seeking abortion. It prohibits state laws that single out abortion for unnecessary restrictions while allowing post-viability abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life or health. The bill preempts conflicting state laws and provides enforcement mechanisms through private lawsuits and actions by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state officials from blocking abortion access for patients traveling from other states, including restricting providers who offer legal abortions in their state to out-of-state patients. It protects people traveling across state lines for legal abortions, those assisting such travel, and the interstate transport of FDA-approved abortion medication. Violations can be challenged by the Justice Department or affected individuals through civil lawsuits seeking injunctions and damages. The law applies broadly across all states, territories, and tribal nations, defining "abortion service" to include both medical procedures and related care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates federal funding for community-based violence intervention programs in high-violence areas, targeting communities with 35+ homicides annually or 20+ homicides with rates double the national average. It establishes grants for community organizations to implement trauma-informed violence interruption strategies, hospital-based programs for injured patients, and job training for "opportunity youth" (16-25 year olds not in school or work). The legislation authorizes $300 million in 2026, increasing to $700 million annually through 2033, with requirements for evidence-based approaches that reduce violence without contributing to mass incarceration. It creates a National Community Violence Response Center to coordinate data collection, research, and best practices for these programs. The focus is on prevention through economic opportunity, trauma care, and community-driven interventions rather than traditional law enforcement approaches.

Maddy summaryHR 3538, the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025, establishes a national network to handle the care of live wildlife seized at U.S. borders due to illegal trafficking. It creates a coordinated system where Federal wildlife law enforcement (like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) can partner with qualified facilities - including zoos, sanctuaries, and rehabilitation centers - to provide immediate care, maintain evidence integrity, and manage long-term placement for confiscated animals. The bill expands a successful Southern California pilot that already placed over 4,100 animals by creating a centralized database and single point of contact for law enforcement. It authorizes $5 million annually (2026-2030) to support this network, directly affecting border agencies and participating care facilities while addressing capacity gaps at ports of entry.

Maddy summaryHRES 532 is a symbolic resolution designating "Brain and Spine Metastasis Awareness Month" to raise public attention about cancer that spreads to the brain or spine. It directly affects patients with metastatic cancer (such as from lung, breast, or melanoma cancers) and their families by highlighting the need for better awareness and specialized care. The resolution calls on the Secretary of Health and Human Services to increase education about treatment options, support specialized care centers, expand clinical trial access, and fund research into brain and spine metastasis. While non-binding, it aims to encourage federal action on a growing health concern affecting cancer patients.

Maddy summaryHR 4084, the Access to Birth Control Act, requires pharmacies that stock contraception to provide it without delay when requested by a customer. If a requested method is out of stock, pharmacies must immediately offer referrals to nearby pharmacies or expedite an order. The bill prohibits pharmacists from intimidating customers, misrepresenting availability, breaching confidentiality, or refusing to fill valid prescriptions for contraception. It directly affects pharmacies nationwide, addressing reported refusals to provide birth control - particularly after the *Dobbs* decision - and ensures access to FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost-sharing barriers.