Rep. Thomas H. Kean, Jr.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal tax credit for individuals who contribute to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) that provide scholarships for elementary and secondary education. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to up to 10% of their adjusted gross income or $5,000 (whichever is less) for contributions to SGOs that provide scholarships for students from households earning no more than 300% of the area median income. Scholarships can cover tuition, educational materials, tutoring, testing fees, and educational therapies, with SGOs required to verify income, undergo independent audits, and meet strict distribution rules. The program would operate with a $5 billion annual cap from 2025-2028, prohibit government control over SGOs or private/religious schools, and prevent discrimination based on religious affiliation.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Secret Service to use identical standards for determining protection levels for Presidents, Vice Presidents, and major presidential/vice presidential candidates. It requires the Secret Service Director to conduct a review within 180 days of enactment, reporting findings and recommendations to Congress on protection protocols for current and former leaders. The bill standardizes existing practices without increasing security resources, applying the same criteria currently used for sitting officials to candidates. It references the definition of "major candidates" from existing law (18 U.S.C. § 3056), ensuring consistency with current Secret Service procedures.

Maddy summaryHR 1719, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, establishes a presumption that certain cancers diagnosed in public safety officers (like police and firefighters) are work-related if linked to their duties. It defines 22 specific cancers (including lung, mesothelioma, and WTC-related cancers) as "exposure-related," allowing officers or their families to receive benefits without proving direct work connection, provided they were diagnosed within 15 years of leaving active service. The bill also creates a process for adding new cancers to the list based on scientific evidence, requiring the Bureau to review petitions and make decisions within 180 days. This applies to deaths or disabilities occurring on or after January 1, 2023, directly affecting officers who developed covered cancers during service.

Maddy summaryHRES 1496 is a resolution supporting the designation of October 23, 2024, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day." It aims to raise public awareness about the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes areas. The resolution encourages community engagement with these protected sites and acknowledges their role in conserving biodiversity, supporting local economies, and providing recreational opportunities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes the importance of marine sanctuaries.

Maddy summaryHRES 1348 is a non-binding resolution urging Nigeria to immediately release Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former IRS agent detained since February 2024. The resolution cites his unlawful detention after legal deadlines expired, deteriorating health (including malaria), and poor conditions at Kuje Prison, where he was transferred despite a court order for hospital care. It calls for Nigeria to grant him medical access, consular support, and due process, while urging the U.S. government to use all resources to secure his release. The resolution highlights concerns that his detention appears linked to pressure on his employer, Binance, rather than legitimate legal grounds.

Maddy summaryThe ASCEND Act establishes a formal program for NASA to purchase commercial satellite data for Earth science research, climate monitoring, and applications. It requires NASA to create transparent procurement processes, publish vendor agreements annually, and ensure data can be used by researchers and other federal agencies without restrictions. The bill directly affects NASA, commercial satellite vendors, and federally funded researchers who gain easier access to Earth observation data. Key provisions include mandatory annual reports to Congress on vendor contracts and how the data supports scientific goals, building on NASA’s existing 2019 pilot program.

Maddy summaryHR 3433, the "Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024," requires pharmaceutical companies developing certain cancer drugs to conduct pediatric studies if the drugs target molecular pathways relevant to childhood cancers. It directly affects drug manufacturers submitting new applications for cancer treatments, particularly those combining previously approved adult cancer drugs or containing a single new active ingredient. The bill amends FDA regulations to mandate these pediatric investigations only when specific conditions are met, such as when a drug's molecular target is relevant to pediatric cancer growth. The FDA must issue implementing guidance within 12 months, and reports to Congress will track implementation and effectiveness starting 2 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 1489 is a symbolic House resolution designating the week of September 23-27, 2024, as "National Clean Energy Week." It expresses congressional support for recognizing clean energy's role in economic growth (citing 8.35 million jobs in the sector) and encourages voluntary actions like public awareness, investment in clean energy technologies, and supporting local clean energy jobs. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it only formally endorses the week-long observance to highlight clean energy’s economic and environmental benefits. It directly affects no specific group but aims to raise national awareness of the clean energy sector.

Maddy summaryHR 9745, the Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2024, removes barriers for state and local law enforcement agencies to access existing federal equipment. It prohibits federal agencies from enforcing any regulations (since May 15, 2015) that limit the transfer of Department of Defense or other federal equipment to police departments, unless Congress passes those rules into law. The bill also requires agencies to return or replace equipment recalled since 2015 under those regulations, provided the agency requests it, meets existing eligibility rules, and the equipment is available. This directly affects police departments that previously had equipment seized or denied under the blocked regulations. The law focuses on restoring access to current equipment-sharing programs, not creating new funding or gear.

Maddy summaryHR 9699, the Pay Our Troops Act, ensures military personnel and key support staff continue receiving pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2025. It appropriates funds to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, Department of Defense civilians, and qualifying contractors supporting military operations, if regular appropriations aren't enacted. The funding remains in effect until the earliest of: a new appropriations law, a funding resolution without such funding, or January 1, 2026. This bill does not change pay rates or create new policies - it guarantees existing pay continuity during budget transitions.