Rep. Mike Carey

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority with respect to research on rare pediatric diseases, including by permitting the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to satisfy pediatric study requirements and by reauthorizing programs that support pediatric research.  Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations to permit research on new drugs in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved, provided certain conditions are met; permits the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements, if such sponsors demonstrated a lack of due diligence in satisfying the requirement; renews the FDA’s authority to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of new products intended to treat rare pediatric diseases through September 30, 2029; and reauthorizes through FY2027 certain funding for the National Institutes of Health to support priority pediatric research.  The bill also provides statutory authority for the FDA’s interpretation of the orphan drug exclusivity period. The bill specifies, consistent with FDA regulations, that the seven-year market exclusivity period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drugs) prohibits the approval of the same drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to the disease or condition. (In Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra , a court rejected the FDA’s interpretation and held that orphan drug exclusivity extends to all uses or indications for the disease or condition.)

Maddy summaryHR 6165, the CREATIVE Act of 2025, creates a federal grant program to support nonprofit arts organizations. It provides three types of grants: up to $5 million for hiring artists and staff, up to $3 million for facility construction/acquisition (with employment commitments), and up to $3 million for facility maintenance (also requiring employment commitments). Eligible entities - like museums, theaters, and arts nonprofits - must demonstrate community need, prioritize underserved groups (including rural areas and disabled artists), and commit to using funds to supplement, not replace, existing resources. The program authorizes $700 million annually (2026-2030) with strict reporting requirements on employment outcomes and access improvements.

Maddy summaryHR 6231 extends and enhances the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal tax credit for employers hiring from specific target groups like veterans, SNAP recipients, and summer youth workers. The bill extends the program through 2030 (from 2025), increases the credit rate to 50% for certain wages (up from 40%), adds automatic inflation adjustments to the $6,000 wage cap, and expands eligibility to include military spouses and removes age limits for SNAP recipients. Key provisions also modify credit calculations for veterans, agricultural workers, and long-term assistance recipients, while requiring federal agencies to promote hiring from target groups in critical sectors like healthcare and construction. This bill directly affects employers who hire from these designated groups, making the tax credit more valuable and accessible.

Maddy summaryThe Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2025 modifies mortgage insurance premiums for first-time homebuyers who complete approved financial literacy counseling programs. It requires that such counseling be completed before signing a mortgage application or sales agreement. The bill reduces the mortgage insurance premium by 25 basis points (0.25%) below the standard rate established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. This change directly affects first-time homebuyers who participate in qualifying housing counseling programs.

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 summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryThe Catastrophic Specialty Hospital Act of 2025 establishes a new Medicare payment designation for long-term care hospitals specializing in spinal cord injury and acquired brain injury rehabilitation. To qualify, hospitals must meet strict criteria over three years, including 80% of discharges for these conditions, a full continuum of inpatient/outpatient care, minimum annual discharge thresholds (175+ for each condition), 30% out-of-state patients, and demonstrated neurorehabilitation research commitments. Designated hospitals would receive Medicare payments outside the standard long-term care hospital payment system, exempting them from existing billing rules. This directly affects eligible specialized hospitals and modifies Medicare’s payment structure for these specific facilities.

Maddy summaryThe Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025 would establish a federal grant program to fund school-based mental health services for students in grades K-12, particularly those experiencing trauma, grief, suicide risk, or violence. It directly affects schools (including Bureau of Indian Education schools), students, and community mental health providers through partnerships that must include school districts and local mental health entities. Key provisions require services to be culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and integrated with positive behavioral supports, with grants capped at $2 million per award for 5 years (renewable) and funded at $300 million annually for 2027-2028. Recipients must report annually on program outcomes, ensure equitable access across urban and rural areas, and comply with privacy laws like HIPAA and FERPA.

Maddy summaryHRES 719 is a House resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The resolution condemns his assassination and all political violence, extends condolences to his family, and calls on Americans to reject violence while promoting civil discourse. It specifically recognizes Kirk's legacy as a defender of constitutional principles and his role in inspiring youth through free speech and faith-based civic engagement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy changes but formally expresses the House's stance on honoring his life and legacy.

Maddy summaryHR 5529, the Fair Housing for Disabled Veterans Act, changes how veteran disability payments are treated when determining eligibility for low-income housing programs. Specifically, it amends the tax code to exclude disability compensation or pension payments (under 38 U.S.C. chapters 11 or 15) from income calculations for low-income housing tax credits and residential rental project bonds. This means disabled veterans applying for these housing assistance programs will not have their disability benefits counted as income, potentially making them eligible for more housing options they otherwise might have been disqualified from. The bill directly affects disabled veterans seeking affordable housing through these federally supported programs.