Rep. Jason Crow

Maddy summaryThe EQUAL Act (HR 1062) eliminates the unequal sentencing disparity between crack cocaine (cocaine base) and powder cocaine offenses under federal law. It repeals specific provisions in the Controlled Substances Act and Import/Export Act that previously imposed harsher penalties for cocaine base, directly affecting individuals convicted of federal cocaine offenses involving cocaine base. The bill applies to all future cases and allows courts to reduce sentences for people already convicted of such offenses before the law's enactment. This change removes a key legal distinction that historically led to significantly longer sentences for crack cocaine offenses compared to powder cocaine.

This resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Moldova in the face of Russia's malign influence and military aggression. The resolution also (1) lauds the strengthening of civil society, democracy, and democratic institutions in Moldova; (2) welcomes the strong mandate given to pro-reform forces in recent elections; and (3) urges the European Union to continue to promote Moldova's accession processes.

Maddy summaryHR 1099, the PAID OFF Act of 2023, amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to restrict exemptions for foreign agents representing specific countries. It defines six "countries of concern" (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Syria) and removes existing exemptions under FARA that previously allowed agents of these nations to avoid registration. This change directly affects foreign agents working on behalf of those six countries in the U.S., requiring them to register as foreign agents under FARA. The law expires on October 1, 2026, after which the amendments will no longer apply.

Maddy summaryHR 1088, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968) and the first Black candidate for a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image, which will be presented by Congress and then permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This bill commemorates Chisholm's legacy and achievements without creating new laws or affecting any current policies.

Maddy summaryThe HELP Copays Act (HR 830) changes how health insurance plans calculate patient cost-sharing. It requires that payments made by third parties (like pharmacies, charities, or discount programs) toward medical costs count toward a patient's deductible, copay, or out-of-pocket limit. This directly affects insured individuals who receive financial assistance, discounts, or product vouchers for healthcare expenses. The law ensures these external payments reduce the patient's actual out-of-pocket costs more quickly, aligning with existing Affordable Care Act and Public Health Service Act requirements.

Shell Company Abuse Act This bill makes it unlawful to establish or use a corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an election contribution or donation by a foreign national. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health care coverage under TRICARE for military dependents. It eliminates a separate premium for young adults aged 21-26 enrolled in the TRICARE Young Adult Program, meaning they will no longer pay an extra fee for coverage. The bill also removes an eligibility restriction that previously limited coverage for some dependents in this age group. These changes directly affect military service members' adult children and spouses who rely on TRICARE Young Adult coverage. The policy update simplifies enrollment and reduces out-of-pocket costs for these beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor all U.S. Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). It recognizes their critical role in evacuating nearly 900,000 wounded personnel, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, under extreme combat conditions. The medal, designed with input from the Secretary of Defense, will be presented to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for permanent display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, but the primary action is the commemorative recognition of these crews' service.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act to allow Puerto Rico to transition from its current block grant nutrition assistance program to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aligning it with how states like Hawaii and Guam operate. Puerto Rico must submit a transition plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture within 60 days, which the agency must review and approve within 180 days. The bill extends Puerto Rico’s existing block grant funding for up to five years or until the transition is complete, whichever comes first, and requires annual progress reports to Congress. This change directly affects Puerto Rico residents currently receiving nutrition assistance under the block grant, potentially providing them with benefits consistent with the SNAP program.

Maddy summaryThe SNAP Theft Protection Act of 2023 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish regulations allowing states to reissue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen through identity theft or skimming (like card skimming). It directs states to identify eligible households and reissue lost benefits meeting specific criteria, directly affecting SNAP recipients who experience benefit theft. Key provisions include setting criteria for reissuance, requiring a 240-day status report to Congress on implementation, and annual reports detailing the value and number of reissued benefits per state. The bill also mandates periodic reviews of electronic benefit transfer security to adapt to evolving theft threats.