Rep. Adrian Smith

Maddy summaryHR 3512, the Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act, imposes a new annual tax on funds received by third-party investors who finance lawsuits through litigation financing agreements. It directly affects investors (including foreign entities) who provide funding to plaintiffs or law firms in exchange for a share of settlement or judgment proceeds, excluding small agreements under $10,000 or standard loans. The tax equals the top individual income tax rate plus 3.8 percentage points, with 50% withheld from settlement payments by parties involved in the lawsuit. The law also clarifies that such funds cannot offset losses and excludes certain typical legal fee reimbursements from taxation. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 2243, the LEOSA Reform Act, updates the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act to clarify and expand firearm carry rights for qualified current and retired law enforcement officers. It modifies training requirements to allow officers to meet standards set by their former agency, their state, any local agency in their state, or a certified instructor within the state. The bill also adds exceptions for transportation property and public spaces when applying state laws, and permits qualified officers to carry concealed firearms in certain federal facilities (Security Level I/II civilian public access facilities). These changes aim to provide clearer, more flexible standards for firearm carry while maintaining existing safety frameworks.

Maddy summaryThe Conscience Protection Act of 2025 would protect health care providers, facilities, and insurers that choose not to provide, refer for, or cover abortion services. It prohibits discrimination against such entities by the federal government, states, or any recipient of federal funds. The bill creates a private right of action allowing affected individuals or entities to sue for violations of conscience protections. It also establishes administrative enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights. This would strengthen existing conscience protections like the Weldon Amendment by ensuring entities can maintain religious or moral objections without facing penalties.

Maddy summaryThe Fiscal Commission Act establishes a 16-member commission to address the federal government's fiscal challenges, including reducing debt and deficit while aiming for a debt-to-GDP ratio of 100% by 2039. The commission must educate the public about fiscal issues, identify policy recommendations, and submit a detailed report with legislative language by November 2026 (with possible extension to April 2027). This report requires bipartisan approval, needing at least two Republican and two Democratic members for majority support. If approved, the recommended legislation would become an "implementing bill" considered under expedited procedures in both congressional chambers. The commission's work directly affects federal budget decisions and public awareness of fiscal policy, with hearings required to gather input from experts and government officials.

Maddy summaryHR 3283, the FARMER Act, directly affects farmers who purchase crop insurance under enterprise or whole farm units by increasing federal premium subsidies. It raises the government subsidy rate to 77% for higher coverage levels and 68% for lower coverage levels under specific revenue or yield protection plans. The bill also lowers the required coverage level from 14% to 10% and increases the premium subsidy rate from 65% to 80% for supplemental coverage. Additionally, it mandates a study on expanding supplemental coverage to larger counties, requiring a report to Congress within one year.

Maddy summaryHR 3277, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover medically necessary outpatient and inpatient treatments for congenital anomalies or birth defects primarily affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This includes reconstructive procedures, dental/orthodontic support during treatment, and follow-up care, but excludes purely cosmetic surgery not tied to a medical diagnosis. Cost-sharing (like copays) for these services must not be stricter than for other medical benefits. The law takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026, and mandates insurers to provide notice about this coverage to beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryHR 976, the "1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act," would repeal data collection and reporting requirements for small business loans under Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This specifically removes the mandate for financial institutions - especially community banks and credit unions - to track and submit loan data by business characteristics like race or gender. The bill aims to reduce compliance costs for lenders, which its findings argue limit small business access to credit. The repeal would eliminate these reporting obligations and remove references to the requirement from related federal laws.

Maddy summaryHRES 381 designates May 5, 2025, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls," calling for public commemoration of victims and solidarity with their families. The resolution urges the public and groups to honor both documented and undocumented cases while recommending the Department of Justice commission a new study on the crisis, citing that the last major study was published in 2016. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness about ongoing issues, referencing recent data showing 5,614 Indigenous women and girls reported missing in 2024. This symbolic resolution directly affects Indigenous communities, families, and the public, aligning with prior federal efforts like Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to employee ownership by modifying the Small Business Act to allow S corporations owned by employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) to retain small business status, even when an ESOP owns over 49% of the company. It creates a new Treasury Department office to provide education and technical assistance for S corporations establishing ESOPs, and establishes a Labor Department Advocate for Employee Ownership to coordinate outreach and resolve disputes. These changes directly affect S corporations transitioning to ESOP ownership and their employees, who gain retirement benefits through ESOP accounts. The bill aims to increase employee ownership by removing eligibility barriers and improving support for businesses adopting this model.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 358) calls on North Korea to release all abducted Japanese citizens, return remains and information about deceased victims, provide restitution, and issue a formal apology for abductions that began in the 1970s. It directly addresses the families of Japanese citizens held by North Korea and seeks to hold North Korea accountable for violating human rights. The resolution, introduced by Representatives Kiggans and Tokuda, is a symbolic House action with no new legal requirements or funding. It emphasizes the U.S. position that such abductions conflict with fundamental freedoms and human rights principles.