Rep. John Joyce

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Medicare Part D plans to adjust drug formularies mid-year to lower costs for seniors using biologic medications. Specifically, it permits plans to change the cost-sharing tier for a reference biologic drug (the original brand) if the plan simultaneously adds a biosimilar version (a similar, lower-cost alternative) at the same or better tier. This change can occur after the first 60 days of a plan year, starting in 2025, giving plans flexibility to offer cheaper options without delaying access. The policy directly affects seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D plans who use biologic drugs, aiming to reduce their out-of-pocket costs through earlier access to biosimilars.

Maddy summaryHR 5146, the Advancing Gig Economy Act, directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive study on the gig economy's impact on U.S. businesses, innovation, and small businesses. The study requires surveys of gig economy participants, federal agency regulations, and state laws affecting sectors like transportation and media. It mandates a report to Congress within two years, including findings on regulatory barriers and recommendations to promote gig economy growth. This bill does not create new laws or policies but requires a detailed analysis to inform future decisions. The study will define the gig economy as platforms connecting users without requiring workers to accept specific jobs to maintain access.

Maddy summaryHR 5677, the 5G SALE Act, requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to process pending applications for spectrum licenses in the 2496-2690 MHz frequency band within 90 days of the bill's enactment. It directly affects companies that won competitive auctions for this specific spectrum but had not received license approvals by March 9, 2023. The bill's key mechanism is a mandatory 90-day processing window for the FCC on these specific applications, streamlining a backlog without altering auction rules or licensing criteria. This is a procedural change focused on expediting existing applications, not creating new spectrum allocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a competitive grant program to improve recycling access in underserved communities - defined as areas lacking full recycling services due to cost, distance, or insufficient processing capacity. It allocates $30 million annually (2023-2027) for grants to eligible entities like states, local governments, tribes, or public-private partnerships to fund projects such as expanding transfer stations, adding curbside collection, or creating hub-and-spoke infrastructure networks. Grants range from $500,000 to $15 million per project, with 70% of funds reserved for single or multiple underserved communities, and require 90% federal cost coverage (with possible waivers for financial hardship). The program prohibits grant use for education and mandates a congressional report on implementation and outcomes within two years.

Adding Coccidioidomycosis to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act of 2023 This bill expands the priority-review voucher program for tropical diseases to include coccidioidomycosis (also known as Valley fever). A voucher entitles the holder to have a future new drug or biological product application acted upon by the Food and Drug Administration within six months.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, clinics, or related entities. It directs that funds previously allocated to Planned Parenthood must instead support other providers - including community health centers, hospitals, and clinics - that offer women’s health services like contraception, cancer screenings, and prenatal care. The bill explicitly states it does not reduce overall federal funding for women’s health care or affect existing abortion-related funding restrictions in appropriations laws. It ensures continued access to these services through alternative providers, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 839) condemns antisemitism at U.S. colleges and universities and urges campus leaders to publicly oppose hate speech targeting Jewish students, faculty, and staff. It encourages university presidents, administrators, and faculty to speak out against speech that promotes violence or discrimination based on religion, national origin, or ancestry. The resolution specifically calls on institutions to support Jewish student organizations and ensure Jewish members can study and work without fear. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but expresses congressional support for addressing antisemitism on campuses.

Maddy summaryHRES 771 is a non-binding resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack. It condemns Hamas' actions, affirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution also urges enforcement of existing laws restricting aid to terrorists and sanctions against Iran for supporting Hamas. It does not create new policies or allocate funds, as it is a symbolic statement of congressional support.

Maddy summaryHRES 768 is a symbolic House Resolution expressing congressional support for Israel following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attacks. It condemns Hamas' actions, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls for the immediate release of hostages. The resolution references the U.S. commitment to Israel's security through existing military aid programs, including the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, and emphasizes enforcement of laws like the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. aid from reaching terrorist groups. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new policy but serves as a statement of congressional support for Israel.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents health insurance plans from charging extra out-of-pocket costs for prenatal services when a pregnancy ends in miscarriage or stillbirth before delivery. Specifically, if a plan covers prenatal care as part of a bundled childbirth payment and a loss occurs, the plan cannot require additional deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments for those prenatal services beyond what would have been charged for a full birth. It applies to group and individual health plans covering such bundled payments, effective January 1, 2025. The law directly affects pregnant individuals experiencing pregnancy loss and their health insurance providers.