Rep. Zoe Lofgren

Maddy summaryHR 2843 establishes an Advisory Committee to review and recommend renaming Federal land units (such as national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges) with names containing racial slurs, honoring individuals who held racist views or committed atrocities against minorities, or perpetuating stereotypes. The Committee will gather public input, propose new names, and submit recommendations to the Board on Geographic Names, which must act on these proposals within three years. This process aims to replace offensive names with equitable alternatives across all federal lands, following defined criteria for "offensive place names." The bill creates a structured, public review mechanism to address historically insensitive geographic names without altering existing federal land management authority.

Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform Act of 2025 or the SOAR Act of 2025 This bill establishes certain requirements with respect to the payment and provision of supplemental oxygen and related services under Medicare. For example, the bill provides for separate payments, indexed to inflation, of oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services under Medicare (rather than under the competitive acquisition program). It also specifically covers services that are provided by respiratory therapists under Medicare and provides for an additional payment adjustment for these services. Additionally, the bill (1) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to develop an electronic template for providers to use when prescribing oxygen and related equipment, supplies, and services; and (2) establishes certain rights for beneficiaries receiving these items and services, such as the right to choose their suppliers and to receive clear communications and be informed about the services provided.

Maddy summaryHRES 317 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. government to lead global efforts to halt and reverse the nuclear arms race. It calls on the President to pursue negotiations with nuclear-armed states to reduce arsenals, end the U.S. policy allowing first use of nuclear weapons, eliminate immediate launch readiness, stop developing new weapons, and support communities affected by nuclear programs. The resolution emphasizes diplomatic action over military modernization to reduce nuclear risks and prevent catastrophic conflict.

Maddy summaryThe American Family Act (HR 2763) establishes a new refundable child tax credit that provides monthly payments to eligible families with children. It would pay $300 per month for each child under age 6 and $360 per month (120% of $300) for each child age 6 or older, with income limits of $150,000 for joint filers and $112,500 for other filers. The bill creates a "period of presumptive eligibility" to determine eligibility for monthly payments, allowing families to receive advance payments based on information from previous tax returns. This would directly affect millions of families with children who meet the income requirements, providing more consistent financial support throughout the year rather than an annual tax credit.

Maddy summaryHR 2799, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025, prohibits the sale, possession, and modification of devices that increase the firing rate of semi-automatic firearms to mimic machine guns (commonly called "bump stocks"). It specifically bans manual, power-driven, or electronic devices designed to speed up firing, as well as modified firearms that achieve this effect. Owners of pre-existing modified firearms must register them within 120 days of the law's enactment, with exemptions for government entities and firearms already lawfully modified and registered before the bill passes. The bill does not restrict standard semi-automatic firearms or require registration of unmodified guns.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025, improves support for veterans and service members who experienced military sexual trauma (MST), which includes sexual assault, battery, or harassment during military service. It establishes specialized teams to review MST claims, allows veterans to choose where their VA medical exam for MST claims takes place, and expands eligibility for MST counseling to all former reserve members. The bill requires VA to provide sensitive communications to MST survivors, connect veterans to health care when they submit MST claims, and provide clear contact information for MST support resources. It also mandates annual reviews of MST claim processing accuracy and ensures individuals who withdraw from service academies can access care and records related to MST.

Maddy summaryThe Raise the Wage Act of 2025 gradually increases the federal minimum wage from $9.50 to $17.00 per hour over six years, with annual adjustments based on median wage growth. It raises the base wage for tipped workers from $6.00 to $17.00 per hour, phasing out their separate minimum wage structure by 2029. The bill also eliminates special minimum wage certificates for disabled workers after 2029, requiring employers to pay the standard minimum wage. These changes apply to most covered workers, including tipped employees and those under 20, with specific transition timelines for each group.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisors. The Federal Labor Relations Authority would determine if state laws provide these rights, and if not, would establish them for affected employees. The bill guarantees public employees the right to form unions, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while requiring public employers to recognize unions and put agreements in writing. It also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would disrupt emergency services. This would apply to public employees in states that don't meet the federal standards for collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryHR 2729, the "Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act," creates a new temporary work visa category for carnival and circus workers. It directly affects mobile entertainment providers (like traveling carnivals, circuses, and affiliated food/game concession services) and their workers who perform essential tasks such as transporting, assembling, operating, and maintaining rides and equipment at seasonal fairs and festivals. The bill amends immigration law to define "mobile entertainment workers" as those entering temporarily for functions integral to these operations, subject to labor program requirements similar to other temporary work visas. It requires the Departments of Homeland Security and Labor to issue implementing rules within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Invest to Protect Act of 2025 establishes a $50 million annual grant program (2027-2031) for local governments employing fewer than 175 law enforcement officers, including counties, municipalities, and Tribal governments. Grants fund de-escalation training, victim-centered domestic violence response training, evidence-based safety training for scenarios like mental health crises or active shooters, recruitment/retention bonuses (capped at 20% of salary), and mental health resources for officers. Recipients must report on program use, disclose bonus amounts publicly, and comply with audits to prevent misuse of funds. The bill aims to improve officer safety and community relations through targeted support for smaller law enforcement agencies.