Rep. Susie Lee

Maddy summaryHR 6997, the Community Passport Services Access Act, allows qualified public libraries to become official passport acceptance facilities and collect the standard execution fee for passport applications. It directly affects non-profit public libraries meeting U.S. State Department regulations, enabling them to serve as passport application sites - expanding access beyond current locations like post offices. Key provisions authorize new libraries to apply for this role and automatically authorize existing libraries that previously accepted passports. The bill also updates the Passport Act to formally include public libraries in the list of authorized acceptance locations. This creates a concrete policy change in where passport services are available to the public.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 69) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims, survivors, and Giffords - now a prominent advocate for gun violence prevention - and recognizes her leadership in promoting civility and reducing gun violence. The resolution also commends Tucson residents and first responders for their resilience and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits tax deductions for gambling losses to only the amount of gambling gains earned in the same year. It directly affects individuals who report gambling income on their tax returns, requiring them to offset losses against prior gambling winnings rather than using losses to reduce other taxable income. The key provision amends the tax code to restrict wagering loss deductions under Section 165(d), making losses deductible only up to the level of gambling gains. The rule applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 6981, the SHINE Act of 2026, creates a voluntary program to simplify permitting for residential renewable energy systems. It directs the Energy Secretary to develop an online platform and streamlined processes for local building departments to approve home solar panels, battery storage (2+ kWh), EV chargers (2+ kW), and hydrogen refueling. The program provides training, technical assistance, and prizes to encourage local governments to adopt these standardized permitting and inspection methods. The bill does not mandate adoption but allocates $20 million annually (2027-2030) to support the program’s rollout.

Maddy summaryHR 6454 establishes a 5-year pilot program at five Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers to improve suicide care for veterans. The program requires VA staff at these sites to complete a 10-week training curriculum based on the Zero Suicide Institute's model, focusing on suicide screening, risk assessment, safety planning, and care transitions. It mandates annual reports to Congress tracking staff training completion, policy alignment with the Institute's standards, and comparisons of suicide-related outcomes (like screenings and hospitalizations) between pilot sites and other VA facilities. The pilot includes one site primarily serving rural veterans and requires site selection based on factors like regional suicide rates and staff capacity. The program will conclude after five years unless the VA extends it for up to two more years.

Maddy summaryHR 4611 (EACH Act of 2025) requires all federally funded health programs - including Medicaid, Medicare, military health plans, and the Indian Health Service - to cover abortion services without restrictions, repealing the Hyde Amendment's long-standing ban on federal funding for most abortions. This directly affects millions of people enrolled in these programs, particularly low-income women, women of color (including 25% of Black women and 22% of Hispanic women on Medicaid), and young people. The bill mandates coverage in all federally administered health plans and prohibits state or private insurers from restricting abortion coverage in health insurance. It aims to eliminate current federal and state barriers that deny abortion access to people who rely on government health programs.

Maddy summaryThe RELIEVE Act modifies veterans' access to emergency care reimbursement under VA law. It removes the requirement for veterans to have previously received VA care before qualifying for emergency treatment reimbursement during the first 60 days after enrolling in the VA healthcare system. This change directly affects new VA enrollees seeking emergency medical care within that initial 60-day window, eliminating a prior barrier to immediate coverage. The amendment applies to emergency treatment provided one year after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryHR 6908, the Blue Envelope Awareness Act, creates a new program to help people with speech, hearing, or developmental disabilities communicate more effectively with police during traffic stops. The bill directs federal Byrne grant funds to support "blue envelope programs," which provide individuals with blue envelopes containing disability documentation to show officers and train law enforcement on interacting with these individuals. It amends existing law to define "blue envelope program" and add this funding authorization to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. The bill directly affects people with disabilities who interact with police and law enforcement agencies receiving Byrne grants.

Maddy summaryThe "Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act of 2025" proposes to significantly expand and strengthen U.S. sanctions against the Russian Federation and its supporters. The bill mandates blocking property and restricting visas for Russian government officials, state-owned financial institutions, and entities supporting Russia's defense industrial base or war efforts in Ukraine, including those involved in kidnapping Ukrainian children. Key provisions prohibit U.S

Maddy summaryHR 6840, the ARMENIA Security Partnership Act, requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense to annually certify whether Azerbaijan has met specific conditions related to Armenia, including withdrawing forces from Armenian territory, releasing prisoners, ending hostilities, and recognizing Armenian rights in Nagorno-Karabakh. If certification fails, the bill mandates an immediate review of U.S. security assistance to Armenia to assess gaps in Armenia’s defense capabilities and identify needed support. The review must evaluate historical U.S. security aid, threats to Armenia, and recommend steps to strengthen Armenia’s self-defense. It also blocks the use of a specific waiver (under the FREEDOM Support Act) that could bypass security aid restrictions if certification is not met. The bill directly affects U.S. security assistance decisions for Armenia based on Azerbaijan’s compliance with these conditions.