Rep. Lizzie Fletcher

Maddy summaryThis resolution urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw a March 2025 Federal Register notice (90 Fed. Reg. 11029) that would have reduced public notice and comment periods for proposed regulations. It specifically asks HHS to restore the pre-February 27, 2025 process, which required public input on rulemaking. The resolution emphasizes that public participation in HHS rulemaking - impacting millions through health and human services regulations - is essential for fair policy. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but expresses congressional preference for maintaining transparency in the regulatory process.

Maddy summaryHR 3112, the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025, strengthens enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act by requiring dealers and exhibitors to hold valid licenses for animal sales or transport (Section 4). It expands enforcement authority by allowing the Attorney General to sue violators for up to $10,000 per day, seize animals, and seek injunctions (Section 20), while clarifying that courts can address violations of related rules and regulations. The bill directly affects animal dealers, exhibitors, the USDA, and the Department of Justice, creating clearer pathways for holding violators accountable. Key provisions include updating definitions, broadening inspection powers to cover all regulations, and directing penalty funds toward temporary animal care costs during legal proceedings.

Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a provision of the 2023 federal law governing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to ensure victims of EBT skimming receive full replacement of stolen benefits. It requires that replaced benefits equal the exact amount stolen from a household, directly affecting SNAP recipients who have been victims of benefit theft. The key change replaces the previous wording to specify the replacement amount must match the stolen value, removing ambiguity. This policy change ensures affected households receive the full benefit amount they lost due to criminal activity, without requiring them to prove additional hardship.

Maddy summaryThe Equality Act (HR 15) amends federal civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and jury service. It expands existing protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under sex discrimination prohibitions. The bill clarifies that discrimination against LGBTQ people is a form of sex discrimination, consistent with the Supreme Court's Bostock decision, and adds specific definitions for gender identity and sexual orientation. This legislation directly affects businesses, employers, housing providers, financial institutions, and government entities that serve the public. The bill creates a more comprehensive legal framework to address discrimination that LGBTQ people face in multiple aspects of daily life.

Maddy summaryHR 3045, the West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025, imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign individuals and entities responsible for violence, displacement, or property destruction in the West Bank. It targets those directly involved in attacks on civilians, forced displacement, or property seizures, including settler leaders or officials of groups engaged in such activities. Key provisions require freezing assets of sanctioned individuals within U.S. jurisdiction and blocking their entry into the United States via visa restrictions. The law applies to foreign nationals meeting specific criteria outlined in the bill, not U.S. citizens or entities.

Maddy summaryHRES 351 is a symbolic House resolution supporting the designation of April as National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) to celebrate the cultural contributions of Arab Americans. It recognizes Arab Americans' historical and ongoing impacts on U.S. society, including their roles in economy, science, arts, and social justice movements. The resolution highlights that 48 states and numerous cities already observe April as NAAHM, building on the White House's 2023 proclamation. It urges the public to engage in activities celebrating Arab American heritage, without creating new laws or altering existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how much Social Security can withhold from monthly benefits to recover overpayments. It sets a 10% cap on withholdings for cases without fraud (unless the recipient requests a higher rate), affecting Social Security beneficiaries who received more than they were entitled to. The key provision prevents excessive deductions from monthly payments, ensuring recipients retain at least 90% of their benefit for non-fraudulent overpayments. The law applies to overpayments existing after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryHR 2975, the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act, creates a federal grant program to help local governments (cities, counties, and tribal entities) speed up approvals for broadband infrastructure projects. The bill provides competitive grants to eligible local governments that adopt specific streamlined processes, such as using micro-trenching, limiting permit fees to actual costs, and creating clear written policies for faster approvals. This directly affects communities seeking to expand broadband access, particularly in rural and low-income areas, by reducing delays in deploying fiber and wireless networks. The grants fund training, technology, and staff for local governments to handle increased permit volumes efficiently. A new advisory council will also develop solutions for broadband deployment challenges facing local jurisdictions.

Hot Foods Act of 2025 This bill expands the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to permit the use of SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption.