Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Maddy summaryHR 6249, the "Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act," updates federal disaster relief guidelines to explicitly include substance use and alcohol use disorders in crisis counseling services. It amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to allow FEMA-funded programs to address these issues alongside mental health needs for disaster survivors. The bill requires FEMA to revise application forms and guidance within 180 days to reflect these changes and mandates a GAO report on program duration and compliance with using funds only for disaster-related substance/alcohol issues. This directly affects disaster survivors facing substance use or alcohol challenges by expanding access to covered support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act to make water infrastructure financing more accessible to small communities and rural water projects. It lowers the maximum eligible project cost from $5 million to $1 million, provides technical assistance for small communities (population ≤ 25,000) to develop project proposals, and clarifies definitions to include projects for federally recognized Indian Tribes. The bill introduces collaborative project delivery methods like design-build and construction management at-risk, and authorizes $68 million annually for the EPA and $15 million annually for the Army Corps of Engineers through fiscal year 2029. These changes directly affect small communities and rural water projects seeking federal assistance for water infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryHRES 905 is a non-binding House resolution supporting the designation of November 2025 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month." It does not create new programs or funding but formally encourages businesses, governments, schools, and organizations to raise awareness about homelessness affecting children and youth during that month. The resolution cites statistics on homelessness rates among students and youth (e.g., 1.4 million enrolled homeless children in 2022-2023) to underscore the need for greater public attention. It urges these groups to highlight causes, solutions, and prevention efforts during the designated month.

Maddy summaryHRES 906 would change House rules to require a 60% vote of members present and voting to censure, disapprove, or remove any House member, delegate, or resident commissioner from committee assignments. Currently, a simple majority (50%+1) could trigger these actions, but this bill raises the threshold to a supermajority. The change applies directly to all voting members of the House and affects disciplinary procedures for members. This is a procedural rule change that makes it harder to take formal disciplinary actions against House members.

Maddy summaryThe FOSTER Act (HR 6283) creates a new federal grant program to fund opioid abuse prevention and treatment services specifically for children and caregivers in kinship care settings. It directs states and local agencies to use these funds for workforce training, health care services, and recruiting foster/adoptive parents to support kinship caregivers - defined as relatives (by blood, marriage, or adoption) raising children when biological parents cannot. The bill authorizes $255 million annually from 2028 through 2033, with 1% of funds dedicated to these services. This policy directly affects state/local agencies and kinship caregivers across the U.S., focusing on improving support systems for children in these arrangements.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage to include genetic counseling services provided by licensed or certified genetic counselors, effective January 1, 2027. It defines "covered genetic counseling services" as those furnished by qualified counselors under state law or certification, with payments set at 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of the physician fee schedule. Medicare beneficiaries seeking genetic counseling will gain access to these services through covered providers, while preventing balance billing for these specific services. The bill does not restrict physicians from billing for similar services under existing Medicare rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects an error in the distribution of funds to specific 9/11-related claimants. It ensures "Havlish Settling Judgment Creditors" (a group who settled claims through a 2014 court case related to the 9/11 attacks) receive funds previously withheld from them and can participate in future payments like other eligible claimants. The key mechanism releases all withheld funds held in escrow for these creditors and explicitly states they are eligible for future payments under the same rules as other claimants. The changes apply retroactively from December 29, 2022.

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 6187, the Wojnovich Pipeline Safety Act of 2025, establishes a $100 million annual grant program to fund safety upgrades for hazardous liquid pipelines owned by municipalities or community-owned utilities. It requires states to mandate real estate disclosures about nearby pipelines in property contracts and creates a new $2.5 million annual penalty for operators failing to report leaks (doubling to $5 million if delayed by 15 days). The bill also mandates localized emergency alerts within one mile of pipelines and creates a community trust fund using penalty payments to reimburse emergency responders for costs related to pipeline incidents. These provisions directly affect pipeline operators, property sellers, and local emergency response agencies.

Maddy summaryThe ROTOR Act narrows the definition of "sensitive government mission" for aircraft operations, excluding training flights and flights by officials below Cabinet rank. It requires regular reporting to Congress about exceptions to ADS-B Out requirements, establishes deadlines for requiring ADS-B In equipment on most aircraft, and mandates safety reviews for airports with military operations. The bill also improves coordination between the FAA and Department of Defense on airspace management and safety information sharing. These changes increase transparency around aircraft operations that don't broadcast their location while enhancing safety oversight. The bill directly affects Federal agencies operating aircraft, the FAA, and aircraft operators required to equip with ADS-B technology.