Rep. Steve Cohen

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from requiring veterans to pay copayments for hospital care or medical services under specific circumstances. It bans copayments for all veterans receiving care, prevents retroactive billing for care received within two years if the VA failed to process claims on time, and caps copayments at $2,000 for errors caused by VA staff or systems. Veterans affected by VA processing errors or billing mistakes would no longer face these charges. The bill also grants the VA authority to waive copayments without requiring veterans to submit a formal request.

Maddy summaryHRES 854 is a non-binding House resolution commemorating the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder in 2018 and calling for accountability. It acknowledges U.S. sanctions against 17 Saudi officials involved in his killing and urges Saudi Arabia to: (1) ensure accountability for those responsible, (2) release wrongfully detained individuals like Nourah al-Qahtani and Abdulrahman Alsadhan, and (3) respect freedoms of press and assembly. The resolution directly addresses the Saudi government and indirectly supports Saudi dissidents in the U.S. facing transnational repression. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws but formally expresses congressional concern over ongoing human rights abuses.

Maddy summaryHRES 846 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It expresses the House's support for raising awareness about domestic violence and its impacts, and calls for continued congressional attention to ending domestic violence through existing programs. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific groups - it is purely a statement of support. It references statistics on domestic violence prevalence but focuses on awareness rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 843 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of October 30 as an "International Day of Political Prisoners" in the United States. It expresses the House's solidarity with global political prisoners - estimated at 1 million - including journalists, activists, and dissidents detained for political reasons without credible charges. The resolution urges the U.S. government to continue efforts to condemn political imprisonment, secure releases through diplomacy, and raise international awareness. It does not create new laws or directly affect specific individuals, as it is a non-binding expression of support for an existing international observance.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution condemns Hamas for killing civilians in Gaza since the October 10, 2025 ceasefire, citing executions used to suppress dissent. It references Hamas’s U.S. designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and reaffirms U.S. support for the ceasefire and civilian safety. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses diplomatic disapproval of Hamas’s actions. The resolution directly addresses Hamas’s conduct and the U.S. position on Gaza stability.

Maddy summaryThe American Energy Independence and Affordability Act extends multiple clean energy tax credits that were set to expire between 2025 and 2026. It specifically extends residential clean energy credits through 2034, clean electricity investment credits for wind and solar through 2032, and clean vehicle credits for electric vehicles through 2032. The bill also reinstates special rates for sustainable aviation fuel and modifies requirements for energy-efficient home improvements. These provisions directly affect homeowners installing solar panels, businesses investing in clean energy infrastructure, and manufacturers producing clean energy equipment.

Maddy summaryHRES 833 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist, conservationist, and advocate for wildlife protection. The resolution recognizes her groundbreaking chimpanzee research at Gombe Stream, her founding of the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots and Shoots program (which engages youth in environmental action globally), and her decades-long advocacy for ethical animal treatment and conservation. It commemorates her legacy following her passing on October 1, 2025, and extends condolences to her family and affiliated organizations. This resolution has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic tribute to her global environmental impact.

Maddy summaryHR 5835, the REPO Implementation Act of 2025, establishes a mechanism to use frozen Russian sovereign assets held abroad for Ukraine's benefit. It creates a "Ukraine Support Fund" to hold these assets without confiscation and requires the U.S. Treasury to invest them in U.S. government obligations. The bill mandates quarterly transfers of at least $250 million from the fund to Ukraine for assistance, with final amounts spent when less remains. It also requires the President to report to Congress on Russian assets held by foreign countries (including G7/EU members) and urges diplomatic efforts to secure similar asset repurposing from those nations.

Maddy summaryThe Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025 designates Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia as "Eastern Flank strategic defense partners" due to their geographic proximity to Russia and Belarus, defense spending commitments, and role in hosting NATO forces. It requires the U.S. State and Defense Departments to prioritize these nations for security assistance, including Foreign Military Financing, defense articles transfers, and military exercises. The bill also directs the Defense Department to prioritize stockpiling defense equipment in these countries through the War Reserve Stocks for Allies program. This legislation aims to strengthen U.S. security cooperation with frontline NATO allies to deter Russian aggression and support Ukraine.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires congressional and White House approval before any corporate or individual name, logo, or advertisement can be displayed on the White House grounds or in its buildings. It blocks permanent or semi-permanent displays (like plaques or signage) without consent from the House Speaker, Minority Leader, and White House Curator. The law applies to all White House grounds and structures, preventing unsanctioned commercial endorsements or sponsorships. Existing rules for commemorative monuments (under the Commemorative Works Act) would still govern approved displays.