Rep. Becca Balint

Maddy summaryThe Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2026 amends federal law to enhance support for victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. The bill authorizes $270 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2031 to fund state, tribal, and community programs, with specific funding reserved for tribal programs (12.5%), national hotlines ($20.5 million for general hotline, $4 million for Indian hotline), and services for underserved populations. It requires grantees to provide trauma-informed, culturally appropriate services while prohibiting discrimination and protecting victim confidentiality, and mandates accessibility for people with disabilities and limited English proficiency. The bill also establishes new technical assistance centers, Tribal resource centers, and community-based prevention programs to address the needs of underserved populations including Native Hawaiians, Alaska Natives, and racial and ethnic minorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), treating ALS-related deaths as qualifying for benefits regardless of how long the veteran had the disease before death. It requires surviving spouses to have been married to the veteran for at least eight continuous years prior to death to qualify for compensation. The changes apply to veterans dying from ALS on or after October 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the Veterans Affairs Secretary to submit a report within 180 days of enactment identifying other service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates that might warrant similar treatment.

Maddy summaryThe CARE for First Responders Act (HR 6601) provides mental health support specifically for first responders, including emergency personnel and 911 operators (defined as "qualified emergency response providers"). It requires the creation of a 24/7 confidential hotline via the 988 Suicide Lifeline, peer support programs staffed by trained responders, and mobile crisis units that offer on-site mental health services during major disasters. The bill mandates trauma-informed, culturally appropriate care and education to reduce stigma around mental health, with a focus on helping responders and their families adjust after disaster work. It authorizes $5 million annually (2026-2030) for these services through grants to state/local health entities.

Maddy summaryHR 7277, the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-Scene and Support Act, expands Medicare reimbursement to ambulance providers for non-transport emergency medical services. It amends the Social Security Act to allow reimbursement for on-scene care (like medical treatment at the location) provided on or after January 1, 2026, regardless of whether transport was offered. This directly affects ambulance service providers who currently may not receive payment for non-transport care. The bill requires reimbursement for these on-scene services to be comparable to transport reimbursement rates, ensuring consistent payment for similar care. The policy change takes effect in 2026, addressing a gap in coverage for emergency care delivered without patient transport.

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on December 31, 2025, which addressed "Reproductive Health Services" (90 Fed. Reg. 61310). This resolution directs Congress to disapprove the VA rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, meaning the rule would have no legal effect if passed. The bill directly affects the VA's implementation of reproductive health services for veterans, as it seeks to nullify the agency's existing policy. This is a procedural measure, not a substantive policy change, aimed solely at blocking the VA's rule through congressional action.

Maddy summaryHR 7238 establishes a Commission to investigate historical discrimination against LGBTQ+ service members in the military, including policies that led to discharges and denied benefits. The Commission will gather testimonies from affected veterans and servicemembers, study impacts on mental health, benefits access, and force readiness, and recommend remedies like record corrections and compensation. This bill directly affects LGBTQ+ veterans and current service members who faced discharge or denial of care due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Commission must submit a final report to Congress within one year, outlining findings and proposed actions.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 68 would require the President to remove U.S. military forces from Venezuela unless Congress has explicitly authorized their use through a declaration of war or a specific law. This applies to any U.S. Armed Forces currently stationed in Venezuela without such authorization. The resolution is based on the War Powers Resolution, which mandates congressional oversight of military deployments. It directs the immediate withdrawal of unapproved forces without adding new time limits or conditions.

Maddy summaryThe PrEP Access Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include pharmacist-provided HIV prevention services, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) counseling, medication administration, and related testing. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (primarily seniors) and pharmacists, allowing pharmacists to bill Medicare for these services under state law. Key provisions set payment at 80% of the lesser of actual charges or 85% of physician rates, and prohibit balance billing for these services. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, making PrEP more accessible through pharmacy settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs' Solid Start Program to enhance mental health support during military-to-civilian transitions. It requires TAP to provide specific information on suicide risk factors (including depression, homelessness, and relationship strain), treatment options for conditions like PTSD and substance abuse, and the impact of losing social support systems. The Solid Start Program must now assist veterans in enrolling in VA healthcare and educate them about available mental health resources. The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs must jointly report to Congress within one year on the materials developed under these changes.

Maddy summaryHR 7101, the "No Delay in Representation Act," requires the House of Representatives to seat members elected in special elections within five legislative days of certification of results. It mandates that newly elected members be sworn in and seated as House Members by this deadline, overriding any existing rules or laws that might delay the process. If a member declines the oath during this period, the Speaker must administer it on a mutually agreed date. This bill directly affects individuals elected to fill House vacancies through special elections, ensuring faster integration into the legislative body.