Rep. James R. Walkinshaw

Maddy summaryThe No WAR Act prohibits Congress from using budget reconciliation procedures to fund military hostilities against Iran unless such actions are explicitly authorized by a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for the use of military force. This legislation directly affects the legislative process by establishing a point of order that blocks any reconciliation bill attempting to provide budget authority for offensive military operations, strikes, or covert actions targeting Iranian military forces, territory, or government institutions. The bill also defines proxy forces as any foreign military or irregular groups operating with U.S. direction or material support, ensuring these entities are included in the restrictions on unauthorized funding. By amending the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, the measure aims to prevent the use of budgetary shortcuts to bypass the constitutional requirement for congressional approval before engaging in armed conflict with Iran.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to take legal action in federal court to enforce a subpoena issued to Attorney General Pamela Bondi. The specific goal is to obtain a court order requiring Bondi to provide deposition testimony and documents related to the government's handling of sex trafficking cases and the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. The House Office of General Counsel is authorized to represent the committee in these proceedings and may hire additional private lawyers to assist. If the committee initiates or intervenes in the lawsuit, it must report its actions to the full House of Representatives as soon as possible.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Foreign Assistance Act, aims to cancel specific regulations issued by the Department of State. It directly affects the federal government by prohibiting any department or agency from enforcing, implementing, or proposing rules related to protecting life, combating discriminatory equity ideology, and combating gender ideology in foreign aid programs. The legislation treats these cancelled rules as if they never existed, effectively nullifying their impact on future foreign assistance policies.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 1208 expresses the House of Representatives' support for honoring Earth Day and its historical role in promoting environmental protection and action. It encourages American citizens to engage in environmental stewardship and urges the President and the U.S. Government to take immediate action to address climate change, environmental injustices, and rejoin international climate agreements.

Maddy summaryThe Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 2026 prohibits Members of Congress from receiving annuity or retired pay based on their service if they are convicted of specific offenses committed while in office. The bill adds a new section to federal law that bars pension payments for individuals convicted of crimes including rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, certain sex trafficking offenses, crimes of violence, and various federal crimes related to bribery, elections, theft, fraud, and obstruction of justice. Additionally, the legislation allows for denial of pension benefits if the House of Representatives determines that a Member engaged in sexual misconduct with an officer or employee under their supervision. These provisions apply to current and former Members and their survivors, with the ban taking effect for the Congress following the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Momnibus Act is a comprehensive legislative bill designed to improve maternal health outcomes across the United States by addressing social determinants of health, expanding access to care, and reducing disparities among pregnant and postpartum individuals. The bill establishes a federal task force to coordinate efforts between agencies and stakeholders to eliminate preventable maternal mortality and severe morbidity, while providing sustained funding to community-based organizations to address nonclinical factors like housing, nutrition, and transportation. Key provisions include extending WIC eligibility to 24 months postpartum, creating grants to grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, implementing respectful maternity care training for all healthcare employees, and establishing compliance programs to track and address bias in maternity care settings. The legislation also includes specific measures for incarcerated mothers, veterans, and vulnerable populations affected by climate change, alongside funding for maternal mental health services and technology-enabled care models to expand access in underserved areas.

Maddy summaryHR 7380, the IRAN Act, aims to improve internet access for Iranian citizens by directing U.S. agencies to support secure connectivity tools. It requires the State Department to coordinate digital freedom efforts, update strategies to evaluate VPNs and Direct-to-Cell (DTC) technology, and ensure sanctions enforcement doesn’t block these tools for Iranians. The bill also mandates the FCC to prevent licensees from geo-blocking Iran’s satellite/DTC coverage (except for network security) and directs the State Department to report on coverage issues. Additionally, it authorizes $15 million annually for cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for Iranian journalists, activists, and civil society. The law explicitly states it does not override existing sanctions or require U.S. companies to sell services in Iran.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 40) directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities with Iran, as required by the War Powers Resolution. It applies directly to U.S. Armed Forces deployed in conflict with Iran, except for forces needed to defend the U.S. or allies from imminent attack. The bill mandates removal unless the President complies with War Powers Resolution reporting requirements for self-defense actions, without needing new congressional authorization. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but compels executive action under existing legal framework.

Maddy summaryThe Supporting VA Families Act grants unpaid parental leave to Department of Veterans Affairs employees. This provision allows employees to take four weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period for the birth of a child or for adoption and foster care placements. The leave is designed to supplement existing leave policies rather than replace them, ensuring employees can balance family needs with their work responsibilities. The act defines eligible employees and children according to existing federal definitions found in Title 5 of the United States Code.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 17-member Commission on Presidential Capacity to Discharge the Powers and Duties of the Office. This commission, composed primarily of medical professionals and former high-ranking executive officials, would be activated by a concurrent resolution of Congress. Its duty would be to conduct a medical examination of the President to determine if they are mentally or physically unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office due to conditions such as illness, disability, or substance use. Following the examination, the commission would report its findings and a declaration on the President's capacity to Congress and the Vice President, with any refusal by the President to undergo examination taken into consideration.