Rep. Susie Lee

Maddy summaryHR 7163, the PUBLIC SAFETY Act, increases federal funding for local law enforcement by amending two key programs. It extends the deadline for COPS Hiring Program grants to September 30, 2030, and waives certain requirements for smaller jurisdictions (under 175 officers) and tribal governments to access funds. The bill appropriates $45 billion for fiscal year 2025 for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, available until September 30, 2029. These changes directly affect local police departments, counties, municipalities, and tribal governments seeking federal funding to hire officers and support public safety initiatives. The core policy change is expanding access to funding for smaller agencies while significantly increasing overall grant availability.

Maddy summaryThe WATCH Act requires foreign laboratories receiving U.S. federal funding for animal research to undergo quarterly inspections to verify compliance with animal welfare standards. These inspections will evaluate animal care committees, treatment protocols, and record-keeping, with results published publicly. Laboratories found non-compliant will be given a chance to correct issues before facing suspension or revocation of their research grants. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment and requires coordination with foreign regulatory authorities to implement these oversight measures.

Maddy summaryHR 7109, the Small Business Child Care Investment Act, creates new loan access for eligible nonprofit child care centers. It allows these centers - defined as 501(c)(3) organizations providing care for children birth to school age, meeting licensing, background check, and anti-discrimination requirements - to be treated as small businesses for SBA loans. The bill requires loans over $500,000 to include a payment guarantee and mandates that SBA loans be made through banks or financial institutions (not directly by SBA). It also requires the SBA to report annually to Congress on the number and value of these loans.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Social Security Act to provide work incentives for Purple Heart recipients receiving disability benefits. It removes the standard earnings penalty that would reduce benefits when veterans earn above the "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) threshold, instead allowing benefits to continue with a reduced rate ($1 reduction for every $4 earned above the threshold, but not below $0). It also specifically applies a higher SGA earnings limit to Purple Heart recipients under Social Security disability rules. The changes affect veterans who received a Purple Heart for a service-connected injury and are currently receiving Social Security disability benefits. The bill takes effect six months after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 6662, the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Credentialing Integration Act of 2025, requires the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to create a single, unified system for medical provider credentialing and privileging. It directly affects military and VA medical staff (like doctors and nurses) by replacing separate, non-interoperable systems currently used by each department. Key provisions mandate a joint report on existing systems within 120 days, selection of one unified system by January 2027, and full implementation by January 2028, ensuring seamless sharing of provider credentials across both departments. This eliminates redundant credentialing processes and improves administrative efficiency for medical providers working across DoD and VA facilities.

Maddy summaryHRES 996 is a resolution introduced by multiple House members to impeach Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, for alleged violations of law and the Constitution. It outlines three articles of impeachment: obstructing congressional oversight by denying access to detention facilities and withholding funds, violating public trust through warrantless arrests and excessive force (including tear gas on children), and self-dealing by awarding federal contracts to associates without competitive bidding. If approved by the House, this resolution would formally charge Noem, triggering a Senate trial to determine her removal from office. The resolution itself does not enact new policy but initiates the constitutional impeachment process against a sitting Cabinet official.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic House resolution expresses U.S. congressional support for Iranian protesters demanding democracy and human rights. It condemns the Iranian regime's violent suppression of protests, including killings, mass arrests, and internet restrictions, while urging the regime to release political prisoners and restore communication access. The resolution reaffirms the Iranian people's right to self-determination through free elections and echoes a 2023 resolution (HCR 7) that similarly praised protesters. As a non-binding expression of support, it does not impose new policies or alter U.S. government actions.

Maddy summaryThe Fiscal State of the Nation Act requires the chairs of the House and Senate Budget Committees to hold an annual joint hearing within 45 days after the Treasury submits its annual financial report. At this hearing, the Comptroller General must present a nonpartisan analysis of the federal government's financial condition, including budget deficits, surpluses, and long-term fiscal projections, based on the Treasury's report. The hearing must be open to the public and media, and all members of Congress may participate, regardless of committee membership. This requirement applies to financial reports submitted on or after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 2683, the Remote Access Security Act, amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to regulate how foreign entities remotely access U.S.-controlled technology. It defines "remote access" as foreign persons accessing U.S. items (like sensitive technology) via internet or cloud services from outside the item's physical location. The bill updates existing export control rules to include remote access as a regulated activity, requiring oversight similar to physical exports or in-country transfers. This primarily affects foreign companies, cloud providers, and technology firms handling U.S.-jurisdiction items.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.