Rep. Addison P. McDowell

Maddy summaryHRES 1073 is a non-binding resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week" to recognize the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization’s role in developing agricultural education leaders and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alaska’s State FFA Association. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups or policies; instead, it formally expresses the House’s support for this commemorative week. The resolution highlights FFA’s mission to prepare students for leadership and careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct legislative or financial impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryHR 7625, the MTS CYBER Act of 2026, mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review to assess the U.S. Coast Guard's budget and staffing needs for fulfilling its role as a Sector Risk Management Agency (SRMA) for maritime cybersecurity. The bill requires the GAO to evaluate Coast Guard funding for cybersecurity personnel, training, and enforcement; staff capabilities to monitor industry compliance; and guidance provided to maritime businesses against industry best practices. This review, due within 270 days of the bill’s enactment, aims to determine if current resources allow the Coast Guard to effectively protect the marine transportation system (MTS) - which includes ports, vessels, and waterways supporting $2.1 trillion in economic activity - from cyber threats. The findings will be submitted to relevant congressional committees to inform future funding decisions for the Coast Guard’s cybersecurity responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHR 7602, the State of Men’s Health Act, requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study U.S. men’s health disparities and submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment. It also mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Office of Men’s Health within 18 months to coordinate existing federal programs focused on preventive care for men, including screenings for prostate cancer, mental health, and cardiovascular issues. The bill does not authorize new funding; all activities must use existing appropriations. This legislation directly affects all men in the United States by aiming to improve health outcomes through better coordination of current federal health initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe PART Act requires new vehicles to have catalytic converters marked with a unique identification number that links directly to the vehicle's identification number, stored in a law enforcement-accessible database. It establishes a $7 million grant program to help repair shops, dealers, law enforcement, and fleet owners purchase equipment for marking converters with visible, durable identifiers (using die or pin stamping and high-visibility paint). The bill also mandates that businesses buying catalytic converters keep detailed seller records (including vehicle information) for two years and use traceable payments, banning cash or cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, it creates new federal criminal penalties for stealing or trafficking in catalytic converters, with potential sentences of up to five years in prison.

Maddy summaryThe No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act requires the U.S. State Department to identify foreign countries and organizations receiving U.S. foreign aid that have provided financial or material support to the Taliban, including the amounts of aid they receive and the support they give to the Taliban. It mandates a strategy to use U.S. aid to discourage such support, with initial and follow-up reports to Congress on the strategy and its implementation. The bill also demands detailed reports on U.S. cash assistance programs in Afghanistan and the Afghan Fund, explaining how funds are transferred (including traditional money transfer systems) and how safeguards prevent Taliban access.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal officials from using settlement agreements to direct payments to third parties unless those payments directly compensate for actual harm caused by the defendant or pay for services rendered in the case. It prevents the government from creating slush funds through settlements that benefit unrelated organizations or individuals beyond the scope of direct restitution. Federal agencies must annually report to the Congressional Budget Office on settlement payments that meet the new criteria, while agency inspectors general must audit and publicly report any violations. The reporting and audit requirements are set to expire seven years after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Passport Act of 1920 to exempt Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients from standard U.S. passport application and renewal fees. It directly affects veterans who have received these specific military decorations. The key provision adds a new fee exemption category (subparagraph D) for these individuals in the passport fee structure. The bill also requires the State Department to create a verification process with the Defense Department to confirm eligibility using military service records. This is a straightforward administrative change to reduce costs for honored veterans.

Maddy summaryHR 7356, the "No Federal Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act," amends the Help America Vote Act to block federal funding for election administration in states that permit third parties (non-voters) to collect and transmit mailed ballots for federal elections. It requires states to prohibit such collection by non-authorized individuals, with exceptions for election officials, USPS employees, and family/caregivers living with or assisting the voter. States failing to adopt this prohibition would lose federal funds for administering federal elections. The bill cites concerns about ballot chain-of-custody vulnerabilities and references the Supreme Court’s Brnovich ruling upholding state restrictions on ballot harvesting.

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 exclusion for certain disaster mitigation payments received by property owners. It allows individuals to exclude from gross income funds paid by state programs (or approved entities) to make improvements that reduce damage from windstorms, earthquakes, or wildfires. The exclusion applies to payments made for specific property upgrades like storm shutters or fire-resistant roofing. The change takes effect for 2021+ tax years and includes a retroactive option for taxpayers to amend prior returns. It directly affects homeowners participating in qualifying state disaster resilience programs.