Rep. John Joyce

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 requires Medicare plans (including Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans) to base coverage decisions on medical necessity and evidence-based standards. It mandates that plans seek input from practicing physicians when creating or changing coverage rules, post all preauthorization requirements online in plain language, and publicly share statistics on approvals and denials. The bill also requires that adverse coverage decisions be made by licensed, board-certified physicians and prohibits denying coverage solely due to lack of evidence-based standards when none exist for a service. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary delays in care for Medicare beneficiaries by increasing transparency and clinical input in coverage decisions.

Maddy summaryHRES 1022 is a non-binding congressional resolution expressing support for Catholic schools and celebrating the 52nd annual National Catholic Schools Week (January 25-31, 2026). It recognizes Catholic schools' contributions to education, noting their role in serving 1.7 million students across diverse backgrounds, with high graduation rates and community-focused values. The resolution specifically supports the week's goals, highlights the National Catholic Educational Association and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' partnership, and applauds the 2026 theme "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community." It does not create new policies, allocate funding, or impose obligations.

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 Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2026 directs the Health Resources and Services Administration to study how to better identify areas with insufficient general surgeons, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The study will evaluate current shortage designations and test a new methodology using hospital service areas and surgeon-to-population ratios to set accurate thresholds for shortage levels (e.g., critical shortage, adequate supply). Within one year, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress and publish data on surgeon availability, with annual updates to any designated shortage areas. This process aims to improve the accuracy of shortage identification to inform future resource allocation for surgical care access.

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 6997, the Community Passport Services Access Act, allows qualified public libraries to become official passport acceptance facilities and collect the standard execution fee for passport applications. It directly affects non-profit public libraries meeting U.S. State Department regulations, enabling them to serve as passport application sites - expanding access beyond current locations like post offices. Key provisions authorize new libraries to apply for this role and automatically authorize existing libraries that previously accepted passports. The bill also updates the Passport Act to formally include public libraries in the list of authorized acceptance locations. This creates a concrete policy change in where passport services are available to the public.

Maddy summaryHR 6972 (Reporting Accountability and Abuse Prevention Act of 2026) requires health centers receiving federal funds under Title X (which supports family planning services) to comply with all state and local laws requiring reporting of child abuse, sexual abuse, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. It mandates that these centers create written compliance plans, provide annual training for staff on reporting obligations and safety protocols, screen minors for potential abuse when presenting with STIs or pregnancy, and document all reports. Centers must maintain detailed records of minor patients and reports, and allow federal officials to review these records. Failure to comply can result in corrective action, repayment of funds, or a 36-month ban on future Title X funding for repeat violations.

Maddy summaryThe Reliable Power Act requires the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) to conduct annual assessments of the U.S. power grid's ability to maintain reliable electricity supply, including analyzing generation resources, transmission needs, and risks of shortages during extreme weather. If the ERO identifies a risk of insufficient generation, it notifies the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which then alerts federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) developing regulations affecting power generation. These agencies must submit proposed regulations for FERC review before finalizing them, and FERC can recommend changes to prevent reliability risks, with agencies required to respond to FERC’s comments. The bill directly affects federal agencies creating energy-related rules and aims to prevent power shortages by integrating grid reliability into the rulemaking process.

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.