Rep. John H. Rutherford

Maddy summaryThe CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025 creates a federal grant program to fund training programs at community colleges and career schools focused on residential construction careers. It targets rural areas and underserved populations - including veterans, low-income individuals, and groups with historically low representation in construction - to develop skills in trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC. Grants, totaling $20 million annually from 2026-2030, require flexible scheduling, partnerships with construction employers, and plans to increase affordable housing supply through workforce development. The bill directly affects community colleges in rural or underserved regions and their students seeking residential construction careers.

Fair Access to Banking Act This bill places restrictions on certain banks, credit unions, and payment card networks if they refuse to do business with a person who complies with the law. Restrictions include prohibiting the use of electronic funds transfer systems and lending programs, termination of an institution's depository insurance, and specified civil penalties. Banks and other specified financial institutions are allowed to deny financial services to a person only if the denial is justified by a documented failure of that person to meet quantitative, impartial, risk-based standards established in advance by the institution. This justification may not be based upon reputational risks to the institution. The bill establishes the right for a person to bring a civil action for a violation of this bill.

Maddy summaryHR 1007, the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, clarifies how the Department of Education enforces Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to address discrimination against Jewish individuals. It requires the Department to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating complaints involving discrimination based on actual or perceived Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics. This affects Jewish students and communities in K-12 schools and colleges receiving federal funding, as it ensures antisemitism is assessed under existing civil rights protections. The bill does not create new laws but specifies that the IHRA definition - already used by the Department since 2018 - must be applied in Title VI enforcement cases.

Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2025 This bill requires finished pasteurized orange juice to contain at least 10% by weight of orange juice soluble solids, exclusive of the solids of any added optional sweetening ingredients. (Current regulations require at least 10.5% by weight of orange juice soluble solids.)

Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 This bill increases certain payment adjustments under the Medicare physician fee schedule for services furnished between April 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 833 creates a federal tax credit for individuals and corporations that contribute to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) providing scholarships for elementary and secondary education. The credit allows taxpayers to deduct up to 10% of their adjusted gross income or $5,000 (whichever is less) for contributions to SGOs serving students from households with income up to 300% of the area median income. The bill establishes a $10 billion annual cap on the tax credit program, requires SGOs to verify student eligibility and maintain separate accounts, and prohibits government control over SGOs or private schools. It ensures scholarships can be used at public, private, or religious schools without discrimination based on religious character. The tax credit would be available for contributions made after December 31, 2025, with annual volume cap increases based on usage.

Maddy summaryHR 860 reauthorizes the Congressional Award Program by extending its expiration date from October 1, 2023, to October 1, 2028, with the change retroactively effective as of October 1, 2023. This program recognizes young Americans aged 14-23 for achievements in community service, personal development, and outdoor expeditions through awards like medals and certificates. The bill also makes minor technical updates to the medal description, removing specific metal composition details and adjusting related language. The extension ensures the program will continue operating uninterrupted for participants and administrators through 2028.

Maddy summaryHR 768, the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act, requires the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Director to study how states and school districts currently teach about the Holocaust and antisemitism in K-12 schools. The study will examine curriculum requirements, teacher training, educational materials used, and assessment methods across all states and a representative sample of school districts and schools. It specifically aims to identify gaps, resources needed, and how schools address antisemitism and genocide prevention in their teaching. The Museum must submit a report to Congress within three years of the bill's enactment, detailing findings on current practices and challenges. This bill does not mandate new teaching requirements but seeks to understand existing approaches to Holocaust education.

Maddy summaryHR 797, the Ultrasounds Save Lives Act of 2025, requires abortion providers to perform an ultrasound before an abortion (except in medical emergencies) and share the results with the patient. It mandates a specific informed consent form detailing the fetus's gestational age, medical risks, developmental stage (including heartbeat and organ development), and provider penalties for non-compliance. Violations trigger civil penalties of $100,000-$250,000 per incident, plus private lawsuits allowing patients to seek triple the abortion cost in damages. The law applies to licensed medical providers and those legally authorized to perform abortions, with exceptions only when ultrasound poses a direct risk to the patient's life or major bodily function.

Maddy summaryHR 756, the 287(g) Program Protection Act, makes it easier for state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with federal immigration authorities under the 287(g) program. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter written agreements with any state or local agency that requests participation within 90 days, prohibits arbitrary denials without 180 days' notice to Congress, and bans termination of existing agreements without compelling reasons and 180 days' notice. The bill also mandates uniform federal training standards for participating officers, requires annual reports on program performance (including apprehensions, removals, and compliance), and establishes dedicated funding for the program. This directly affects state and local police departments seeking to enforce federal immigration laws within their jurisdictions.