Rep. Marcy Kaptur

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority with respect to research on rare pediatric diseases, including by permitting the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to satisfy pediatric study requirements and by reauthorizing programs that support pediatric research.  Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations to permit research on new drugs in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved, provided certain conditions are met; permits the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements, if such sponsors demonstrated a lack of due diligence in satisfying the requirement; renews the FDA’s authority to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of new products intended to treat rare pediatric diseases through September 30, 2029; and reauthorizes through FY2027 certain funding for the National Institutes of Health to support priority pediatric research.  The bill also provides statutory authority for the FDA’s interpretation of the orphan drug exclusivity period. The bill specifies, consistent with FDA regulations, that the seven-year market exclusivity period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drugs) prohibits the approval of the same drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to the disease or condition. (In Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra , a court rejected the FDA’s interpretation and held that orphan drug exclusivity extends to all uses or indications for the disease or condition.)

Maddy summaryHRES 915 formally recognizes the 1932-1933 Ukrainian famine, known as the Holodomor, as a genocide perpetrated by the Soviet Union. The resolution directly affects Ukrainian victims, survivors, and communities by affirming historical truth and condemning Soviet policies that intentionally starved millions. Key provisions include declaring the Holodomor a genocide, commemorating its victims, and condemning ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, including Vladimir Putin’s denial of Ukrainian sovereignty. This symbolic resolution aims to educate the public and align U.S. policy with historical facts about Soviet repression.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution (not a law) recommending the U.S. Navy name a vessel after Rear Admiral Alene Duerk. It directs the Secretary of the Navy to honor her by naming a ship "U.S.S. Rear Admiral Alene Duerk," recognizing her service as the first woman promoted to rear admiral in the Navy. The bill details her WWII nursing service, postwar career progression, and military medals, but does not create new policy or funding. It is a non-binding expression of congressional sentiment regarding naval vessel naming.

Maddy summaryHR 6181, the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act, prohibits child welfare agencies receiving federal funds from discriminating against children, youth, or prospective foster/adoptive parents based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), or marital status. It directly affects LGBTQ youth in foster care - overrepresented at 30% of the system - who face higher risks of trauma, group home placements, and suicide attempts compared to non-LGBTQ peers. Key provisions require agencies to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity, establish a National Resource Center for LGBTQ youth support, provide cultural competency training, and eliminate discriminatory practices. The law aims to improve safety, permanency, and placement stability by expanding access to family-based care and ensuring equitable services for all children in the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Medicare to cover early detection screening tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias starting January 1, 2028. It defines eligible tests as FDA-cleared genomic blood tests, blood product analyses, or equivalent medical imaging methods (like protein expression or whole genome sequencing) that detect pre-symptomatic or early-stage conditions. Medicare beneficiaries would receive this coverage without cost-sharing for these specific screenings. The bill amends Medicare coverage rules to explicitly include these tests under Section 1861(nnn) of the Social Security Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Medicare buy-in option for eligible retired or disabled first responders aged 50-64. It directly affects qualified law enforcement officers, certain emergency medical personnel, and federal firefighters who have separated from service due to retirement or disability. Key provisions include establishing a premium calculated based on Medicare's average costs, coordinating enrollment periods with the Affordable Care Act marketplace, and ensuring coverage counts as "minimum essential coverage" for tax purposes. The bill also prohibits Medicaid beneficiaries from using this option and requires outreach efforts (2027-2029) to help eligible individuals enroll.

Maddy summaryHR 6049, the No Payola Act, repeals a requirement that Senate staff notify the Senate when legal process seeks to disclose Senate data. It also requires Senators who received funds from private lawsuits under the repealed provision to repay those funds to the Treasury. The bill directly affects Senators who might have been involved in legal cases related to the repealed notification rules. This is a procedural change eliminating specific reporting obligations and financial penalties for certain Senate-related legal actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $500 million over 10 years (2026-2035) to combat invasive mussels in the Great Lakes. It directs the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, in coordination with federal agencies (like the Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA), to develop and implement strategies targeting invasive mussel species. The funding is specifically for efforts under the Great Lakes Fishery Act of 1956 and must be used in addition to existing appropriations. This directly affects the Great Lakes ecosystem and the Commission's management of invasive species.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. to include AM radio as standard equipment (not an optional add-on) by 2027-2028, depending on manufacturer size. It mandates that AM radio receivers must be easily accessible to drivers and allows compliance through digital AM broadcast technology. During a transition period, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for this feature. The bill also mandates a GAO study on AM radio's role in emergency alerts and includes a 10-year sunset provision for the rule. It preempts state laws regarding AM radio access in vehicles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 869) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the November 10, 1975, sinking of the Great Lakes freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, which resulted in the loss of all 29 crew members. It honors the memory of the 29 crew members who died in the tragedy and recognizes the enduring contributions of Great Lakes shipping to the U.S. economy and cultural heritage. The resolution also acknowledges efforts by historians, museums, and communities to preserve the ship's legacy and promote maritime education. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact and serves solely to mark this historical event.