Rep. George Latimer

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies funding rules for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. It extends the deadline for administrative funding from 2025 to 2030, increases the required funding percentage from 3% to 3.3%, and mandates that federal agencies (like DoD, DOE, HHS, NASA, and NSF) transfer at least 10% of certain program funds to the SBIR administrator within two months of annual appropriations. It also requires agencies to use funds for outreach to states with historically low SBIR awards to boost participation from underserved communities. These changes directly affect small businesses applying for SBIR/STTR grants and the federal agencies managing these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes two new programs under the National Affordable Housing Act to increase affordable rental housing on property owned by faith-based organizations and institutions of higher education. It provides $25 million annually (2026-2031) for technical assistance to help these groups remove barriers to developing housing for low-income households, including those at risk of homelessness, veterans, and people with disabilities. Additionally, it creates $50 million annually in competitive challenge grants for local governments and states to adopt policies removing barriers and produce housing for households earning below 60% of area median income, with priority for well-resourced neighborhoods. The programs require public planning and reporting to ensure funds directly support affordable housing development on eligible properties.

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 summaryThis bill amends a federal program to promote pollinator-friendly vegetation along roadsides and highway rights-of-way. It expands eligibility to include 501(c)(3) nonprofits managing such projects and requires consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service before finalizing plans. The bill increases annual funding from $150,000 to $500,000 for program administration and raises the annual funding cap for projects from $2 million to $5 million (for fiscal years 2026-2031). These changes directly affect state transportation departments, federal land agencies, and qualifying nonprofit organizations managing roadside vegetation. The key policy shift is broadening partnership opportunities while increasing funding and clarifying consultation requirements.

Maddy summaryThe PORCUPINE Act amends the Arms Export Control Act to include Taiwan alongside New Zealand and Israel in specific certification and reporting requirements related to U.S. arms exports. This legislative change ensures Taiwan is treated similarly to these allied nations in certain foreign policy contexts involving defense article transfers. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to assess the feasibility of creating an expedited licensing process for military equipment transfers from designated allies to Taiwan within 90 days. Additionally, the act requires biennial reports on the implementation of these amendments and includes a provision stating that the legislation does not alter existing U.S. policy toward Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. The entire measure is set to expire seven years after its enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement officers and agents to follow a new department-wide policy on use of force. It mandates that officers use only objectively reasonable force, prioritize de-escalation, ban chokeholds and carotid restraints, and complete regular training. The policy also requires DHS components to establish internal review teams to analyze incidents and report detailed data every six months - including incidents causing injury, death, or involving deadly force - to the public via the DHS website. Additionally, DHS must brief Congress and inform the public within 24 hours of any incident resulting in hospitalization or death.

Maddy summaryThe Healthcare Reinvestment Act repeals and rescinds funds previously allocated for healthcare under a prior law, redirecting them to extend federal tax credits that help people afford health insurance. This extension ensures eligible individuals can continue receiving these credits without annual budget constraints, maintaining access to financial assistance for health coverage. The bill also requires the Treasury to publish annual reports on fund usage and undergo audits to ensure transparency and accountability in how the funds are applied.

Maddy summaryHRES 1001 is a House resolution requesting the President and Secretary of State to provide the House with specific documents related to U.S. policy on Greenland. It directs them to submit all communications (including emails, meeting notes, and records) created since January 2025 about potential U.S. ownership of Greenland, U.S. relations with Denmark, security agreements under the 1951 defense pact, and diplomatic engagements concerning recent statements about Greenland. The resolution focuses on transparency regarding the Administration's stance, including discussions with Danish and Greenlandic authorities and assessments of legal implications under NATO and UN obligations. This procedural request does not change policy but seeks documentation for congressional oversight.

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 summaryHR 7066, the SHIELD Act, requires electricity utilities to fully recover grid upgrade costs from large commercial or industrial facilities (those with peak demand over 75 megawatts) that drive these upgrades. It prioritizes new service requests from such facilities that use energy efficiency, onsite storage, or zero-emission energy (like solar or wind) to meet their needs. The bill also defines "large load facilities" to exclude existing sites where increased demand results from electrification or emissions-reduction efforts. Utilities must implement these requirements within 2 years, with states reporting progress to Congress. This directly affects major electricity consumers and shapes how grid costs are allocated.