Rep. Mike Kennedy

Maddy summaryHR 5636, the *Protect Consumers from Reallocation Costs Act of 2025*, prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from shifting renewable fuel obligations from small refineries with extended exemptions to other companies. It directly affects small refineries that have received extended exemptions under the Clean Air Act. The bill requires the EPA to include gasoline or diesel refined by these exempt refineries in the total fuel volume calculations for the year, rather than excluding it or reallocating the obligation. This change ensures small refineries’ production is counted toward overall fuel volume, preventing other entities from bearing their renewable fuel requirements. The law modifies Section 211(o)(9) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(9)).

Maddy summaryHR 5585, the Equal Detention Standards Act of 2025, requires immigration detention facilities operated under agreements with the Department of Homeland Security to follow the U.S. Marshal Service's existing Federal Performance Based Detention Standards. This applies to any facility where individuals are detained under immigration law, beginning on the bill's enactment date. The law mandates these federal standards be used alongside any existing contract terms for facility operations. It directly affects detention facilities and the individuals held within them by establishing uniform operational requirements. The bill does not create new standards but requires existing federal ones to be applied to immigration detention.

Maddy summaryHR 5552, the "Eliminate Shutdowns Act," would automatically continue federal funding for most government programs during a funding gap. If Congress fails to pass annual appropriations bills by the start of a fiscal year, the bill would automatically provide funding at the previous year's level for 14 days, extending in 14-day increments until a new funding bill is enacted. This applies to all federal programs except those specifically prohibited or covered by other laws, including maintaining current funding for entitlement programs like food assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act. The bill aims to prevent shutdowns by ensuring continuous operations without requiring new congressional action during the funding gap. It would take effect on September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHRES 719 is a House resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The resolution condemns his assassination and all political violence, extends condolences to his family, and calls on Americans to reject violence while promoting civil discourse. It specifically recognizes Kirk's legacy as a defender of constitutional principles and his role in inspiring youth through free speech and faith-based civic engagement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy changes but formally expresses the House's stance on honoring his life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health plans and insurers to create a clear, timely process for patients or doctors to request exceptions when step therapy protocols (which force patients to try cheaper drugs first) might harm them. It mandates approval for exceptions in six specific cases, such as when prior treatments failed, delaying care risks severe harm, or the required drug causes adverse reactions. Plans must respond within 72 hours (24 hours for emergencies) and cover the requested drug for at least one year if approved. Additionally, health plans must report annual data on exception requests, approvals, denials, and reasons to the government for transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 5467, the PAAT Act) requires Medicare Part D plans to cover specific drugs treating autoimmune diseases, hemophilia, and Von Willebrand disease starting in 2027. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with these conditions by mandating plan coverage for relevant medications. Key provisions include requiring plans to include all covered drugs for these conditions and prohibiting prior authorization for such drugs more than once per year, unless the drug is short-term, a controlled substance, or has a risk management strategy. The law aims to reduce coverage barriers for these treatments without altering drug approval or pricing.

Maddy summaryThe Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act creates a new H-2C nonimmigrant visa category for foreign workers in non-agricultural jobs requiring little or moderate preparation (classified as zone 1-3 occupations), directly affecting employers in full employment areas (where unemployment is ≤7.9%) and workers in those occupations. To hire an H-2C worker, employers must first recruit U.S. workers through specific methods (advertising for 30 days and using at least 3 recruiting activities), pay a 5% "scarcity recruitment fee" if they can't find a U.S. worker, and register with the government. The bill sets an annual limit of 65,000 H-2C positions for the first year, with potential increases based on how quickly positions are filled, and includes worker protections like minimum wage requirements, prohibitions on treating workers as independent contractors, and whistleblower protections. Employers must also use E-Verify and participate in an electronic monitoring system to track H-2C workers' employment status.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Medicare coverage for new medical devices designated as "breakthrough devices" during a 4-year period after FDA approval. To qualify, devices must meet specific criteria, including FDA priority review, clinical data from Medicare beneficiaries, and a safety review showing benefits outweigh risks. Medicare must finalize coverage decisions within 6 months of manufacturer applications and before the 4-year period ends. The law appropriates $10 million annually (2025-2030) for Medicare to administer this process.

Maddy summaryHR 5364, the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, expands state Medicaid fraud control units' authority to investigate and prosecute fraud committed by Medicaid beneficiaries (people receiving benefits), not just healthcare providers. It amends federal law to explicitly include "individuals applying for or receiving" Medicaid services in fraud investigations, requiring states to cover both provider and beneficiary fraud. The bill directs states to investigate false applications or misuse of benefits, such as lying about income to qualify or using benefits for unauthorized services. These changes take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law, applying to all Medicaid programs nationwide. The law focuses on clarifying investigative scope without creating new penalties or funding.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HRES 700) condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative campus advocate and founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. It expresses the House's deepest condolences to Kirk’s family, including his wife and children, and honors his work promoting civil discourse among college students. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal expression of the House’s stance on the incident. It directly affects no individuals or groups through legislative action, as it is purely a ceremonial statement.