Rep. Tom Barrett

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would require all federal judges, including those on the Supreme Court and lower courts, to serve fixed 20-year terms instead of lifetime appointments. It prohibits judges who complete a 20-year term from being reappointed to the same court. The rule would apply only to appointments made after the amendment is ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures.

Maddy summaryThe Next-Gen Collision Avoidance Act requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop and publish an action plan within 180 days for advancing the deployment of a next-generation collision avoidance system (ACAS-X) across the national airspace. The plan must include a roadmap for adoption by aircraft operators, steps for research and development, engagement with stakeholders like manufacturers and pilot groups, and coordination with international authorities to harmonize safety standards. It also mandates an assessment of safety benefits for operators adopting the technology and requires the FAA to brief Congress within 30 days of submitting the plan. This bill directly affects the FAA's planning process and the aviation industry's efforts to implement this new safety technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill narrows an existing exception allowing military aircraft to skip transmitting location data (ADS-B Out) during sensitive missions. It requires the FAA to define "sensitive government mission" narrowly - covering only active sensitive activities, not entire flights - and mandates agencies to report all non-transmitting flights with specific details like location, time, and mission type. Enhanced oversight includes GAO reviews, annual FAA audits, and congressional reporting on exception usage. These changes directly affect military and government agency aircraft operations that previously used the broader exception.

Maddy summaryThis resolution is a symbolic gesture supporting the designation of January 25-31, 2026, as "National School Choice Week." It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally expresses the House's backing for raising public awareness about parental education options. The resolution encourages parents to learn about K-12 education choices (including public schools, charters, private schools, and homeschooling) and urges communities to host events during that week. It has no binding effect and focuses solely on recognition and awareness, not policy change.

Maddy summaryHR 6945 clarifies that states may use federal grants under Section 403 of the Social Security Act to support pregnancy centers meeting specific criteria. These centers must promote protecting both mother and unborn child life while providing services like counseling, pregnancy testing, and material support (e.g., diapers, baby clothes). The bill explicitly prohibits interpreting existing law as barring such funding for eligible centers. It does not create new funding but defines which pregnancy resource organizations qualify for existing grants.

Maddy summaryThe VSAFE Act of 2025 establishes a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent and address fraud targeting veterans. This officer will develop communication plans, training, and reporting systems for veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to identify and avoid scams, while coordinating with agencies like the IRS, DOJ, and Social Security Administration. The bill also modifies a home loan fee deadline in the VA loan program, changing a date from June 9, 2034, to June 23, 2034. It does not create new full-time positions or alter existing Inspector General authority.

Maddy summaryHR 7196 prohibits the District of Columbia Council from passing any law permitting euthanasia or assisted suicide. It directly affects DC residents and the Council by blocking the legalization of these practices within the District. The bill amends the Home Rule Act to add a new prohibition against enacting any law related to euthanasia or assisted suicide, and it repeals DC's existing 2016 Death With Dignity Act. These changes prevent the District from implementing such policies through legislation, regulations, or other legal mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would require two-thirds approval in both the House and Senate to admit new states into the Union, raising the current standard from a simple majority vote. It directly affects Congress when considering statehood applications, as it would mandate a higher voting threshold for new state admissions. The amendment also includes a seven-year ratification deadline for states to approve the change. As a procedural constitutional change, it does not alter direct policies for citizens or states seeking admission.

Maddy summaryHR 7167 (Make It Count Act) requires the 2030 decennial census to include a citizenship status checkbox (citizen, U.S. national, lawful resident, or undocumented) and mandates that noncitizens be excluded from population counts used to apportion congressional seats and allocate electoral votes. Starting with the 2030 census, states would use adjusted population figures (excluding noncitizens) for redistricting congressional districts. The bill also restricts states from redrawing congressional districts more than once between censuses unless required by court orders under voting rights laws. These changes apply to the 2030 census and subsequent redistricting cycles.

Maddy summaryHR 7186, the American Family Housing Act, restricts large investment firms from purchasing single-family homes or gaining controlling ownership in companies that own many homes. Specifically, it prohibits any "large-scale company" (defined as an investment firm or private fund with over $100 billion in assets under management) from buying single-family residences or holding more than 49% equity in a company owning over 100 such homes, beginning 100 days after enactment. The bill defines "single-family residence" as a standalone home without shared walls or utilities, excluding condos and co-ops. This directly affects major institutional investors in the housing market, limiting their ability to expand ownership of single-family properties. The law aims to curb institutional investment in residential real estate through these specific financial and ownership restrictions.