Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House of Representatives' sentiment to honor public servants for their dedication to the United States. It specifically acknowledges the work of federal, state, and local government employees, as well as uniformed service members, who deliver essential services and support the economy. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Public Service Recognition Week with ceremonies and activities that recognize these contributions. Because it is a symbolic expression of the House's feelings rather than a law with enforceable rules, it does not create new policies or mandate specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to officially classify nursing degrees, such as the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, as professional degrees. By adding nursing to a specific list of advanced fields like medicine and law, the legislation ensures these programs are recognized for their rigorous academic requirements and the high level of skill they provide. This change directly affects nursing students and educators by aligning the federal definition of nursing education with other established health professions. The update aims to clarify the status of nursing within the federal student aid framework without altering existing funding rules or licensure standards.

Maddy summaryHR 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claim Act of 2025, prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying benefit claims solely because a veteran misses a required medical exam. It amends Section 5103A of Title 38, U.S. Code, to prohibit automatic denials for missed exams and requires the VA to consider other factors. This directly affects veterans filing claims for VA benefits who skip scheduled medical evaluations. The bill ensures veterans cannot be rejected for a claim based only on non-attendance, while allowing denials for other valid reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, extends and expands the existing National Quantum Initiative through December 2032. It broadens the initiative's focus from "science" to "science, engineering, and technology" across federal agencies like NIST, NSF, DOE, and NASA, emphasizing the development of quantum applications, commercialization, and a robust domestic quantum industry. Key

Maddy summaryThis bill allows states to charge fees to boat owners when issuing vessel registration numbers. The collected funds can be used for specific purposes such as search and rescue, boater safety programs, and efforts to control aquatic invasive species. States are permitted to collect these fees alongside other standard registration charges. The legislation also restricts how the money can be spent, ensuring it is only used for activities that directly benefit recreational boating and waterway safety.

Maddy summaryThe VA Home Loan Affordability Act updates the Department of Veterans Affairs' home loan program to make it easier and more affordable for veterans to buy or refinance homes. Key changes include removing the requirement for third-party verification of lender fees, allowing refinancing without an appraisal in certain cases, and lowering the minimum interest rate cap for adjustable-rate mortgages from 200 to 75 basis points. The bill also expands loan guarantees for condominiums, caps closing costs and seller fees at 1.5% and 6% of the loan amount respectively, and mandates regular reviews of debt-to-income ratios. Additionally, it requires appraisers to hold state licenses, directs the VA to update property suitability regulations, and sets a deadline for submitting a plan to modernize the agency's loan administration technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to reverse several tax incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy that were previously extended by a 2024 law. It would end the tax deduction for energy-efficient commercial buildings, shorten the expiration date for the energy-efficient home credit, and delay the deadline for constructing clean hydrogen facilities. Additionally, the legislation would remove limits on the amount of credits available for clean electricity production and change how the phase-out of these credits is triggered. These changes directly affect property owners, builders, and businesses that currently rely on these specific tax breaks to fund green projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a framework to protect American-owned closed-source AI models from unauthorized extraction by foreign entities, particularly those from China and Russia. It requires the Secretary of State to conduct assessments identifying which foreign entities are conducting model extraction attacks or facilitating them through fraudulent account networks, then publish a public list of these actors for up to five years. The legislation authorizes the President to impose economic sanctions on identified entities and their affiliates, while also creating mechanisms for industry coordination and sharing information about threats. Importantly, the bill distinguishes between legitimate AI research conducted under contractual terms and unauthorized extraction attempts that bypass access controls or violate usage agreements.

Maddy summaryHR 5543, the Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, requires the U.S. State and Defense Departments to submit a report within 180 days of enactment. The report will assess emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, including the roles of Russia, Belarus, China, Iran, and other actors. It will also evaluate U.S. and NATO military presence in the region, opportunities for defense cooperation, and recommendations to strengthen deterrence, cybersecurity, and democratic resilience in the Baltic countries. This bill directly affects U.S. foreign policy and defense planning regarding the Baltics, but does not create new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 8403, amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to modify the definition of eligible food items for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It directly affects SNAP recipients by expanding the types of food they can purchase with their benefits. The key provision explicitly adds "hot rotisserie chicken" to the list of items considered SNAP-eligible food. This change would allow individuals using SNAP to buy prepared hot rotisserie chickens from authorized retailers.