Maddy summaryThe FEMA Independence Act of 2025 would restructure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from a component of the Department of Homeland Security into an independent cabinet-level agency directly reporting to the President. This change would transfer all FEMA functions, personnel, and resources from DHS to FEMA, requiring the Director to be appointed by the President with specific qualifications in emergency management and leadership experience. The bill would amend numerous federal laws to update references from "Administrator of FEMA" to "Director of FEMA" and repeal specific sections of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that related to FEMA's previous structure. This structural change would directly affect FEMA's operational relationship with DHS, its leadership structure, and how federal emergency management policies are implemented across government.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1224, the RIFLE Act, eliminates the federal tax on firearm transfers by repealing Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code. This directly affects firearm sellers and buyers, removing a tax they previously paid on transactions. The bill includes technical adjustments to other tax code sections to reflect the repeal and clarifies that firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act remain outside the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The changes take effect after the bill is enacted.
Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates "Military Education Savings Accounts" that would provide eligible military children with funds for educational expenses. The program would give parents of military dependents (children of active-duty service members who attended public school for 100+ consecutive days the previous year) up to $6,000 in the first year, with annual increases based on inflation. Parents could use these funds for private school tuition, tutoring, online learning, educational materials, and other approved educational expenses, but not for public school full-time enrollment. The program would prioritize accounts for siblings of previously enrolled children, then children of enlisted members, warrant officers, and finally commissioned officers, with accounts terminating when children turn 22 (or 26 for those with disabilities) or enroll full-time in public school.
Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill prevents U.S. federal courts from issuing orders (such as injunctions, stays, or declarations) that stop enforcement of laws against people or entities not directly involved in a lawsuit (non-parties). It requires that such orders only apply if a non-party is represented through a party acting under standard legal rules. The law applies to all federal courts, including those in U.S. territories, and modifies related procedures for temporary restraining orders and declaratory judgments to enforce this restriction. Its core change limits court authority to affect non-parties regarding statutes, regulations, or government actions.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to exclude certain loan repayment assistance from taxable income for veterinary students participating in qualifying programs. It specifically expands the exclusion to cover assistance provided under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 and similar state programs designed to increase veterinary access in rural areas. Veterinary students who receive this assistance through these designated programs will not owe income tax on the funds. The change applies to assistance received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Maddy summaryS 1169, the "Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act," prohibits states and local governments from imposing excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts during interstate or foreign commerce. This directly affects firearm manufacturers and dealers who sell across state lines, preventing them from facing state-level taxes on those transactions. The bill explicitly states it does not change the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, which allows separate federal excise taxes on firearms for conservation funding. The key provision is a blanket ban on state taxes for interstate firearm sales, aiming to standardize tax treatment across state lines.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Medicare rules to prevent private health insurance plans from discriminating against patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who need dialysis. It specifically prohibits plans from: (1) treating dialysis differently than other medical services in coverage or benefits, and (2) shifting the primary responsibility for covering dialysis costs to Medicare. The law clarifies that plans cannot limit dialysis coverage or network access based on ESRD diagnosis, while still allowing plans to choose which dialysis providers they include in their networks. It directly affects ESRD patients and private health insurance plans, ensuring dialysis is covered comparably to other essential medical services under the plan.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the mileage deduction rate for volunteer drivers who transport people or property for qualified charitable organizations. It raises the standard rate from 14 cents per mile to a rate set by the IRS that must be at least the current business mileage rate (currently higher than 14 cents). This directly affects volunteers working with tax-exempt organizations like food banks or community service groups. The change applies to tax returns filed for years beginning after December 31, 2024.