Rep. Mike Kennedy

Maddy summaryHR 6266, the Algorithm Accountability Act, amends Section 230 of the Communications Act to require large social media platforms (with over 1 million users) to design recommendation algorithms with "reasonable care" to prevent foreseeable bodily injury or death. It removes Section 230 liability protection for platforms violating this duty, allowing victims to sue for damages in court. The law specifically targets algorithms that curate content based on user data (like likes or behavior), excluding chronological feeds and initial search results. It preserves stronger state laws and prohibits pre-litigation arbitration for these claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Medicare-approved medical residency programs from requiring residents to undergo abortion training without their voluntary consent. It specifically bans programs from making such training mandatory (requiring residents to "opt-in" rather than "opt-out") or from discriminating against residents who refuse this training or do not perform abortions. The law directly affects medical residents in Medicare-funded postgraduate training programs across the U.S., ensuring they cannot be forced into abortion-related clinical experiences or penalized for declining them.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6059) is a ceremonial resolution renaming a specific U.S. Postal Service facility in Moab, Utah (located at 50 East 100 North) as the "2nd Lieutenant Mitchell Williams Post Office." It directly affects the physical post office location by changing its official name in all federal references. The bill contains no policy changes or new requirements - its sole purpose is to honor 2nd Lieutenant Mitchell Williams through this naming designation. As a procedural resolution, it does not impact legislation, funding, or public policy.

Maddy summaryThe FREE Act (HR 689) requires federal agencies to replace slow, discretionary permitting processes with a streamlined "permitting by rule" system for certain permits. Under this system, applicants would certify compliance with written standards (instead of lengthy agency reviews) and receive a permit automatically after 180 days if the agency doesn’t act. Agencies must first report on their current permitting processes and identify which permits can transition to this model, with deadlines for submissions and implementation. This directly affects federal agencies issuing permits (e.g., environmental or construction permits) and applicants seeking them, aiming to reduce delays and costs while allowing agencies to audit and enforce compliance after permits are granted.

Maddy summaryHR 5815, the District of Columbia Medicaid Fairness Act, adjusts federal Medicaid funding for Washington D.C. by setting a specific Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for the district. It directly affects D.C. residents enrolled in Medicaid by guaranteeing a minimum federal funding share: 70% for fiscal years before 2027, gradually decreasing to 55% by 2029. For fiscal years 2030 and beyond, D.C. will receive the standard FMAP rate calculated under the Social Security Act, without the special adjustment. This change ensures D.C. receives a higher federal share than it would under the standard formula until 2029, after which it aligns with other states. The bill modifies Section 1905 of the Social Security Act to implement these funding adjustments.

Maddy summaryHRES 823 is a symbolic resolution proposing to designate the week beginning October 19, 2025, as "Coal Week" to recognize the coal industry's historical and current contributions to U.S. energy, military readiness, and economic stability. It does not create new laws or funding, but rather offers non-binding support for acknowledging coal's role in providing reliable power (19.5% of U.S. electricity in 2022) and its declining emissions through technological advancements. The resolution highlights coal as a "reliable and affordable source of baseload power" and notes its global significance (36% of worldwide electricity). This is purely a commemorative gesture with no direct impact on policy or affected parties beyond symbolic recognition of the coal sector.

Maddy summaryHR 5752, the Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2025, would transfer approximately 124.23 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah to the city of Price, Utah. The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to convey this specific parcel - shown on a designated BLM map - to the city for public use, as defined by the city itself. This transfer would occur upon the city's request, subject to existing rights, and the map must be publicly available for inspection. The bill does not alter water management or watershed projects but focuses solely on the land conveyance.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Members of Congress to forfeit pay for each day a government shutdown occurs during their pay period. It directly affects all House and Senate members by automatically reducing their salary based on the number of 24-hour shutdown periods within that pay cycle. The reduction equals one day's pay (calculated at their annual rate) multiplied by the number of shutdown days. The law applies whenever federal funding lapses due to failure to pass appropriations bills or continuing resolutions. This policy change takes effect for the 120th Congress and all future sessions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires NASA and NOAA to establish civilian space cooperation with Taiwan within 90 days of enactment, focusing on satellite programs, weather technology, and personnel exchanges. It mandates that these efforts comply with the Taiwan Relations Act and U.S. export rules while protecting U.S. intellectual property and economic interests. The agencies must submit annual reports to Congress detailing cooperation activities, challenges, and progress for five years after enactment. The bill directly affects U.S. space agencies and Taiwan’s space agency, facilitating non-military space collaboration. It does not alter existing U.S. policy toward Taiwan but creates a formal mechanism for expanded technical engagement.