Rep. Addison P. McDowell

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 This bill limits birthright citizenship by redefining what it means to be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Currently, a person born in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is entitled to citizenship. Under the bill, a person is subject to U.S. jurisdiction if he or she is born to a parent who is (1) a U.S. citizen or national, (2) a lawful permanent resident residing in the United States, or (3) a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) with a lawful immigration status who is performing active service in the Armed Forces. The bill does not affect the citizenship or nationality status of any person born before the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 578, "Sarah’s Law," requires mandatory detention for certain non-citizens (aliens) charged with crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. It directly affects non-citizens facing such charges and their victims' families. Key provisions mandate that the Department of Homeland Security detain these individuals immediately and notify victims or their closest living relatives (like parents or spouses) about the alien’s identity, immigration status, custody details, and removal efforts. The bill adds specific categories of non-citizens to the mandatory detention list, including those whose visas were revoked or who are deportable for prior immigration violations. This creates a formal process for victim notification while expanding detention requirements under immigration law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. immigration law to deny entry to noncitizens convicted of or admitting to certain violent crimes, and to make them deportable. It directly affects noncitizens who have been convicted of or admitted to sex offenses, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse/neglect, or violating protection orders involving threats of violence. Key provisions add these offenses as grounds for denying entry (inadmissibility) under Section 212(a)(2) and as grounds for deportation (deportability) under Section 237(a)(2). The law specifies that domestic violence and protection order violations are included regardless of whether the jurisdiction received specific federal grant funding.

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 470, the Red Snapper Act of 2025, blocks the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from implementing area or bottom closures in the South Atlantic for snapper-grouper fisheries until two conditions are met: the completion of the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count survey and integration of its data into the next official stock assessment. This directly affects recreational and commercial fishermen in the South Atlantic region, particularly in Florida, where red snapper fishing supports significant economic activity ($14 billion annually). The bill aims to delay management changes pending new scientific data to avoid potential economic harm during a period of record fish stock abundance. It does not alter fishing seasons or quotas but specifically targets the timing of area closure decisions.

Maddy summaryHR 511 (AMERICANS Act) prevents the military from imposing new COVID-19 vaccine mandates without explicit congressional approval. It prohibits adverse actions like discharge or rank reduction against service members who refuse the vaccine based on personal reasons, and requires the military to reinstate separated members to their prior rank with back pay, expunge related records, and retain unvaccinated personnel equally. The bill also eliminates bonus repayment obligations for members separated over vaccine refusal and mandates equal professional development opportunities for unvaccinated service members. It directly affects military personnel impacted by prior vaccine mandates, focusing on policy changes rather than future outcomes.

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 465, the "Old Glory Only Act," requires all U.S. diplomatic and consular posts abroad to fly only the United States flag. The bill directs the Secretary of State to ensure no other flags are displayed over these government facilities. This is a procedural change affecting the physical display of flags at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide, with no other policy provisions. It mandates a specific practice without altering other diplomatic protocols or affecting citizens or organizations.

Maddy summaryHR 404, the "Hearing Protection Act," reclassifies firearm silencers (devices that reduce gunfire noise) as firearms for federal tax and regulatory purposes. It imposes a 10% federal tax on silencers, requires the destruction of all existing federal silencer registration records within one year, and preempts state laws that tax or regulate silencers. The bill clarifies that silencers are treated as firearms under federal law, including for licensing and marking requirements, and defines "firearm silencer" to include specific components. Note: The bill’s title is misleading - it addresses firearm silencer regulation, not hearing protection for people.

Maddy summaryHR 369, the States’ Education Reclamation Act of 2025, would abolish the U.S. Department of Education and transfer its programs - including job training, special education, and federal student loans - to other federal departments like Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury. It would provide annual federal grants to states for K-12 and higher education, requiring states to use the funds to add to, not replace, their existing education budgets. States must conduct annual audits of fund usage, submit reports to the federal government, and face penalties for misuse, while maintaining compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. The bill shifts federal education oversight to states, ending direct federal management of education programs.