Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez

Maddy summaryHR 1657, the Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025, prohibits cosmetic companies from conducting or contracting animal testing for products sold in the U.S. beginning one year after the law takes effect. It also bans the sale or transport of cosmetics developed using such testing after that date, with limited exemptions (e.g., for foreign regulatory requirements or when no non-animal safety alternatives exist). The bill directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, retailers, and distributors by requiring them to shift to non-animal testing methods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will enforce the law, including reviewing records and imposing civil penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2025 amends the Horse Protection Act to ban harmful practices known as "soring," which deliberately cause pain to horses to exaggerate their gait for shows. It specifically prohibits devices like action devices (e.g., boots causing friction) and weighted shoes on Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses at events. The bill increases penalties, including escalating disqualifications for repeat offenses (180 days → 1 year → 3 years) and raises fines for violations to $5,000 per offense. It also requires stricter licensing for inspectors and mandates public posting of violation records to help event organizers enforce rules.

Maddy summaryHRES 166 is a non-binding House resolution expressing U.S. support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic. It condemns the Iranian regime's terrorism, regional proxy wars, internal suppression of ethnic and religious minorities, and human rights abuses - including executions and repression of women-led protests. The resolution calls for holding the regime accountable through sanctions, supports the Ten-Point Plan for Iran’s democratic transition, and urges protection for Iranian political refugees in Albania. It does not create new laws but affirms U.S. policy alignment with Iranian protesters' demands.

Maddy summaryThis bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion (known as the "Black Panthers"), the first predominantly Black armored unit in World War II's European Theater. It recognizes their combat service from 1944-1946, including key roles in the Battle of the Bulge and breaking the Siegfried Line, despite facing racial prejudice during and after the war. The medal will be displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The bill commemorates the battalion's 130,000 enemy casualties inflicted, 50% casualty rate, and their 1978 Presidential Unit Citation. It does not create new laws or affect current policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends duty-free access for Haitian apparel exports to the U.S. until September 30, 2035, under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. It increases the minimum percentage of eligible apparel that qualifies for duty-free treatment to 60% or more and adjusts import limits to 1.25% of the U.S. apparel import market. The bill also restores eligibility for specific apparel items that lost duty-free status due to past tariff schedule changes. These changes directly benefit Haitian apparel manufacturers and U.S. importers of Haitian-made clothing by maintaining market access.

Maddy summaryHR 1551, the Protect and Serve Act of 2025, creates a new federal criminal offense for intentionally harming law enforcement officers under specific circumstances. It imposes harsher penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for serious injury or life imprisonment if death occurs, kidnapping is involved, or a firearm is used. The law applies when the crime crosses state lines, involves interstate weapons, occurs on federal property, or targets federal officers. Prosecutions require the Attorney General’s written certification, considering factors like prior state convictions and public safety impact. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors by expanding federal jurisdiction for certain violent crimes against them.

Maddy summaryHRES 148 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's view that China misrepresents UN Resolution 2758 (1971) as endorsing its "One China Principle" (claiming Taiwan is part of China), when the resolution only addressed which government represented China at the UN. It clarifies that the U.S. "One China Policy" does not accept China's claim over Taiwan and affirms the U.S. stance that Taiwan's status should be resolved peacefully by the people on both sides of the strait. The resolution opposes China's use of this misrepresentation to pressure other nations to sever ties with Taiwan and block Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO or UN agencies. It specifically urges the U.S. to support Taiwan's meaningful engagement in international bodies and ensure Taiwan passport holders can access UN facilities without requiring Chinese-issued permits. The resolution aims to correct China's "false narratives" about Resolution 2758's meaning, not to change U.S. policy.

Maddy summaryHR 1502 authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the volunteers and communities (primarily from Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas) who supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be presented to the individuals who contributed to the canteen’s operations and then permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing historical service, not a policy change affecting current laws or programs.

Maddy summaryHR 1477 creates a new Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division to enforce federal animal cruelty laws. This unit will coordinate with agencies like the FBI, USDA, and U.S. Marshals to investigate and prosecute cases, addressing current gaps in enforcement. The bill requires the unit to submit annual reports to Congress detailing prosecutions, convictions, and investigations where charges weren't filed. It does not change existing animal cruelty laws but establishes a dedicated federal unit to improve enforcement of current statutes.

Maddy summaryHR 1410 expands access to mental health care for 9/11 responders and survivors by allowing licensed mental health providers (not just physicians) to conduct initial health evaluations and certifications under the World Trade Center Health Program. It adjusts the program’s funding formula to account for changing enrollment numbers by linking annual funding to the previous year’s enrollment ratio, and clarifies that deceased individuals are excluded from enrollment counts. The bill also extends the timeframe for adding new health conditions to the program’s list and requires a 2028 report assessing long-term funding needs through 2090. These changes aim to streamline eligibility, improve care access, and ensure sustainable funding for the program.