Rep. Judy Chu

Maddy summaryThis bill allows independent music producers to deduct production costs immediately as business expenses (rather than spreading them over time) for U.S.-recorded sound recordings. It specifically covers independent artists and small labels producing music in the U.S., with a $150,000 annual limit on deductible costs per project. The bill also extends bonus depreciation for equipment used in qualifying recording projects. These changes apply to productions starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Education to proactively notify eligible college students about potential access to SNAP (food stamp) benefits. It targets students with a negative or zero student aid index (SAI) who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department must send annual written and electronic notices explaining SNAP eligibility and providing state contact information for applying. The bill also mandates consultation between the Education and Agriculture Departments to design these notifications. This is a policy change focused on improving access to nutrition assistance for low-income students already enrolled in college.

Maddy summaryHRES 68 is a non-binding House resolution expressing strong disapproval of the President’s announcement to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement. It commends states, businesses, and citizens supporting the Agreement, urges the President to reverse the withdrawal decision, and calls for Congress to prioritize U.S. climate leadership. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups but formally states the House’s position against withdrawing from the international climate accord. It was introduced by 115 co-sponsors and reflects broad congressional concern about reversing U.S. climate commitments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new above-the-line tax deduction for performing artists (like musicians, actors, and dancers) to deduct work-related expenses directly from their gross income, rather than itemizing deductions. It sets a $100,000 income threshold (adjusted annually for inflation), phasing out the deduction by 10% for every $2,000 earned above this amount. The bill also explicitly includes commissions paid to an artist’s manager or agent as deductible expenses and raises the $200 "nominal employer" threshold for expense deductions to $500 (with inflation adjustments). These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHRES 60 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for naming new or undedicated Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities after women veterans and minority veterans. It aims to honor their service by reflecting the diversity of all military personnel who have served the U.S. since the Revolutionary War. The resolution specifically applies to future facility naming decisions, not existing names, and cites historical examples of women and minority veterans' contributions. It does not create new requirements or funding but seeks to recognize underrepresented groups in military history through symbolic recognition. The House states this would highlight the enduring presence of these veterans in the Armed Forces.

Maddy summaryHR 669, the "Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025," requires Congress to declare war before the U.S. can conduct a first-use nuclear strike. It directly affects the President (who currently has sole authority to authorize such strikes), military commanders, and Congress by mandating that federal funds cannot be used for a first-use attack without a congressional declaration of war. The bill defines a "first-use nuclear strike" as an attack launched without prior confirmation that the U.S., its territories, or allies were first hit with nuclear weapons. This law changes policy by creating a constitutional check on presidential nuclear authority, requiring explicit congressional approval for the initial use of nuclear weapons.

Maddy summaryHR 609, the Assuring Medicare's Promise Act of 2025, directs revenue from the net investment income tax (currently applied to investment income) into the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. It expands the tax base to include certain business income for high-income individuals with modified adjusted gross income exceeding $400,000 ($500,000 for joint filers), with a phase-in to limit the tax increase. The bill ensures this tax revenue directly supports Medicare's hospital insurance program, applying to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The changes do not alter the tax rate but broaden the income types subject to the tax for high earners.

Neighbors Not Enemies Act This bill repeals provisions authorizing the President to apprehend and remove from the United States the citizens of a particular nation, if the United States has declared war against that nation or that nation has threatened an invasion against the United States.

Maddy summaryThe Close the Medigap Act of 2025 would prohibit Medigap insurance issuers from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on health status, pre-existing conditions, genetic information, or other factors. It requires insurers to spend a minimum percentage of premiums on health care claims and improves the Medicare Plan Finder website to provide clearer information about coverage options, out-of-pocket costs, and guaranteed issue requirements. The bill applies to Medigap policies effective January 1, 2026, with full implementation by 2031, and requires Medigap brokers to disclose payments they receive from insurers. These changes would directly affect Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those with pre-existing conditions who have historically faced barriers to obtaining affordable supplemental coverage.

Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act of 2025 or the 911 SAVES Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to categorize public safety telecommunicators as a protective service occupation under the Standard Occupational Classification system no later than 30 days after the enactment of this bill. (The Standard Occupational Classification system is a federal statistical standard used by federal agencies to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data.)