Rep. Gabe Vasquez

Maddy summaryThe Waste Heat to Wattage Act of 2026 amends the definition of renewable energy under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to include "waste energy recovery." Specifically, it adds waste energy recovery - defined as heat or pressure from industrial processes that would otherwise be wasted - to the list of eligible renewable energy sources. This change directly affects industrial facilities that capture waste heat or pressure to generate electricity through systems like waste heat to power. The bill updates existing law to recognize this technology as renewable energy, without creating new programs or funding.

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe Rural MOMS Act of 2026 modifies how Medicare counts hospital beds, specifically excluding labor and delivery rooms from the total number of acute care inpatient beds used to determine if a facility qualifies as a Critical Access Hospital. This change directly affects rural hospitals that provide maternity services by altering the financial thresholds required to maintain their special status under the Medicare program. By removing delivery rooms from the bed count calculation, the bill aims to prevent these facilities from losing their designation solely because they offer childbirth care. The legislation does not change how these hospitals are funded or operated, but rather adjusts the metric used to evaluate their eligibility for critical access benefits.

This resolution expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.

Maddy summaryThis bill expresses the sense of Congress that medication abortion is a safe medical treatment approved by federal regulators. It asserts that this federal approval overrides any state laws requiring the procedure to be dispensed in person by a healthcare provider. Additionally, the bill states that federal approval preempts state restrictions on prescribing or dispensing medication abortion through telehealth. Essentially, the legislation argues that states cannot enforce rules limiting how medication abortion is delivered if those rules conflict with the federal approval process.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the U.S. government from spending money on military actions against Iran between its enactment and December 31, 2026, unless Congress explicitly approves the use of force. It allows for military action only if Congress declares war, passes a specific authorization, or if the action is necessary to defend the United States or its allies from an imminent attack while following reporting requirements. The law directly restricts the President's ability to deploy troops without legislative approval during the specified timeframe.

Maddy summaryThe Lower Prices at the Pump Act prohibits businesses from selling gasoline or petroleum distillates at prices deemed unconscionably excessive during a specific period tied to potential military operations against Iran. This ban applies to both wholesale and retail transactions and remains in effect until the President certifies that military operations have ceased and the Strait of Hormuz is fully open. To enforce these rules, the Federal Trade Commission will investigate violations using its existing powers, while state attorneys general can also file civil lawsuits to stop unfair pricing or seek compensation for affected residents. Penalties for breaking the law include fines of up to $500 million, and any money collected from these penalties will be placed in a fund to assist low-income households with home energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to allow taxpayers to deduct interest payments on loans used to purchase certain vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles. The legislation defines eligible vehicles as those with fewer than 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or those designed for temporary living quarters like campers and trailers. These tax benefits would only apply to debts incurred after December 31, 2025, expanding the current rules that previously excluded most vehicle loans from interest deductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to ban Members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives from trading in prediction markets that bet on specific events or contingencies. The rule would prohibit these individuals from entering into contracts or agreements involving excluded commodities, though it explicitly allows for standard insurance policies and legal sports betting. Additionally, the resolution expresses the House's preference that the executive and judicial branches adopt similar restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest.