Rep. Tony Wied

Maddy summaryHR 1207 transfers the administration of the Food for Peace Act's food aid programs from USAID to the Department of Agriculture. This means the Agriculture Secretary, not the USAID Administrator, will now handle all related functions, including managing assets, grants, and rules for distributing U.S. food aid overseas. The bill requires immediate implementation upon enactment, with references in law automatically updating to the Agriculture Secretary, and allows for swift interim rules to maintain program continuity. It also specifies that the Famine Early Warning Systems Network will continue under Agriculture, and the Department must consult with the State Department on certain aspects of the program.

Maddy summaryThe SPEAR Act of 2025 amends the Endangered Species Act to prevent the federal government from listing lake sturgeon populations in Wisconsin as threatened or endangered. This change allows Wisconsin to continue its state-led management plan, including the annual sturgeon spearing season, without federal restrictions. The bill adds a specific provision to the Endangered Species Act explicitly prohibiting the Secretary of the Interior from determining that Wisconsin's lake sturgeon are threatened or endangered. The law directly affects federal regulatory actions for these sturgeon, supporting Wisconsin's conservation program and the cultural and economic significance of the spearing season to local communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands 529 college savings account flexibility by allowing funds to cover costs for industry-recognized postsecondary credentials, not just traditional degrees. It defines "qualified expenses" to include tuition/fees for recognized credential programs (like certifications or apprenticeships), required testing fees, and continuing education needed to maintain credentials. To qualify, programs must meet specific criteria, such as appearing on state lists under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or being listed in VA or Defense directories. The change applies to 529 distributions made after the law's enactment, giving families more options to use these accounts for job-focused training.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 8 is a non-binding congressional resolution urging the U.S. President to end the current "One China Policy" and recognize Taiwan as an independent country. It specifically calls for resuming normal diplomatic relations (including appointing ambassadors), negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement with Taiwan, and advocating for Taiwan's full membership in international organizations like the UN and WHO. The resolution argues that Taiwan has maintained democratic governance and independence for over 70 years, separate from the People's Republic of China. This resolution does not change U.S. law but expresses Congress's position on foreign policy toward Taiwan.

Maddy summaryHR 1086, the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025, increases funding for two key U.S. Department of Agriculture export programs to boost agricultural trade. It raises the Market Access Program budget from $255 million to $489.5 million annually and doubles the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program base funding from $200 million to $400 million, with cooperator funding increasing from $34.5 million to $69 million. These changes, effective through 2029, address years of stagnant funding while aiming to counter competitive disadvantages from foreign agricultural export programs. The bill directly supports U.S. agricultural producers - from apple growers to seafood exporters - by expanding access to international markets through these programs.

Maddy summaryHR 1040, the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act, would stop taxing Social Security benefits for seniors by repealing the current tax rule that includes some benefits in gross income. It directly affects senior citizens who currently pay federal income tax on portions of their Social Security payments. The bill adds a provision stating Section 86 of the tax code (which taxes Social Security benefits) no longer applies after enactment. To offset the lost tax revenue, the bill requires the government to appropriate funds to the Social Security and Railroad Retirement trust funds, ensuring they remain fully funded without requiring tax increases.

Maddy summaryHR 1052, the UNPLUG EVs Act, rescinds unobligated federal funds from two electric vehicle infrastructure programs. It targets unused balances from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and charging/fueling grant programs under federal highway law. These rescinded funds will be deposited into the U.S. Treasury's general fund to reduce the federal deficit. The bill does not alter existing program requirements or affect current EV infrastructure projects, only redirecting unspent allocated funds.

Maddy summaryHR 1029 would end the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) by prohibiting all federal funding for its operations starting upon the bill's enactment. It requires the rescission of all unobligated funds held by USAID as of the day before enactment and transfers the agency's remaining assets and liabilities to the Secretary of State. This bill directly affects USAID, eliminating its legal authority and funding under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and other laws. The measure would effectively dissolve USAID as a functioning federal agency.

Fair Access to Banking Act This bill places restrictions on certain banks, credit unions, and payment card networks if they refuse to do business with a person who complies with the law. Restrictions include prohibiting the use of electronic funds transfer systems and lending programs, termination of an institution's depository insurance, and specified civil penalties. Banks and other specified financial institutions are allowed to deny financial services to a person only if the denial is justified by a documented failure of that person to meet quantitative, impartial, risk-based standards established in advance by the institution. This justification may not be based upon reputational risks to the institution. The bill establishes the right for a person to bring a civil action for a violation of this bill.

Maddy summaryHR 943, the "No User Fees for Gun Owners Act," bans states and local governments from requiring insurance, taxes, or user fees as conditions for owning, buying, or selling firearms. It specifically prohibits these fees for firearm manufacture, importation, acquisition, transfer, or continued ownership, except for general sales taxes applied equally to all goods. The bill amends federal law to prevent states from imposing such conditions on gun ownership or commerce, while allowing standard sales taxes to apply uniformly. This directly affects gun owners, dealers, and manufacturers by removing mandatory fees tied to firearm transactions. The law does not restrict general sales taxes but eliminates state-specific fees as a prerequisite for firearm-related activities.