Rep. Tim Walberg

Maddy summaryThe DETERRENT Act requires higher education institutions receiving federal funding to disclose foreign gifts and contracts meeting certain value thresholds ($50,000 or more for regular foreign sources, all for "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern"). Institutions must report details including the foreign source's identity, purpose, and financial value, with all disclosures made public through a searchable database. The bill prohibits contracts with designated "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern" without a specific waiver, and includes enforcement mechanisms with fines for non-compliance. Institutions must also maintain policies requiring faculty and staff to disclose foreign connections that meet certain criteria.

Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act (HR 2395) redefines federal firearm definitions to exclude antique and collector firearms from being classified as firearms, and removes distinctions between short-barreled rifles and shotguns in federal regulations. It prevents state laws from imposing taxes or registration requirements on short-barreled rifles and shotguns, requiring state rules to align with federal compliance instead. The bill also mandates the federal government to destroy specific records related to these firearms within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act of 2025 would prohibit states and local governments from imposing taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts during interstate or foreign commerce. This bill directly affects state tax policies and manufacturers or dealers selling these items across state lines. It explicitly states that the bill does not change the existing federal tax on firearms and ammunition that funds wildlife conservation programs. The key provision bans state-level taxes for these sales in interstate transactions while preserving current federal funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHR 2165, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025, amends the Clean Air Act to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from writing future tailpipe emissions regulations that mandate specific vehicle technologies (like electric or hydrogen systems) or limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill requires the EPA to update its regulations within 24 months to ensure new rules comply with these restrictions. This directly affects the EPA’s regulatory authority and automakers, as it limits how emissions standards can be structured. The law aims to preserve consumer choice in vehicle types by preventing regulations from favoring one engine technology over others.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to permanently establish a 7-year depreciation period for motorsports entertainment complexes, replacing a temporary provision. It directly affects businesses operating these facilities by allowing them to deduct the cost of qualifying assets over seven years instead of a shorter period. The key change is removing a temporary rule (subparagraph D) from the tax code, making the longer recovery period permanent for these specific properties. The bill focuses solely on clarifying and extending this tax treatment without additional policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 223) is a ceremonial measure honoring Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan on its 108th anniversary. It commends the base’s historical contributions - such as hosting the Tuskegee Airmen, supporting post-9/11 security, and hosting KC-46A aircraft - and acknowledges its current role in national defense, economic impact (supporting over 4,500 jobs and generating hundreds of millions in local revenue), and community partnerships. The resolution does not create new policy or funding but formally recognizes the base’s significance to military history and regional security. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct effect on legislation or affected parties beyond symbolic recognition.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends current Medicare payment rates for durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs and oxygen) in non-rural areas through December 2025. It delays implementing a new payment rule for all areas until January 2026. The law directly affects Medicare beneficiaries needing equipment and the suppliers who provide it by maintaining existing reimbursement rates for an additional year. This avoids immediate payment reductions for non-rural areas while postponing the full transition to new rates.

Maddy summaryHR 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, establishes a new system for identifying and managing high-risk wildfire areas called "firesheds" and creates a centralized Fireshed Center to coordinate wildfire risk management across federal agencies. The bill streamlines environmental reviews for wildfire risk reduction projects, allowing for faster implementation of hazardous fuels management activities in designated areas. It includes provisions for community wildfire risk reduction programs, water source protection, and specific initiatives for restoring white oak forests. The legislation also includes litigation reforms to expedite forest management projects and reduce delays from legal challenges. These provisions aim to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health through more coordinated, data-driven management approaches.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (HRES 194) designates March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day" to honor the Great Lakes region. It does not create new laws or funding but expresses non-binding support for the designation and recognizes the lakes' importance to the region's environment, economy (serving 40 million people, supporting $3.1 trillion in GDP), and cultural heritage. The resolution calls for continued preservation efforts through existing programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. It directly affects the eight Great Lakes-bordering states (MI, WI, MN, OH, IN, IL, PA, NY) and their residents.