Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans

Maddy summaryHR 2623, the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish at least five specialized medical centers focused on treating veterans with specific conditions like PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and substance use disorders using innovative therapies. These centers must meet strict criteria, including academic partnerships with medical schools, research capabilities, veteran advisory committees, and data-sharing systems for evaluating treatment effectiveness. The bill authorizes $30 million annually for these centers' research and education activities and requires the VA to submit annual reports to Congress on their operations and findings. It directly affects veterans seeking advanced treatments for covered conditions through VA facilities and establishes a peer review process to select designated centers based on scientific merit.

Maddy summaryHR 3262, the NURSE Act, creates a federal grant program to help schools hire more registered school nurses, primarily targeting public elementary and secondary schools serving high-need communities. The bill prioritizes schools where at least 20% of students qualify for free/reduced-price lunches (indicating high poverty) or lack any nurse, with federal funds covering up to 75% of costs for hiring nurses. Eligible schools or consortia must demonstrate student health needs, such as chronic conditions or mental health support, and the program requires a report to Congress evaluating impacts on nurse staffing and student health outcomes. The grant program is authorized for fiscal years 2026-2030, aiming to address the current shortage where one-third of schools lack a school nurse.

Maddy summaryThe Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands federal retirement benefits to include specific non-traditional law enforcement roles, such as IRS tax collection officers, U.S. Postal Inspection Service employees, Department of Veterans Affairs police, and certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized property specialists. It directly affects current and future federal workers in these positions who were previously excluded from law enforcement retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System and Civil Service Retirement System. The bill allows current employees (incumbents) to elect to count prior service toward retirement by paying a deposit covering the difference in retirement contributions, with government contributions made over 10 years. It also temporarily exempts law enforcement officers from mandatory separation for three years after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 3241, the Defense Workforce Integration Act of 2025, creates pathways for military personnel medically disqualified from service to transition into civilian defense jobs. It requires the Defense Department to establish a process within one year for entry-level service members (like those in basic training or ROTC) who can't serve due to medical reasons to qualify for civilian roles in the Department of Defense. The bill also mandates a new program to connect medically disqualified individuals with employment opportunities in the defense industrial base, cybersecurity, research, and other national security support roles. Additionally, it directs the Navy to provide career information about Military Sealift Command and shipbuilder training to personnel during transition assistance. The Secretary of Defense must report on implementation to Congress within one year.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 389) formally supports observing National Nurses Week from May 6-12, 2025, as established by the American Nurses Association. It recognizes nurses’ contributions to healthcare, including their roles as frontline caregivers, patient advocates, and leaders in public health. The resolution encourages the public to acknowledge nurses’ work through recognition and community activities but does not create new policies or funding. It is a symbolic gesture, not a legislative change affecting any specific group or program.

Maddy summaryHR 3184, the PFAS Alternatives Act, funds research to develop turnout gear (firefighter safety clothing) without harmful PFAS chemicals, directly affecting firefighters who wear this gear. It authorizes $25 million annually (2025-2029) for grants to eligible organizations to research and test PFAS-free gear, requiring partnerships with firefighting groups to translate findings into practice. The bill also allocates $2 million yearly (2027-2031) for training programs on safe gear use and decontamination. Its goal is to reduce firefighters' exposure to chemicals linked to occupational illnesses during operations.

Maddy summaryThe ACES Act (HR 530) mandates a study by the National Academies to examine cancer rates and deaths among veterans who served as aircrew members (e.g., pilots, navigators) in fixed-wing military aircraft. The study will identify potential exposure risks (like chemicals) linked to 12 specific cancers (including brain, lung, prostate, and melanoma) and use VA, DoD, and CDC data to analyze prevalence and mortality. It does not change benefits or laws but requires a final report to the VA and congressional committees. The study directly affects veterans with the defined aircrew service history.

Maddy summaryHR 3202, the MIDWIVES for Service Members Act of 2025, creates a 5-year pilot program to provide certified midwife services to military service members and their families through the TRICARE health plan. The program requires the Secretary of Defense to begin implementation within one year of enactment, with detailed annual reports on costs, patient outcomes, satisfaction, and access metrics. It mandates that midwives meet international standards and state licensing requirements, focusing on maternal and infant health outcomes like preterm births and C-section rates. The pilot’s success would determine if midwife services become a permanent TRICARE benefit.

Maddy summaryHR 3204, the BASIC ACT, increases tax incentives for semiconductor manufacturing. It raises the advanced manufacturing investment credit from 25% to 35% for qualifying semiconductor production facilities and extends the deadline for claiming the credit from 2026 to 2030. The bill directly affects companies building or expanding semiconductor manufacturing plants in the U.S. The changes apply to property placed in service after the bill's enactment date. This provides longer-term financial support for domestic semiconductor investment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to help cover medical costs for retired Federal working dogs (like police or military K9s). It authorizes $1 million annually (2026-2030) for eligible nonprofits with a two-year history of providing such care to dogs that have received official retirement letters and are now with their handlers. The grants allow these organizations to pay for veterinary expenses, directly supporting retired service dogs and their handlers. The program is administered through the Department of Homeland Security under existing grant authority.