Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans

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 Early Childhood Workforce Advancement Act of 2026 creates a competitive grant program to help partnerships establish or expand training programs for early childhood education careers. These grants are awarded to groups that include colleges, child care providers, and community organizations, with a focus on areas that have shortages of childcare workers. The funding can be used to develop educational materials, support student recruitment and retention, improve teacher training, and offer financial assistance like scholarships or stipends to students. Priority is given to applicants serving rural and urban communities and those providing care for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. Recipients must submit annual reports and undergo independent evaluations to ensure the programs effectively improve education outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Defense to connect military recruits who cannot enlist with the Job Corps program for training in skilled industrial jobs within the defense industry. It expands specific workforce incentives to include Job Corps centers and gives local operators more flexibility to hire staff, partner with educational institutions, and manage their programs without waiting for federal approval. The legislation also updates rules to allow Job Corps centers to accept cash donations and grants more easily while streamlining enrollment for veterans and active-duty service members. Overall, the act aims to reduce shortages of skilled workers in defense manufacturing by aligning Job Corps training with the needs of the defense industrial base.

Maddy summaryHR 3183, the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025, establishes a new Office of Falls Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to coordinate and improve falls prevention efforts for veterans. The bill mandates that VA healthcare facilities conduct annual falls risk assessments and provide fall prevention services by licensed physical or occupational therapists for veterans at risk, and requires biennial staff training on safe patient handling techniques. It also creates a pilot program to test home modifications for fall prevention and directs the VA to report on current falls prevention practices, including screening methods, home modification grants, and medication management risks. This legislation directly affects veterans at risk of falls, VA healthcare facilities, and providers delivering care under VA programs.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act of 2025 amends the GI Bill to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to approve multi-state trucking apprenticeship programs for veterans using their educational benefits. This directly affects veterans seeking to transition into trucking careers and apprenticeship programs operating across multiple states. The key mechanism changes the law so the Secretary can act as a "State approving agency" for these programs, eliminating the need for separate state approvals. This streamlines access to trucking training without requiring veterans to navigate individual state requirements.

This concurrent resolution expresses support for law enforcement officers. It also appreciates the contributions and recognizes the sacrifices of law enforcement officers.

Maddy summaryThe Veteran Infection Prevention Act requires sterile processing technicians in the Veterans Health Administration to obtain certification from an accredited training institution within two years of their appointment, with some exceptions for entry-level positions. Current employees who are not yet certified will have two years from the bill's enactment to become certified, and those who choose to pursue certification will receive a scholarship to help cover training costs. In exchange for the scholarship, recipients must commit to two years of service with the Veterans Health Administration after receiving their certification. This legislation aims to improve infection prevention standards by ensuring all sterile processing technicians meet professional certification requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to partner with private sector stakeholders to identify high-growth emerging tech industries (like AI and semiconductors) and relevant training programs for veterans. It mandates the VA to prominently include these opportunities in veterans' transition programs and on its website, and to create a 90-day expedited process for approving qualifying education courses. The bill also updates existing VA programs by replacing "high technology" with "high technology or emerging technology" in key sections, ensuring emerging tech fields are explicitly included. The provisions expire on September 30, 2027.