Rep. Josh Harder

Maddy summaryHR 647, the Ensuring Veterans’ Final Resting Place Act of 2025, amends a provision in U.S. Code (38 U.S.C. § 2306(h)) to change how burial benefits are provided for veterans. It removes the requirement that a veteran’s family must provide an urn or plaque for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer additional burial benefits; the VA will now automatically provide these benefits regardless of whether the family supplies such items. This change directly affects veterans’ families arranging burial services, making it easier to access burial benefits without needing to procure specific items first. The amendment applies to veterans who die on or after January 5, 2021, updating existing eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to consider publicly posting on their regulatory authority websites details of meetings between utility regulators and electric utility representatives. It specifically targets meetings involving utility lobbyists or company executives, aiming to increase transparency in state-level utility regulation. States must make this determination within one year of the bill's enactment, though the requirement is for consideration - not mandatory implementation. The bill directly affects state public utility commissions and electric utilities operating within those states.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests (blood or biological tests analyzing cell-free DNA) starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries aged 68 and older (starting in 2028, with the age limit increasing by 1 year annually), requiring tests to be FDA-cleared and deemed reasonable/necessary by the Secretary for early cancer detection across multiple organ sites. Payment will initially match current stool DNA test rates before 2031, then shift to a lower rate or new payment system after 2031, with limits preventing more than one test per year. The bill explicitly states it does not alter coverage for existing cancer screenings like breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer tests.

Maddy summaryHR 744, the Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act, amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to allow state and local governments receiving federal disaster funds to reuse "excess" management funds. Specifically, it permits the President to redirect unused funds - defined as the difference between authorized and actual management costs - to support future disaster preparedness, recovery, or mitigation activities. The bill also requires a GAO study within 180 days of enactment to review historical management costs for major disasters over the past five years. No new federal funding is authorized for these changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires five federal agencies (Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Treasury, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency) to coordinate housing data sharing and jointly propose policy solutions. Within one year of enactment, the agencies must establish a shared agreement and submit a report to Congress addressing mortgage costs, housing construction barriers, local regulations, insurance availability, down payment assistance, and disaster resilience. The report will outline specific proposals to improve housing affordability and market efficiency. This is a procedural bill focused on interagency coordination, not direct policy changes or benefits for homeowners.

Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025 This bill expands certain health professional programs and Medicare covered services to include physical therapists. Specifically, the bill expands the National Health Service Corps to include physical therapists and provides for the designation of specific health professional target areas for physical therapists under the program. The bill also expands covered services of rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers under Medicare to include physical therapy services. The bill increases funds for FY2025 for the corps and requires a certain amount of funds to be used for student loan repayments for participating physical therapists in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution designates the week of September 22-28, 2025, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Week" to raise public awareness about falls among older adults (65+). It directly affects older adults and organizations working on fall prevention, such as healthcare providers and community groups. The resolution cites CDC data showing falls cause 41,000 annual deaths and $80 billion in medical costs, while encouraging existing evidence-based strategies like home safety modifications and balance exercises. It does not create new laws or funding but supports awareness efforts and collaboration among federal agencies, the Aging Network, and healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryThe FASTER Act (HR 5575) provides federal grants through FEMA to fire departments for programs that prevent falls among older adults (65+). It directly affects fire departments (career, combination, and volunteer) and seniors by funding home safety modifications like handrails, removing tripping hazards, and installing emergency access devices. Key provisions include 3-year grants covering up to 75% of costs in the first two years (35% in year three), requiring fire departments to use funds for specific fall prevention activities like home assessments and community paramedicine staffing - not to replace local funding. The bill mandates performance evaluations and a congressional report on effectiveness within two years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Lower Internet Costs Act (HR 5550) requires broadband providers to clearly show the total price of service as a single line item on customer bills and in promotional materials, including the regular price after introductory offers end. It prohibits specific "covered fees" like network maintenance charges, local government right-of-way fees, and equipment repair fees. The bill applies to all broadband subscribers and providers, mandating transparent pricing for both standard plans and bundled services (e.g., internet plus TV). Key provisions include requiring providers to disclose price changes 60 and 30 days in advance for limited-time offers and specifying that taxes or equipment fees aren’t included in the stated total price.

Maddy summaryThe Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025 would establish a federal grant program to fund school-based mental health services for students in grades K-12, particularly those experiencing trauma, grief, suicide risk, or violence. It directly affects schools (including Bureau of Indian Education schools), students, and community mental health providers through partnerships that must include school districts and local mental health entities. Key provisions require services to be culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and integrated with positive behavioral supports, with grants capped at $2 million per award for 5 years (renewable) and funded at $300 million annually for 2027-2028. Recipients must report annually on program outcomes, ensure equitable access across urban and rural areas, and comply with privacy laws like HIPAA and FERPA.