Rep. Robert B. Aderholt

Maddy summaryHRES 1044 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer." It aims to honor volunteers who contribute to community safety, health, education, and civic life, while encouraging nationwide efforts to boost volunteerism ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the value of volunteer service and inspire greater community engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents state or local governments from banning or restricting energy connections (like installation, modification, or access) based on the type or source of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, or renewable fuels. It directly affects consumers choosing energy providers and energy companies seeking to offer services. The key provision prohibits local laws, regulations, or policies that limit energy services sold in interstate commerce, covering all energy types listed in the bill’s definitions. It does not create new programs but limits regulatory authority at the state or local level. The law aims to ensure open access to diverse energy sources without source-based restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for businesses selling products made with U.S.-grown cotton. The credit equals 24% of the cotton's market value if processed only in the U.S. or in countries with U.S. trade deals, or 18% for other processing locations. To qualify, cotton must be digitally traced from U.S. farms to finished products and certified by the USDA as meeting origin requirements. It directly affects clothing and textile manufacturers selling qualifying products in the U.S. market.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE KIDS Act would void surrogacy contracts between U.S. surrogates and foreign nationals from designated "foreign entities of concern" (nations listed under 10 U.S.C. §4872(f)(2)), except for married couples where at least one prospective parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. It prohibits surrogacy brokers from facilitating such contracts, imposing fines or up to one year in prison for knowingly arranging these agreements. If a contract is voided, custody decisions for the child would be determined by state courts based solely on the child’s best interests, disregarding the invalid agreement. The bill aims to address what Congress identifies as a national security threat involving exploitation of U.S. surrogacy laws and potential human trafficking.

Maddy summaryThe PORCUPINE Act amends the Arms Export Control Act to include Taiwan alongside New Zealand and Israel in specific certification and reporting requirements related to U.S. arms exports. This legislative change ensures Taiwan is treated similarly to these allied nations in certain foreign policy contexts involving defense article transfers. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to assess the feasibility of creating an expedited licensing process for military equipment transfers from designated allies to Taiwan within 90 days. Additionally, the act requires biennial reports on the implementation of these amendments and includes a provision stating that the legislation does not alter existing U.S. policy toward Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. The entire measure is set to expire seven years after its enactment.

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 summaryThis House resolution (HRES 952) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Gibraltar's right to determine its own political status as a British Overseas Territory through self-determination. It recognizes Gibraltar's democratic choices - where over 98% of voters chose to remain under British sovereignty in 1967 and 2002 - and highlights Gibraltar's historical role in U.S. military operations, including World War II and NATO missions. The resolution affirms that Gibraltarians' views must be central to any discussions about Gibraltar's future status, while acknowledging the territory's strategic importance to U.S. security interests in the Mediterranean. As a non-binding resolution, it does not alter U.S. policy but formally honors Gibraltar's contributions and right to self-determination under international law.

Essential Caregivers Act of 2025   This bill prohibits certain health care facilities from limiting the access of essential caregivers to residents of those facilities, including during designated emergency periods.   Specifically, the bill generally prohibits Medicare skilled nursing facilities, Medicaid nursing facilities, Medicaid intermediate care facilities, and associated inpatient rehabilitation facilities from restricting the access of essential caregivers to residents of the facilities, including during emergency periods in which visitation rights are otherwise restricted. During emergency periods, facilities may restrict access for an initial period of up to seven days and for one additional maximum seven-day period (if the additional period is approved by the state health department). Facilities may restrict access for a total of 7 days (or 14 days with the approval of the state health department) during an emergency period. Essential caregivers must agree to comply with any safety protocols set by the facility, which may be no more stringent for caregivers compared to those for staff. Caregivers who fail to comply with these requirements may be denied access, subject to an appeals process.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) working with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicaid programs. It mandates that PBMs pay pharmacies a specific reimbursement amount based on drug acquisition costs plus a fixed fee, pass through manufacturer rebates directly to beneficiaries at the point of sale, and prohibits steering practices that direct patients to specific pharmacies. The bill applies to Medicare Part D plans and Medicaid managed care organizations beginning January 1, 2027, affecting how PBMs interact with pharmacies and handle drug rebates. Violations could result in criminal penalties of up to $1 million or 10 years in prison for willful noncompliance. The bill aims to increase transparency and fairness in pharmacy drug pricing for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryHR 1623 (the SCREEN Act) requires online platforms that profit from hosting pornographic content to implement age verification technology, preventing minors from accessing such material. Covered platforms must publicly disclose their verification process and securely handle age data collected through these systems. The law applies specifically to platforms where pornographic content is a regular business activity, not all websites. It mandates that only adults can access pornographic content on these platforms, without banning the content itself.