Rep. Ralph Norman

Maddy summaryHR 2691 would abolish the U.S. Department of Education 30 days after enactment, terminating all its programs except the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loan programs for higher education. It redirects federal funding for elementary and secondary education directly to states through block grants, calculated based on each state's share of national individual income tax payments. States receiving these funds would be required to use them for K-12 education, with no federal restrictions on how they distribute the money. The bill transfers oversight of the remaining higher education programs to the Treasury Secretary. This change would shift control of K-12 education funding from the federal government to state governments.

Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act (HR 2395) redefines federal firearm definitions to exclude antique and collector firearms from being classified as firearms, and removes distinctions between short-barreled rifles and shotguns in federal regulations. It prevents state laws from imposing taxes or registration requirements on short-barreled rifles and shotguns, requiring state rules to align with federal compliance instead. The bill also mandates the federal government to destroy specific records related to these firearms within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2025 would prohibit states and local governments from imposing taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts during interstate or foreign commerce. This bill directly affects state tax policies and manufacturers or dealers selling these items across state lines. It explicitly states that the bill does not change the existing federal tax on firearms and ammunition that funds wildlife conservation programs. The key provision bans state-level taxes for these sales in interstate transactions while preserving current federal funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHR 2443, the NPR and PBS Act, would ban all federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), including funds used indirectly by public broadcast stations. This bill directly affects NPR, PBS, and any future organizations replacing them, as it prohibits government money from supporting them through any channel - like station dues or programming purchases. The key provision blocks all federal funds, both direct and indirect, from flowing to these entities after the bill's enactment. This would require NPR and PBS to find new funding sources, as they currently rely on federal support. The bill does not change how public broadcasting operates but eliminates its primary government funding stream.

Maddy summaryThe Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 allows state and federal correctional facilities to operate jamming systems that block cell signals from entering or leaving the facility, specifically targeting contraband devices used by inmates. It directly affects prisons and jails by enabling them to disrupt unauthorized wireless communications without FCC approval, provided the jamming is limited to housing areas within the facility. Key requirements include state facilities covering all costs themselves, consulting with local law enforcement before implementation, and notifying the Bureau of Prisons. The law aims to address security risks from smuggled phones while restricting jamming to only necessary areas and requiring transparency.

Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025 This bill eliminates the Optional Practical Training Program or any successor program, unless Congress expressly authorizes such a program. (The program provides an F-1 student visa holder temporary employment authorization before or after completion of the student's studies, or both.)

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions and published on December 30, 2024. The rule revises provisions regarding charges for insufficient funds in a customer’s bank account (i.e., overdrafts) at very large financial institutions. Under the rule, these institutions must (1) cap overdraft charges at $5; (2) with justification, cap charges at a higher amount; or (3) handle overdrafts as credit and comply with applicable Truth in Lending Act disclosure requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Stop CCP VISAs Act of 2025 would prohibit U.S. visas for Chinese citizens seeking to study or conduct research in the United States. It specifically blocks the issuance of F-1 (academic student), J-1 (exchange visitor), and M-1 (vocational student) visas for these purposes. This bill directly affects Chinese nationals who otherwise qualify for these student visa categories at U.S. educational institutions. The policy change would amend immigration law to implement this visa ban.

Maddy summaryThe FOCA Act of 2025 prohibits federal agencies from requiring or banning contractors from using union agreements in construction project bids or contracts. It directly affects federal agencies, contractors, and subcontractors working on federally funded or assisted construction projects (like buildings or infrastructure). The law requires bid documents to not favor or penalize contractors based on whether they have union agreements, aiming to promote open competition and prevent discrimination. This changes how agencies structure bids but does not affect union agreements themselves. The bill applies to all new contracts and subcontracts after enactment, with limited exemptions only for public health/safety emergencies or national security.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.