Rep. Marcy Kaptur

Maddy summaryThe Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2025 establishes a Federal Institute to train federal employees in cybersecurity roles and human resources staff managing cybersecurity positions. The Institute will develop role-specific training modules - including hands-on exercises and assessments - based on the NICE cybersecurity framework, offering both in-person and virtual options without requiring a cybersecurity degree. The National Cyber Director must submit a detailed implementation plan to Congress within 180 days, and the Institute will operate without new funding, leveraging existing federal resources. This training aims to enhance skills for entry-level cybersecurity roles, support mid-career transitions, and improve hiring practices for federal cybersecurity personnel.

SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025 This bill directs the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to pay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) state agencies for 100% of SNAP administrative personnel costs. The bill also requires that state SNAP agency administrators be paid at least the same amount as federal employees. (Under current law, FNS generally pays 50% of a state's administrative costs for SNAP.) Specifically, FNS must pay a state agency for 100% of all SNAP administrative personnel costs that are part of an FNS-approved state agency personnel wage plan. This must include all costs associated with hiring and training new employees, maintaining those personnel costs, and complying with wage standards. The state agency must use these funds (1) to supplement, not supplant, nonfederal funds used for existing administrative personnel costs; and (2) for existing or additional full-time positions that are above the number of positions that were held in FY2024. The bill also requires that the wage standards for SNAP state agency administrators be (1) at least the same amount as the General Schedule (GS) pay rate for federal employees; and (2) updated annually based on any increase in the GS pay rate, including locality adjustments.

Maddy summaryHR 3405 requires the Secretary of State to provide Congress with all documents and a detailed report within 30 days regarding negotiations between the U.S. and Qatar about transferring an aircraft to the U.S. government for eventual transfer to an entity controlled by former President Donald Trump. The report must detail any promises made to Qatar, potential private contracts, and legal reviews related to the transfer. The bill also prohibits federal funding for any action supporting the transfer of foreign-owned aircraft to the U.S. government, the President, or Trump’s presidential library. This applies specifically to aircraft transfers involving Qatar and Trump-controlled entities, focusing on transparency and funding restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe Care for Military Kids Act of 2025 requires states to treat military-connected children and dependents as residents of their new state for Medicaid eligibility when relocating due to active duty service, effective January 1, 2028. It ensures these families maintain their place on home care service waiting lists after relocation without needing to restart eligibility processes. The bill mandates states to cover medical assistance for these families in their new state and preserves their waiting list status until a service slot becomes available or they opt out. Implementation funding of $1 million annually (2026-2030) supports this policy change.

Maddy summaryHRES 363 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of May 9-18, 2025, as "National American Birding Week." It recognizes birding’s $107 billion annual economic impact and highlights threats to migratory birds like habitat loss, while encouraging public engagement in events like Ohio’s "Biggest Week in American Birding." The resolution does not create new laws or funding but symbolically promotes conservation awareness and economic benefits tied to birdwatching. It directly affects birders, conservation groups, and communities hosting birding events.

Maddy summaryThe Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025 authorizes U.S. funding to support independent media, civil society organizations, and democratic opposition groups in Belarus. It expands sanctions against Belarusian officials involved in human rights abuses, supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, or participating in the abduction of Ukrainian children. The bill requires annual reports on Belarus's military support for Russia, its involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children, and efforts to evade sanctions. It also demands the release of all political prisoners and calls for Belarusian elections to meet OSCE standards. The legislation maintains existing sanctions while authorizing continued U.S. assistance to promote Belarus's sovereignty and democratic transition.

Maddy summaryThe Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands federal retirement benefits to include specific non-traditional law enforcement roles, such as IRS tax collection officers, U.S. Postal Inspection Service employees, Department of Veterans Affairs police, and certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized property specialists. It directly affects current and future federal workers in these positions who were previously excluded from law enforcement retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System and Civil Service Retirement System. The bill allows current employees (incumbents) to elect to count prior service toward retirement by paying a deposit covering the difference in retirement contributions, with government contributions made over 10 years. It also temporarily exempts law enforcement officers from mandatory separation for three years after enactment.

Maddy summary# Summary of the SHIPS for America Act This comprehensive legislation focuses on strengthening the U.S. maritime industry, shipbuilding capacity, and maritime workforce to enhance national security and economic competitiveness. ## Key Areas of Focus 1. **Shipbuilding & Maritime Infrastructure** - Establishes a United States Center for Maritime Innovation to accelerate adoption of commercial technologies - Creates a National Shipbuilding Research Program - Requires an annual survey of anticipated commercial vessel construction - Includes provisions for streamlined environmental reviews of maritime infrastructure 2. **Workforce Development** - Establishes the United States Merchant Marine Career Retention Program to maintain mariner qualifications - Creates Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education - Implements military-to-maritime transition programs - Establishes a Maritime Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee 3. **Education & Training** - Expands educational assistance for merchant mariners - Creates eligibility for Naval Postgraduate School for merchant mariners - Establishes maritime education programs from K-12 through higher education - Provides for international exchanges for mariners and naval architects 4. **National Security & Strategic Readiness** - Requires reports on National Defense Reserve Fleet utilization - Includes measures to de-risk the maritime sector from Chinese influence - Enhances shipbuilding capacity for national security needs - Establishes programs to ensure sufficient mariner workforce for national defense 5. **Funding Mechanisms** - Authorizes appropriations from the Maritime Security Trust Fund - Includes funding for workforce programs, education, and shipbuilding initiatives - Establishes specific funding levels for various programs over multiple fiscal years The legislation aims to create a sustainable domestic maritime industrial base that supports both commercial shipping and national defense requirements, with a particular emphasis on developing and retaining a skilled U.S. maritime workforce.

Maddy summaryHR 3112, the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025, strengthens enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act by requiring dealers and exhibitors to hold valid licenses for animal sales or transport (Section 4). It expands enforcement authority by allowing the Attorney General to sue violators for up to $10,000 per day, seize animals, and seek injunctions (Section 20), while clarifying that courts can address violations of related rules and regulations. The bill directly affects animal dealers, exhibitors, the USDA, and the Department of Justice, creating clearer pathways for holding violators accountable. Key provisions include updating definitions, broadening inspection powers to cover all regulations, and directing penalty funds toward temporary animal care costs during legal proceedings.

Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2025 This bill provides a streamlined process for certain Ukrainian nationals (including accompanying spouse and children) who are living in the United States to receive lawful permanent resident status. Specifically, the bill permits Ukrainian nationals who have been paroled into the United States after February 20, 2014, to apply for and receive lawful permanent resident status. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may waive grounds for inadmissibility (excluding certain crimes or security related grounds) for individuals who apply for status adjustment. DHS must establish vetting requirements (including an interview) for applicants that are equivalent to those under the United States Refugee Admissions Program. The bill also preserves eligibility for the status adjustment of certain battered spouses whose eligibility for such status stemmed from a marriage that has terminated. Finally, the bill requires DHS to issue guidance to implement these requirements and establishes a deadline for eligible individuals to apply for adjustment.