Rep. Scott DesJarlais

Maddy summaryHR 5573, the Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act of 2025, creates three federal grant programs to address fentanyl-related harms. It funds state/local law enforcement to target illegal social media sales of controlled substances (including fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills) and provides education for schools and parents about fentanyl risks. Nonprofits receive grants up to $50,000 to run public awareness campaigns, produce educational materials, and offer counseling for families affected by fentanyl deaths - though funds cannot cover most harm reduction supplies (only naloxone is permitted). The bill allocates $10 million for law enforcement programs, $3 million for awareness grants, and $2 million for officer safety equipment like fentanyl test strips and naloxone training.

Maddy summaryHR 5581, the Uniform Standards Protection Act of 2025, prevents states from requiring federal law enforcement officers to wear specific uniforms. It directly affects federal officers, including those enforcing immigration laws, by overriding state laws that impose uniform requirements. The bill prohibits any state law mandating uniforms for these officers and stops ongoing state court cases against them for violating such laws. This creates a federal standard, ensuring uniform requirements for federal officers are set solely at the national level.

Maddy summaryHR 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, ensures military personnel, civilian Defense workers, and supporting contractors receive pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates emergency funds for active-duty service members, reserves, and their supporting personnel (including Coast Guard staff under DHS) if regular appropriations aren't enacted by the end of the fiscal year. The bill provides necessary pay and allowances during any period when full-year funding is unavailable, covering both active service and support roles. Funding expires when regular appropriations are passed, a funding resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a procedural measure to prevent pay delays for military and support staff during fiscal year 2026 funding lapses.

Maddy summaryThis bill would withhold 50% of federal highway funding from states that issue driver's licenses to people without proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency status, starting in 2027. To comply, states must ban such licenses and allow local/state officials to share immigration status information with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The Transportation Secretary would maintain a public database tracking each state's compliance with these requirements. The law directly affects state governments and their access to federal transportation funds, not individual drivers.

Maddy summaryHRES 695 is a commemorative resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative speaker and Turning Point USA leader, following his assassination on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. The resolution condemns the attack, offers condolences to his family, and recognizes first responders. It reaffirms the First Amendment right to peaceful assembly and emphasizes that violence cannot silence democratic participation. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to Kirk's memory and the principles of democratic engagement.

Maddy summaryThe FIREARM Act (HR 3770) changes how federal firearm licensees (like dealers) handle violations of firearms laws. It requires the Attorney General to give licensees 30 business days to correct minor, self-reported violations - such as clerical errors - with assistance and training, instead of automatically revoking licenses. The bill also adds a 15-day window for licensees to challenge revocations in federal court, where courts must review the case anew and only uphold revocations if the licensee willfully violated the law. Additionally, it applies retroactively to licensees whose licenses were revoked under a 2021 enforcement policy, allowing them to reapply if they meet compliance requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 5108 prohibits U.S. states from receiving federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds if they issue driver licenses to individuals without proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, or if they restrict government entities from sharing immigration enforcement data with Homeland Security. States violating these rules must return unspent federal grant funds within 30 days and remain ineligible for future grants until they pass laws requiring driver license eligibility proof and permitting immigration data sharing. The bill directly affects states that currently issue licenses to undocumented immigrants or block information sharing with federal immigration authorities. It imposes concrete financial penalties rather than altering driver licensing rules themselves.

Maddy summaryHR 5035, the Veteran and Spouse Licensing Flexibility Act of 2025, allows veterans and their spouses to have their existing professional licenses recognized in a new state when they relocate within 36 months of the veteran's discharge. To qualify, applicants must submit a copy of the veteran's DD Form 214, a marriage certificate (for spouses), and a notarized affidavit confirming license validity and good standing. If a state cannot process the application within 30 days, it must issue a temporary license with the same rights as a permanent one. This bill directly affects veterans and their spouses moving states after military service, streamlining license portability without requiring new exams or training.

Maddy summaryHR 4828 expands federal privacy law by adding biometric information, license plate numbers, workplace addresses, school addresses, and GPS coordinates to the list of "restricted personal information" under Title 18, U.S. Code. This directly affects businesses and organizations that collect personal data, requiring them to apply the same strict privacy safeguards to these newly protected data types. The bill modifies an existing legal definition rather than creating new requirements or enforcement mechanisms. It applies to any entity subject to current privacy regulations for restricted data. The key change clarifies which specific information categories receive enhanced protection under federal law.

Maddy summaryHJRES 111 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule on barred owl management. The rule, published in September 2024, outlined strategies to reduce barred owl populations to protect the endangered spotted owl. Under the Congressional Review Act, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing its implementation. If enacted, the rule would have no legal effect, and the agency could not enforce the barred owl management strategy.