Rep. Derrick Van Orden

Maddy summaryHR 2474, the "Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act," changes how Medicare pays physicians for services. It replaces the previous two-part payment system (used through 2025) with a single annual payment rate update starting in 2024. This update will be based on the Medicare Economic Index (MEI), which tracks costs for medical providers. The change directly affects Medicare-certified doctors and clinics who receive payments under the physician fee schedule.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Medicare to cover FDA-approved blood tests that screen for multiple cancers simultaneously (like breast, lung, or colorectal cancer) for beneficiaries. It directly affects Medicare recipients aged 65+ who could access these new screenings once per year, without prior authorization. The key provision adds "multi-cancer early detection screening tests" to Medicare's covered services under Part B, defining them as blood tests analyzing cell-free DNA, while maintaining existing coverage for standard screenings like mammograms. The bill does not change current coverage for individual cancer screenings but ensures Medicare keeps pace with new medical technology.

Maddy summaryHR 1610 would modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic care by removing the current restriction that limited beneficiaries to one chiropractic service per visit. It expands coverage to include all services provided by licensed chiropractors within their state-authorized scope, aligning Medicare with VA, military, and private insurance practices. The bill requires chiropractors to complete a Secretary-approved educational webinar to cover non-spinal services, while still allowing payment for spinal manipulation treatments without this requirement. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking chiropractic care and chiropractors seeking Medicare reimbursement for their services.

Maddy summaryHR 549, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, removes waiting periods for disability and Medicare coverage for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, it amends Social Security Act sections to allow immediate eligibility for disability insurance benefits (eliminating the standard waiting period) and immediate Medicare coverage (waiving the 24-month waiting period) for these patients. The bill directly affects individuals with metastatic breast cancer who would otherwise face delays in accessing critical benefits. These changes apply to applications filed or benefits beginning after the bill's enactment date. The law makes no other policy changes beyond these specific eligibility adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to add FDA-approved non-opioid pain medications - used to treat post-surgical pain without affecting opioid receptors - to its national formulary and drug standardization list. It directly affects veterans receiving VA healthcare by expanding access to these alternative pain management options. The VA must include such medications within one year of their eligibility for Medicare payment under existing federal rules. Implementation must occur within 90 days of the bill's enactment, with no funding from the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund used for this purpose.

Maddy summaryHR 7438 directs the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins. The coins will be sold to the public at face value plus surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin, respectively), with all surcharge revenue paid to FWC2026 US, Inc. for U.S. soccer programs. These funds must support soccer initiatives, particularly in underserved communities and youth development, as specified in the bill. The coins are legal tender but will only be issued during 2026, with no net cost to the U.S. government.

Maddy summaryThe BONUS Transparency Act requires federal agencies to publicly report details about performance awards given to career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees. Each year, agencies must submit to Congress a report listing every award's recipient (including name, title, and salary), amount, and funding source, starting in 2024. This directly affects career SES employees who receive performance-based bonuses, as their compensation details become publicly accessible. The law mandates these annual reports within 90 days after each fiscal year ends, increasing transparency around executive pay. It applies to all executive branch agencies and covers all performance awards, including bonuses under federal pay rules.

Maddy summaryHR 10308 would create a refund program for businesses that handle permanently dyed diesel or kerosene fuel used off-road (like for farming or construction). It allows eligible businesses to receive a payment equal to taxes previously paid on this fuel, which is legally marked with indelible dye and exempt from highway taxes. The refund applies when the fuel is removed from a terminal, and the program would begin 180 days after the bill becomes law. This affects fuel distributors and businesses managing legally dyed off-road fuel.

Maddy summaryHR 10012 amends the Veterans Community Care Program to include eyeglass lens fittings as an authorized medical service for veterans. This directly affects veterans enrolled in the program who need eyeglass fittings through non-VA providers. The bill requires the VA Secretary to establish regulations ensuring veterans can schedule these fittings at nearby community providers. The VA must also submit a report to Congress within 180 days detailing implementation progress, challenges, and veteran benefits. This changes the scope of covered services without altering eligibility or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHR 915 requires businesses that contract with motor carriers (like shippers, brokers, or freight forwarders) to verify three safety and compliance details before shipping goods: 1) the carrier's valid registration, 2) minimum required insurance coverage, and 3) that the carrier is not disqualified for safety reasons by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or a state. This verification must occur 45 days before shipment. The bill creates a temporary standard that expires when new FMCSA regulations are issued within 18 months of enactment. It does not change carrier safety rules but sets a new requirement for businesses selecting carriers.