Rep. Betty McCollum

Maddy summaryThe EXPERTS Act of 2025 requires agencies to disclose funding sources and potential conflicts of interest for studies submitted during rulemaking, including who funded research and any financial relationships that might influence findings. It establishes an Office of the Public Advocate within the Office of Management and Budget to assist public participation in rulemaking, conduct social equity assessments, and improve outreach to underrepresented groups. The bill also mandates that agencies consider social equity impacts when creating rules and requires detailed explanations for withdrawing proposed regulations. These provisions aim to increase transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the federal regulatory process.

Maddy summaryHR 5944, the Restoring Inpatient Mental Health Access Act of 2025, removes a longstanding Medicaid coverage barrier for inpatient mental health services. It amends the Social Security Act to allow federal Medicaid funding for care provided in mental health facilities (previously excluded as "institutions for mental diseases") for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027. This change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries requiring inpatient mental health treatment by enabling federal financial support for those services. The bill does not create new programs but updates existing Medicaid rules to expand coverage for this critical care. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, with no retroactive application.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 5973, requires federal immigration enforcement personnel to follow strict limits on force use, including proportional application, mandatory de-escalation efforts, and prohibitions on equipment like flash bangs or rubber bullets except for specific public safety threats. It mandates body-worn and vehicle cameras for all operations, with footage retained for one year (three years for force incidents or complaints), and grants affected individuals the right to inspect recordings. The law also requires annual training on force policies, First Amendment compliance, and racial bias avoidance, while demanding detailed quarterly reports to Congress on force usage, assaults on agents, and equipment approvals. These provisions directly affect all federal immigration agents conducting enforcement actions, aiming to increase transparency and accountability during operations.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates October 2025 as Head Start Awareness Month to symbolically recognize the program's 60-year impact. It highlights Head Start's service to over 40 million children and families nationwide, emphasizing its role in early childhood development, health screenings, and educational support. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the program's legacy and achievements, not as a policy change or funding measure. It was introduced by multiple representatives to honor Head Start's contributions to child well-being and educational outcomes.

Maddy summaryHRES 854 is a non-binding House resolution commemorating the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder in 2018 and calling for accountability. It acknowledges U.S. sanctions against 17 Saudi officials involved in his killing and urges Saudi Arabia to: (1) ensure accountability for those responsible, (2) release wrongfully detained individuals like Nourah al-Qahtani and Abdulrahman Alsadhan, and (3) respect freedoms of press and assembly. The resolution directly addresses the Saudi government and indirectly supports Saudi dissidents in the U.S. facing transnational repression. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws but formally expresses congressional concern over ongoing human rights abuses.

Maddy summaryHRES 846 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It expresses the House's support for raising awareness about domestic violence and its impacts, and calls for continued congressional attention to ending domestic violence through existing programs. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific groups - it is purely a statement of support. It references statistics on domestic violence prevalence but focuses on awareness rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe American Energy Independence and Affordability Act extends multiple clean energy tax credits that were set to expire between 2025 and 2026. It specifically extends residential clean energy credits through 2034, clean electricity investment credits for wind and solar through 2032, and clean vehicle credits for electric vehicles through 2032. The bill also reinstates special rates for sustainable aviation fuel and modifies requirements for energy-efficient home improvements. These provisions directly affect homeowners installing solar panels, businesses investing in clean energy infrastructure, and manufacturers producing clean energy equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes federal funding for the WIC program mandatory by requiring Congress to appropriate necessary funds annually for fiscal year 2026 and each subsequent year. It removes discretionary language from WIC funding requirements and clarifies that eligible participants must be served without participation limits. The bill directly affects low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children who rely on WIC for nutrition assistance, ensuring continued access to critical food, health, and education services.

Maddy summaryHRES 797 is a non-binding resolution expressing concern about the rising number of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries. It cites PEN America data showing 6,870 book bans affecting 3,751 titles between July 2024 and June 2025, with books about race, LGBTQ+ experiences, and marginalized communities disproportionately targeted (e.g., *The Handmaid’s Tale*, *Maus*, *This Book Is Gay*). The resolution calls on schools to follow best practices for book challenges, protect students’ access to diverse materials, and return books removed from military schools under recent executive orders. It directly addresses students, educators, librarians, and authors impacted by censorship, emphasizing that such bans threaten free expression and democratic values.

Maddy summaryHRES 793 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of October 2025 as "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month." It highlights that specific learning disabilities affect 32% of students receiving special education services, with over 96% of affected 4th and 8th graders lacking reading proficiency and 92% lacking math proficiency in 2023-2024. The resolution calls on schools to continue providing free appropriate public education for these students, emphasizing evidence-based instructional methods. This is a symbolic measure with no new funding or mandates, aimed at raising awareness about learning disabilities and educational gaps.