Rep. Don Bacon

Maddy summaryHRES 785 is a non-binding resolution expressing support for designating October 4-10, 2025, as "World Space Week," an annual event established by the UN in 1999 to celebrate space science. It encourages U.S. schools, agencies, and the public to participate in events focused on space technology's contributions to education, sustainable living in space (via the 2025 theme "Living in Space"), and economic innovation. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the educational and collaborative goals of World Space Week. It aims to boost public awareness of space science's role in daily life and inspire student engagement in STEM fields.

Maddy summaryHR 5681, the STOP HATE Act of 2025, requires major social media companies (defined as platforms with 25 million+ U.S. monthly users) to publish clear terms of service addressing content from foreign terrorist organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. It mandates quarterly reports to the Attorney General detailing how these platforms handle flagged content - including removals, demonetization, user bans, and appeal outcomes - broken down by content type, media format, and reporting method. Companies face daily civil penalties of up to $5 million for failing to publish terms, submit reports, or provide accurate data. The law expires after five years and includes a First Amendment protection clause, ensuring it does not infringe on free speech rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests (blood or biological tests analyzing cell-free DNA) starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries aged 68 and older (starting in 2028, with the age limit increasing by 1 year annually), requiring tests to be FDA-cleared and deemed reasonable/necessary by the Secretary for early cancer detection across multiple organ sites. Payment will initially match current stool DNA test rates before 2031, then shift to a lower rate or new payment system after 2031, with limits preventing more than one test per year. The bill explicitly states it does not alter coverage for existing cancer screenings like breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 775) is a symbolic congressional statement supporting the designation of September 2025 as "National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funds; it solely expresses the House's endorsement of raising public awareness about ovarian cancer during that month. The resolution cites statistics on ovarian cancer mortality, disparities in care for Black women and underserved groups, and the lack of early detection methods to underscore the importance of awareness. It aligns with existing annual efforts by organizations like the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. The measure directly affects public awareness efforts but has no direct impact on policy or healthcare access.

Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025 This bill expands certain health professional programs and Medicare covered services to include physical therapists. Specifically, the bill expands the National Health Service Corps to include physical therapists and provides for the designation of specific health professional target areas for physical therapists under the program. The bill also expands covered services of rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers under Medicare to include physical therapy services. The bill increases funds for FY2025 for the corps and requires a certain amount of funds to be used for student loan repayments for participating physical therapists in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Maddy summaryHR 5660, the Pay Our Military Act, ensures military personnel and support staff receive pay during a government funding gap in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, reservists, Department of Defense civilian employees, and contractors supporting military operations, if Congress hasn’t passed regular funding by then. The funding remains available until either regular appropriations are enacted or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a temporary measure to prevent disruptions in military pay during budget negotiations.

Maddy summaryThe GENERAL Act (HR 5627) requires the Secretary of Defense to notify Congress within 15 days when a general or flag officer (such as a four-star general) is involuntarily reassigned, separated, or retired. The notification must explain the reason for the action - including whether it relates to conduct, performance, or policy disagreements - and summarize the decision-making process, including consultations with relevant military leaders. This bill directly affects the Department of Defense and the congressional defense committees, mandating transparency in senior military leadership changes. It adds a new reporting requirement without altering the authority to make such personnel decisions.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a symbolic House resolution supporting the designation of September 2025 as "National Kinship Care Month." It recognizes that over 2.5 million children in the U.S. are raised by kinship caregivers (such as grandparents, siblings, or tribal relatives) in both formal foster care and informal arrangements. The resolution encourages Congress to improve policies supporting these caregivers, honors their role in helping children maintain family connections and stability, and highlights the need for better resources to prevent children from entering foster care. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the importance of kinship care.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 770) is a symbolic statement expressing the House's support for "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day" observed on September 25. It directly affirms the House's commitment to military sexual trauma (MST) survivors - impacting both women and men in the military - by highlighting the need to reduce stigma and improve support systems. The resolution encourages the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to expand access to MST-related services and promote transparency in handling cases, but it does not create new laws or funding. As a non-binding resolution, it serves only to formally acknowledge the issue and encourage existing agencies to prioritize survivor care.