Rep. Dean Phillips

Maddy summaryHR 932 repeals two key congressional authorizations for military force in Iraq: the 1991 resolution (Public Law 102-1) and the 2002 resolution (Public Law 107-243). This bill removes the legal foundation that has permitted U.S. military operations in Iraq for over two decades. It directly affects the executive branch’s authority to conduct military actions under these specific resolutions, requiring future operations to seek new congressional approval. The repeal is a procedural change that would end the statutory basis for ongoing military engagement in Iraq without altering other laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying veterans any benefits due to participation in state-approved marijuana programs. It requires VA healthcare providers to discuss cannabis use with enrolled veterans, adjust treatment plans accordingly, and document such use in medical records. VA doctors are also authorized to provide recommendations about state cannabis programs to veterans living in states that have legalized them. The policy directly affects veterans enrolled in VA care who use state-legal cannabis, removing federal barriers to their participation in state programs without benefit penalties.

Maddy summaryHR 303, the Retired Pay Restoration Act, allows certain disabled military retirees to receive both full retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation without forfeiting retired pay. It specifically extends this benefit to retirees with service-connected disabilities rated below 50% (previously ineligible), while continuing existing provisions for those with 50-90% ratings and 100% ratings. The bill eliminates the "one dollar for one dollar" offset for these retirees, effective January 2021, meaning they no longer lose retired pay to receive disability compensation. This directly affects disabled military retirees with qualifying service-connected disabilities under 50% who were previously required to sacrifice retired pay. The law amends Title 10 to redefine "qualified retirees" and streamline concurrent payment eligibility.

This resolution condemns Iranian state-sponsored terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and officials and Iranian dissidents. The resolution also expresses support for the people of Iran who are legitimately defending their rights for freedom against repression and condemns the killing of Iranian protesters by the Iranian regime.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 13 is a concurrent resolution expressing Congress's support for maintaining the current policy that prohibits imposing new fees on local radio stations for playing music. It states that Congress should not impose any performance fee, tax, royalty, or charge on local radio stations for broadcasting sound recordings over the air, or on businesses like bars and restaurants that play music publicly. The resolution argues that such fees would harm local radio stations - critical sources for emergency information and community programming - and jeopardize the economic model that has supported both radio and the music industry for decades. This resolution does not create new law but formally opposes potential legislative changes to the existing fee structure.

Stop Communist Construction of Public Infrastructure Act or the Stop CCP Infrastructure Act This bill prohibits certain entities related to China or the Chinese government from receiving federal funds for public works projects in the United States. Specifically, this prohibition applies to entities that are (1) headquartered in China; or (2) owned, financed, influenced by, or affiliated with the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), or the Chinese military. Further, state and local governments must verify that a recipient of federal funds for a public works project is free from any obligations, influences, or connections to any of these entities.

Protecting Dogs Subjected to Experiments Act This bill prohibits the National Institutes of Health from funding biological, medical, or behavioral research that involves testing dogs.

Maddy summaryThe Better Care Better Jobs Act (HR 547) aims to improve access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for Medicaid beneficiaries by providing states with planning grants and enhanced federal funding. States that develop approved HCBS infrastructure improvement plans will receive a 10 percentage point increase in federal Medicaid funding for HCBS services, with additional incentives for self-directed care programs. The bill requires states to address barriers to access, expand workforce development, improve payment rates for direct care workers, and track demographic data on service utilization. It also establishes quality measurement requirements and mandates regular reporting on progress toward improving HCBS access and quality.

This resolution states that the House of Representatives (1) rejects hate, discrimination, and antisemitism; (2) stands united with the Jewish people against rising antisemitism; and (3) condemns antisemitic tropes such as claims of dual loyalty.

Maddy summaryHR 765, the African American History Act, authorizes $2 million annually for the National Museum of African American History and Culture to develop educational resources and programs about African American history. The bill directs the museum to create accessible teaching materials, support teacher professional development, and expand digital content for schools and the public, focusing on contributions, civil rights, and historical contexts. It requires annual reports to Congress and expires in 2028. The program directly supports educators, students, and families in learning about African American history through museums, schools, and online platforms.