Rep. Bradley Scott Schneider

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6469) requires the U.S. State Department, in coordination with the FCC and Treasury, to submit a report within 120 days of enactment assessing internet access options in Iran. The report must evaluate the feasibility of using direct-to-cell wireless technology to expand internet access there, including technical, security, and regulatory considerations. It also analyzes how drone-based systems and signal jamming could affect such technology, surveys Iranian telecom providers (including state ownership and foreign investment), and examines broader implications for communications freedom. The bill does not enact new policy but mandates a government review of potential technological solutions.

Maddy summaryHRES 925 is a non-binding resolution condemning the Iranian government's ongoing persecution of the Baha'i religious minority. It directly affects Baha'is in Iran, who face systemic discrimination, imprisonment, denial of education and employment, and violence due to their faith. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release Baha'i prisoners, end hate propaganda targeting them, and reverse policies banning their access to education and jobs. It also urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to demand Iran's compliance and use existing sanctions authorities against officials responsible for human rights abuses against Baha'is.

Maddy summaryHR 1848, the Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act, requires the U.S. State Department and USAID to submit three reports within 180 days of enactment: one on Houthi indoctrination efforts in Yemen, one on obstacles to humanitarian aid in Houthi-controlled areas, and one on human rights abuses committed by the Houthis (including child soldier recruitment and enforced disappearances). The bill mandates annual sanctions determinations under existing laws against Houthi members who restrict aid or commit human rights violations. It directly targets the Houthi group (Ansarallah) in Yemen, focusing on accountability for their actions. The legislation expires five years after enactment.

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority with respect to research on rare pediatric diseases, including by permitting the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to satisfy pediatric study requirements and by reauthorizing programs that support pediatric research.  Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations to permit research on new drugs in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved, provided certain conditions are met; permits the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements, if such sponsors demonstrated a lack of due diligence in satisfying the requirement; renews the FDA’s authority to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of new products intended to treat rare pediatric diseases through September 30, 2029; and reauthorizes through FY2027 certain funding for the National Institutes of Health to support priority pediatric research.  The bill also provides statutory authority for the FDA’s interpretation of the orphan drug exclusivity period. The bill specifies, consistent with FDA regulations, that the seven-year market exclusivity period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drugs) prohibits the approval of the same drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to the disease or condition. (In Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra , a court rejected the FDA’s interpretation and held that orphan drug exclusivity extends to all uses or indications for the disease or condition.)

Maddy summaryThis bill allows workers aged 50 or older to directly roll over employer retirement contributions (from 401(k) plans) into an individual retirement annuity without triggering immediate taxes or penalties. It requires retirement plan administrators to provide clear, plain-language written explanations about rollover rules, including a 30-day review period, tax implications (like the 10% early withdrawal penalty), and what types of distributions cannot be rolled over (such as required minimum distributions). The rules apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2025, and aim to simplify the process for older workers changing jobs or managing retirement funds. It directly affects workers aged 50+ and retirement plan administrators who must comply with the new disclosure standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates securities laws to expand exemptions for retirement plans used by charities and educational institutions. It specifically modifies definitions in the Investment Company Act, Securities Act, and Securities Exchange Act to include 403(b) plans meeting certain conditions - such as being subject to ERISA, having employer fiduciary oversight, or being governmental plans. These changes reduce regulatory hurdles for organizations offering these plans, making it easier to administer retirement benefits for their employees. The bill directly affects charities, schools, and other non-profits that sponsor 403(b) retirement plans.

Maddy summaryHR 998 requires the IRS to send clearer notices when correcting math or clerical errors on tax returns. It mandates that these notices include specific details like the error type, exact tax return line affected, and an itemized calculation of all adjustments (such as changes to income, deductions, credits, or taxes owed) in plain language. The bill also requires notices to display the deadline for requesting corrections prominently and provide a phone number for automated tax transcript services. This directly affects taxpayers who receive IRS error notices, making it easier for them to understand and respond to corrections.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Higher Education Act to allow foreign institutions of higher education to offer distance learning courses that qualify for federal student aid. It sets three key requirements: distance education must not exceed 12.5% of a program, the institution must be evaluated by an outside accreditor, and students must physically attend instruction in the foreign country. The changes apply to foreign institutions seeking to provide hybrid programs where students receive aid under the Higher Education Act. The rules take effect after enactment, with a 3-month implementation period for the first qualifying semester.

Maddy summaryHRES 899 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the Transgender Day of Remembrance and memorializing transgender people killed by violence in 2024-2025. It directly affects transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, by acknowledging the epidemic of violence against them - citing 27 U.S. victims (including names like Rick Alastor Newman and Kyla Jane Walker) and 241 global cases in 2025. The resolution’s key provisions include formally recognizing the violence epidemic, memorializing specific lives lost, and affirming the need for solutions to protect transgender people. It does not create new laws but expresses congressional support for addressing systemic violence and discrimination faced by transgender communities.

Maddy summaryHRES 904 is a symbolic resolution recognizing November 30, 2025, as "Yom Haplitim" or "Jewish Refugee Day." It commemorates the historical displacement of approximately 900,000 Jewish people from Arab-majority countries after World War II and the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The resolution calls for educational efforts to teach this history, condemns antisemitism, and supports safeguarding Jewish communities globally. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges this historical event.