Rep. Nikki Budzinski

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how U.S. foreign aid is provided to international health organizations. It prevents U.S. agencies from denying aid to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) solely because they offer health services (like counseling or referrals) using their own funds, as long as those services follow local laws. It also stops applying stricter rules about how foreign NGOs can use their own funds for advocacy compared to U.S. NGOs receiving similar aid. The bill directly affects foreign health-focused NGOs that rely on U.S. foreign assistance funding.

Maddy summaryHR 1613, the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act of 2023, requires Medicaid programs to mandate pass-through pricing for covered outpatient drugs. This means pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and managed care entities must pay pharmacies directly for the drug's ingredient cost plus a fixed dispensing fee, eliminating "spread pricing" where PBMs keep profits from the difference between what they pay pharmacies and what Medicaid reimburses. The bill also establishes a national survey of retail pharmacy drug prices to determine average acquisition costs, requiring participating pharmacies to report pricing data to states. These changes apply to Medicaid contracts entered into or renewed 18 months after the bill's enactment, affecting states, PBMs, managed care organizations, and community pharmacies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Clean Air Act to modify how the EPA handles waivers for ethanol in gasoline, specifically regarding "Reid Vapor Pressure" (a measure of fuel evaporation). It simplifies the process for fuel retailers to introduce certain ethanol blends into commerce by allowing them to meet vapor pressure standards through existing vehicle certification or approved waivers, rather than requiring new EPA approval for each blend. The key change removes barriers for retailers selling ethanol blends that comply with existing vehicle standards or approved waivers, directly affecting fuel manufacturers and retailers who must meet EPA fuel regulations. This is a technical regulatory adjustment focused on streamlining compliance, not creating new consumer benefits or programs.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 28 is a symbolic resolution expressing Congress's view that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies - organizations providing life, health, and accident benefits to members - have long delivered critical community support. It states these societies, with about 7 million members nationwide, generate significant annual value through charitable work and volunteer activities (estimated at over $3.8 billion yearly). The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(8) of the tax code is essential for sustaining their volunteer-driven model and relieving pressure on government safety programs. As a non-binding expression of congressional sentiment, it does not alter existing laws or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryHR 1716, the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act, requires U.S. airlines to annually report detailed information about heavy maintenance work performed outside the U.S. on their aircraft, including locations, work descriptions, and any safety issues identified after maintenance. It prohibits U.S. airlines from entering new contracts for such maintenance with repair stations in countries classified by the FAA as "Category 2" due to safety deficiencies. The bill also mandates that mechanics and supervisors at foreign repair stations performing heavy maintenance on U.S. aircraft must hold appropriate FAA certifications. Additionally, it establishes a working group with international aviation authorities to review and recommend improvements for overseeing foreign repair stations.

Maddy summaryHR 1723, the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2023, amends the Foreign Assistance Act to remove restrictions on using U.S. foreign aid funds for abortion services. It explicitly allows U.S. foreign assistance programs to fund comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion services, training, and equipment. This change directly affects U.S. international health programs and recipient countries, enabling them to integrate safe abortion care into broader reproductive health services. The bill aims to align U.S. policy with global health guidelines by making abortion services a standard part of reproductive health care funded through foreign assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies federal highway funding rules to prioritize safety for cyclists and pedestrians. It allows states and local governments to receive 100% federal funding for projects that connect existing bike/pedestrian infrastructure or reduce safety risks for these users, instead of the usual lower federal share. The bill also requires projects to align with state safety plans focusing on vulnerable road users and includes specific "Proven Safety Countermeasures" for cyclists/pedestrians. These changes directly affect states administering federal highway funds and local governments seeking to improve non-motorized transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThe Food Deserts Act creates a federal grant program to help establish grocery stores in underserved communities by funding state revolving funds. States receive capitalization grants (up to $150 million for FY2022) to provide low-interest loans to grocery stores that meet specific criteria, such as selling unprocessed, affordable healthy foods and matching 20% of the loan with non-federal funds. Priority is given to stores hiring local workers, offering nutrition education, sourcing from local farms, and having established supply chains. The program directly supports grocery store operators in areas with limited access to fresh food, aiming to improve community health outcomes through increased access to nutritious options.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses congressional support for designating March 21, 2023, as "National Agriculture Day." It symbolically recognizes agriculture's economic importance as a major U.S. industry, celebrating its impact on jobs and communities. The bill does not create new laws, funding, or regulations - it is a non-binding statement of support. It directly affects the agricultural sector by highlighting its contributions through a formal congressional acknowledgment.

Correcting Guam's History in the PACT Act This bill expands eligibility for a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. Under the bill, service performed in Guam or its territorial waters between August 15, 1958, and July 31, 1980, provides a veteran who has a specified disease that is associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents with eligibility for a presumption of service-connection. (Under current law, the eligible time frame for service in Guam is between January 9, 1962, and July 31, 1980.)