Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new standards for transporting livestock across state lines. It prohibits moving livestock deemed "unfit to travel" under specific criteria defined by international animal welfare standards, including animals that are sick, unable to stand, blind, recently giving birth, or in poor health due to weather. The bill requires the Transportation and Agriculture Secretaries to create an inspection system within 180 days to enforce these rules, including checking vehicles and records. It directly affects livestock transport companies, farmers, and ranchers moving animals interstate, with an exception allowing transport for veterinary care. The law aims to prevent suffering during transport by defining clear welfare standards.

Maddy summaryThe MORE Act (HR 5068) would remove cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances, effectively decriminalizing it at the federal level while establishing a new tax on cannabis products. The bill creates an Opportunity Trust Fund that would distribute tax revenues to support communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, including funding for expungement programs, job training, and equitable licensing initiatives for minority business owners. It also includes provisions to prevent discrimination based on cannabis use in federal programs, immigration proceedings, and workplace policies. The bill would require federal courts to expunge non-violent cannabis convictions and establish a process for resentencing individuals currently serving time for such offenses. These provisions aim to address racial disparities in cannabis enforcement and create more equitable opportunities in the legal cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.

Maddy summaryHR 7016, the "No Funds for NATO Invasion Act," blocks federal funding for any U.S. military invasion of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country or territory covered by NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause. The bill prohibits using any federal funds for such invasions and bans U.S. officials from executing these actions. It directly affects U.S. military operations and funding decisions involving NATO members. The law applies to all federal spending, preventing the use of existing budgets for this specific purpose.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 69) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims, survivors, and Giffords - now a prominent advocate for gun violence prevention - and recognizes her leadership in promoting civility and reducing gun violence. The resolution also commends Tucson residents and first responders for their resilience and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 6980, the NOVA Act of 2026, prohibits the use of federal funds to support U.S. possession, control, or sovereignty over Venezuela's territory or resources, including military deployments there. It allows limited exceptions: the President may acquire Venezuelan property for diplomatic use (with local government approval) or use existing U.S. properties in Venezuela for embassies. The bill does not apply to properties owned by the U.S. before January 1, 2026, and explicitly states it won't affect funding for emergency humanitarian aid. This bill directly affects U.S. government agencies and programs seeking to fund activities related to Venezuela's governance or military presence.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits states from pursuing or collecting Medicaid recovery claims against individuals' estates for payments made during their lifetime. It requires states to withdraw all existing recovery liens within 90 days of enactment and notify affected individuals or their estates. The law specifically ends state efforts to reclaim Medicaid funds from beneficiaries' estates after death, applying to claims initiated before the law's effective date. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries and their estates who were subject to prior state recovery actions. The key mechanism is a mandatory 90-day withdrawal of all existing liens and a permanent ban on new recovery claims for correctly paid assistance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 969) expresses support for designating the week beginning September 8, 2025, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment (known as Hispanic-Serving Institutions or HSIs) and their role in serving diverse, low-income students. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but encourages public observance through ceremonies and activities to honor HSIs’ contributions to higher education access and economic mobility. It applies symbolically to all 615+ HSIs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of federal funds for any military action against Venezuela from its enactment date through December 31, 2026, unless Congress either declares war or passes new specific authorization meeting War Powers Resolution standards. It directly affects all federal agencies and military operations that would require funding for actions targeting Venezuela. The key mechanism blocks funding for military force unless Congress explicitly authorizes it through one of two specific pathways. A narrow exception allows actions already compliant with existing War Powers Resolution rules. This is a funding restriction, not a ban on military action itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require health insurance plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover a broad range of fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, embryo preservation, and fertility medications. It mandates coverage regardless of whether a person has been diagnosed with infertility, with cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurance) limited to the same level as other medical services. The law would apply to employer-sponsored health plans, individual insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and VA benefits, with implementation deadlines ranging from January 1, 2026 for Medicare to January 1, 2027 for notice requirements. The bill also prohibits plans from discouraging fertility treatment or limiting providers who offer it, while ensuring coverage is provided without requiring individuals to undergo treatment.