Rep. Deborah K. Ross

Maddy summaryThe Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act prohibits the use of federal funds to pay claims submitted to the Anti-Weaponization Fund. This fund was established by the Department of Justice on May 18, 2026, and the bill specifically bars any money from being used for these payments. The legislation directly affects the Department of Justice and any individuals or entities seeking reimbursement from this specific fund. By restricting funding sources, the bill aims to prevent taxpayer money from being spent on claims directed to this newly created entity.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add pharmacist services to Medicare Part B coverage for beneficiaries, specifically covering pharmacist-led testing and treatment for illnesses like flu, COVID-19, or strep throat during public health emergencies. It defines covered services as those performed under state law, often requiring collaboration with a physician, and sets payment at 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of physician payment rates. Pharmacists would be prohibited from balance billing for these services, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries pay only their standard copayment. The changes would take effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins must feature designs honoring victims and first responders (including the inscription "Never Forget") and will be sold only during 2027-2028. All surcharges ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin) collected from sales will fund the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, with no net cost to the federal government. The coins are legal tender but primarily intended for collectors, not circulation.

Maddy summaryThe Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act authorizes the creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women’s history, to be located within the National Mall Reserve in Washington, D.C. If the site is managed by another federal agency, the bill requires that agency to transfer the land after notifying Congress and relevant committees. The museum must ensure exhibits and programs accurately represent diverse women’s experiences by consulting a broad range of experts and community voices. The Smithsonian will submit biennial reports to Congress detailing how the museum meets these representation standards.

Maddy summaryThe No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal money to pay specific settlements involving high-ranking government officials and their close associates. It bars payments to the President, Vice President, their immediate families, cabinet members, senior executive staff, political appointees, and individuals connected to these roles, as well as any entity owned by the President or Vice President. Additionally, the bill restricts settlements related to claims about the January 6 Capitol attack, foreign election interference, or previously dismissed lawsuits, while requiring Treasury reports for large settlements and allowing the government to seek repayment if rules are broken.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates federal programs to advance alternative protein production through biomanufacturing and bioprocessing. It authorizes $15 million annually for research centers focused on protein diversification, $50 million for grants to companies building food biomanufacturing facilities, and $25 million for workforce development programs. The bill also requires a national strategy on protein security coordinated across multiple federal agencies. These provisions aim to strengthen food supply chains, create jobs in the growing protein sector, and reduce reliance on foreign commodities. The bill explicitly excludes insect-based food production from its scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 3869, the Every Veteran Housed Act) expands eligibility for veterans' homelessness benefits by redefining who qualifies as a "veteran" under existing law. It removes barriers for veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable or by general court-martial, regardless of service length, component (active/reserve), or current military status. The bill ensures these veterans can access housing assistance programs without being excluded due to prior discharge status or service details. It makes minor conforming changes to related provisions but does not create new benefits or alter funding. This directly affects veterans previously excluded from homelessness assistance due to technical discharge or service criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores veterans' education benefits for periods spent at institutions later found to have fraud, closure, or approval issues. It prevents those periods from counting against a veteran's total benefit entitlement or lifetime limit. Educational institutions must repay the VA if they received benefits for veterans during these covered periods, including cases where courts found fraud or the school was closed for violations. The law applies to veterans using benefits under chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, or 1606/1607 of title 38.

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe Traumatic Births Research Act of 2026 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study how traumatic birth experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder affect mothers, infants, and families. This legislation expands research funding to include states, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations, requiring that study results be broken down by race and ethnicity. Additionally, the bill authorizes a pilot program to compare midwife-led care models against traditional medical care regarding their impact on birth trauma and mental health. To monitor progress, the Secretary must submit an interim report by the end of fiscal year 2028 and a final report by the end of fiscal year 2030.