Rep. Joe Neguse

Maddy summaryThe Fire Weather Development Act of 2025 establishes a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program to improve wildfire forecasting, detection, and communication systems. The program will develop better tools for predicting wildfire spread, smoke dispersion, and fire behavior through collaboration with federal agencies, state and local emergency officials, and stakeholders. It authorizes $5 million for fiscal year 2026 to fund research on new technologies like unmanned aircraft systems, advanced satellite detection, and improved communication systems. The bill also creates an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Wildfires and a National Advisory Committee to coordinate wildfire response efforts and provide recommendations to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

Maddy summaryHR 4074, the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2025, requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to issue guidance within one year on improving Medicaid and CHIP coverage for pelvic health services during pregnancy and the postpartum period (defined as up to 6 months after birth or during lactation). The bill directs the GAO to study coverage gaps for these services and mandates a new CDC-led education campaign to train healthcare providers and inform postpartum women about pelvic floor exams and physical therapy. Key provisions include standardizing terminology for pelvic health conditions, sharing state best practices for payment models, and authorizing $2 million annually for the education program through 2030. This bill directly affects postpartum women covered by Medicaid or CHIP by aiming to increase access to evidence-based pelvic health care.

Maddy summaryThe Insurrection Act of 2025 would clarify and limit when the President can deploy military forces domestically to address insurrections, rebellions, or widespread violence. It requires state and local authorities to be unable to handle the situation, with specific circumstances including obstruction of voting rights or Federal law, and mandates the state governor's request for assistance. The bill requires the President to consult Congress, issue a proclamation ordering lawbreakers to disperse, and submit a detailed report before deployment, with military action limited to 7 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution approving it for up to 14 days. The bill explicitly prohibits using National Guard members on training duty for these purposes and provides for judicial review of deployments.

Maddy summaryHR 4045, the Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Fund Act of 2025, amends Section 598 of the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act to make the commemoration program for the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War mandatory. The bill changes language from "may conduct" to "shall conduct" for the Secretary of Defense, requiring them to carry out the existing commemorative program starting November 11, 2025. This procedural change ensures the program continues without discretionary choice, directly affecting the Department of Defense's implementation of the commemoration. It does not create new funding or alter benefits, focusing solely on mandating the existing process.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Bureau of Land Management Foundation to rename it the "Foundation for America’s Public Lands" and adjusts its governance structure. Key provisions include gradually increasing the board size from 12 to 18 members over four years and requiring specific representation on the board (e.g., energy producers, ranchers, recreation groups, and mining industry representatives). The bill prohibits using foundation funds for litigation or lobbying and clarifies that gifts or donations can be used to support the Bureau of Land Management’s "multiple use" mission. It does not create new programs but reauthorizes and refines the existing foundation’s operations and funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHR 3753, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act, would increase housing stipends for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to take fully online courses. Currently, veterans enrolled solely in distance learning programs receive only 50% of the standard housing allowance; this bill removes that restriction, providing full housing stipends for online students attending more than half-time. The change applies to all veterans pursuing online degrees under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ensuring they receive the same housing support as on-campus students. The policy takes effect for terms beginning August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 3968, the School Violence Prevention Act, creates a federal grant program to fund school-based violence prevention programs in communities with severe gun violence. It authorizes $25 million annually (2025-2031) for grants to partnerships between state/local education agencies and community nonprofits in areas experiencing high homicide rates (e.g., 35+ homicides annually) or double the national violent crime arrest rate for youth. Grants must support evidence-based programs for K-12 students - including trauma-informed counseling, conflict resolution skills, mental health access, and community engagement - while requiring annual data collection on outcomes like graduation rates. All programs must be evaluated by grantees and independent researchers, with reports shared publicly and submitted to Congress every three years.

Maddy summaryHR 3986 exempts small businesses (as defined by the Small Business Act) from import taxes imposed under Executive Order 14257. This means small businesses importing goods for their own use will no longer pay these specific taxes. The bill directly affects small businesses meeting the size standards outlined in the Small Business Act. It removes an existing tax burden without creating new regulations or requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 3946, the FIGHT Act of 2025, amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically prohibit gambling on animal fighting events and restrict the interstate transport of roosters used in such ventures. It defines "rooster" as male chickens over six months old and makes it unlawful to sponsor, exhibit, attend (for those under 16), or gamble on animal fighting events - whether in-person or broadcast. The bill creates a civil enforcement mechanism allowing any person to file a lawsuit to stop violations after providing 60 days' notice to authorities, with potential fines up to $5,000 per violation. It also establishes seizure of property used to facilitate violations and clarifies that state laws on animal fighting remain in effect unless directly conflicting with federal provisions.

Maddy summaryHR 3975, the Tax Fairness for Disaster Victims Act, adjusts tax credits for individuals affected by federally declared disasters. It allows eligible taxpayers whose income dropped due to a disaster (like a hurricane or flood) to use their *previous year's* earned income and social security taxes instead of their current year's reduced income when calculating certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This applies only to those living in the disaster area on the date FEMA defines as the disaster period and requires them to elect this adjustment. The change ensures disaster victims aren't penalized with lower tax credits because their income temporarily fell due to the disaster.