Rep. Herbert C. Conaway, Jr.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program to coordinate and fund habitat restoration and water quality improvements across the shared watershed region. It creates a competitive grant program providing federal matching funds (up to 90% for small/rural/disadvantaged communities) to state/local governments, nonprofits, and tribes for projects advancing habitat restoration, climate resilience, and public access. The program prioritizes communities facing environmental injustice and requires coordination with existing regional conservation plans like the Hudson River Estuary Program. Funding of $20 million annually (2026-2031) will support these activities, with 75% dedicated to the grant program and all projects supplementing existing conservation efforts.

Keep Air Travel Safe Act This bill provides continuing appropriations for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during any period in which there is a lapse in appropriations for TSA. It also requires the continuing appropriations to be funded using certain unobligated funds that were provided to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.   The bill provides the appropriations for TSA to continue all programs, projects, or activities (including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees) that were funded in the preceding fiscal year. The appropriations provided by this bill are available from the first day of a lapse in appropriations for TSA until the earlier of the date on which the applicable regular appropriations bill for the fiscal year becomes law or a joint resolution making continuing appropriations becomes law, or  the date that is 180 days after the first day of a lapse in appropriations.

Maddy summaryHRES 795 is a non-binding resolution condemning Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed over 1,200 people, took 251 hostages (including Americans), and involved sexual violence. It demands Hamas immediately surrender and release all remaining hostages - specifically noting 48 people still held, including two U.S. citizens. The resolution also affirms Israel’s right to self-defense, calls for humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians, and condemns global antisemitism following the attacks. As a symbolic congressional statement, it does not create new laws or alter policies.

Maddy summaryHR 5705 requires the federal government to reimburse state agencies for funds they use to maintain participation in the WIC program during a government shutdown. It directly affects states that cover WIC costs using their own money when federal funding lapses. The bill establishes a process where states can seek reimbursement from the federal government after the shutdown ends. This ensures states aren’t burdened with costs for a federal funding gap that impacts nutrition assistance for women, infants, and children.

Maddy summaryThe PEACE Act of 2025 requires the U.S. Treasury to impose financial restrictions on foreign banks that provide significant services to Russian energy entities, including Gazprom, Rosneft, and Lukoil, or other entities designated under existing sanctions. It mandates Treasury to block U.S. correspondent accounts for such institutions within 180 days of enactment, with civil penalties up to $377,700 per violation or criminal penalties for intentional violations. The law also requires Treasury to determine within 90 days whether the specified Russian energy companies fall under the sanctions scope. The bill terminates automatically if Russia ceases destabilizing actions against Ukraine or after 5 years from enactment.

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 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 summaryHR 5568, the "Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act," ensures certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs continue during government shutdowns by appropriating specific funds from the Treasury. It allocates $500,000 for section 7(m) loans, $2.9 billion for section 7(a) loans, $1.25 billion for Small Business Investment Act loans, and $13.775 million for administrative costs related to section 7(m) loans. These funds cover salaries and expenses to maintain loan servicing during any 30-day shutdown period (or pro-rated for shorter lapses), directly affecting small businesses relying on SBA loans. The bill creates a targeted funding mechanism to prevent program interruptions without requiring new appropriations during shutdowns.

Maddy summaryThe SAVES Act (HR 2605) creates a 5-year pilot program where the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards competitive grants to nonprofit organizations to provide service dogs to veterans with specific disabilities. It directly affects veterans with covered conditions like blindness, mobility impairments, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or other disabilities deemed appropriate for service dog assistance by the VA. Key provisions include: grants capped at $2 million per nonprofit (with $10 million annually authorized), no fees charged to veterans, VA-provided lifetime veterinary insurance for the dogs, and requirements for nonprofits to train veterans and maintain humane animal standards. The program aims to expand access to service dogs as a support tool for veterans managing qualifying disabilities.

Maddy summaryHRES 761 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for designating September 23, 2025 (Bruce Springsteen’s birthday) as "Bruce Springsteen Day" to honor his musical contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups - it simply recognizes his impact on American music, New Jersey culture, and his work highlighting working-class experiences. The resolution cites his career achievements, including 21 studio albums, 20 Grammy Awards, and his role in addressing social themes through music. This is a non-binding gesture of appreciation, not a policy change.