Rep. Robert F. Onder, Jr.

Maddy summaryHR 2552, the RIFLE Act, repeals the federal tax on firearm transfers (Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code). This directly affects firearm sellers and purchasers by removing the tax paid when transferring firearms. The bill also updates related tax code references to reflect the repeal and specifies the tax removal applies to transfers after the law's enactment. It clarifies that the repeal does not change how firearms are regulated under the National Firearms Act or involve the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Maddy summaryThe DETERRENT Act requires higher education institutions receiving federal funding to disclose foreign gifts and contracts meeting certain value thresholds ($50,000 or more for regular foreign sources, all for "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern"). Institutions must report details including the foreign source's identity, purpose, and financial value, with all disclosures made public through a searchable database. The bill prohibits contracts with designated "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern" without a specific waiver, and includes enforcement mechanisms with fines for non-compliance. Institutions must also maintain policies requiring faculty and staff to disclose foreign connections that meet certain criteria.

Maddy summaryThe FARMLAND Act of 2025 strengthens oversight of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land, particularly from countries like China and other "foreign entities of concern" as defined in the law. It requires agricultural land buyers to conduct due diligence and certify compliance, creates civil penalties for false or missing reports, and prohibits foreign persons from participating in Farm Service Agency programs. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress on foreign ownership of farmland by specific countries and requires development of a centralized database tracking foreign ownership. It also expands the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States' authority to review certain real estate transactions involving foreign entities of concern.

Maddy summaryHJRES 82 disapproves the District of Columbia Council's approval of the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024 (D.C. Act 25-699), a local law that would have amended insurance regulations in Washington, D.C. This procedural resolution, submitted under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, allows Congress to reject the District's legislative action. The bill itself does not change insurance regulations but formally expresses disapproval of the District's law, preventing it from taking effect.

Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act (HR 2395) redefines federal firearm definitions to exclude antique and collector firearms from being classified as firearms, and removes distinctions between short-barreled rifles and shotguns in federal regulations. It prevents state laws from imposing taxes or registration requirements on short-barreled rifles and shotguns, requiring state rules to align with federal compliance instead. The bill also mandates the federal government to destroy specific records related to these firearms within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Title IX to prohibit individuals assigned male at birth (based on reproductive biology and genetics at birth) from using locker rooms designated for females during active use in school programs. It directly affects transgender girls and schools implementing gender-segregated facilities. The key provision makes it unlawful under federal law to use such facilities when they are actively used by individuals of a different sex. The policy change takes effect 30 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe PHIT Act of 2025 allows taxpayers to deduct certain fitness-related expenses as medical costs on their federal tax returns. It directly affects individuals and families who pay for qualifying physical activity programs, such as gym memberships, fitness classes, or approved equipment. Key provisions include setting annual limits ($1,000 per person or $2,000 for joint returns), defining eligible fitness facilities (excluding golf courses or private clubs), and specifying that equipment must be used exclusively for physical activity. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat these expenses as deductible medical costs, effective for taxable years after its enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 2387, the "No Harm Act," prohibits federal funding for certain medical treatments for minors that the bill defines as "sex-trait altering treatments," including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender reassignment surgeries (except for specific medical conditions like disorders of sex development). The bill directly affects minors receiving such care, healthcare providers, medical institutions, and schools, requiring parental consent for any treatment and banning federal funds for facilities or schools that provide these treatments without parental approval. Key provisions include banning federal funds for any promotion or facilitation of these treatments, mandating a 72-hour parental consultation period before treatment, and creating civil lawsuits for violations. The bill defines "sex" as biological sex at birth and "gender" as social aspects, excluding only treatments for medically verified conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the U.S. Code to define key terms like "sex," "male," and "female" based on biological characteristics present at conception, specifically referencing reproductive anatomy. It requires all federal agencies, courts, and Congress to use these biological definitions when interpreting laws, regulations, or agency actions - replacing current interpretations that consider gender identity. The bill explicitly states that "gender identity" does not constitute a valid basis for determining sex under federal law. This change would directly affect how federal agencies implement existing laws related to healthcare, education, employment, and civil rights by mandating biological sex definitions in their operations.

Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025 This bill eliminates the Optional Practical Training Program or any successor program, unless Congress expressly authorizes such a program. (The program provides an F-1 student visa holder temporary employment authorization before or after completion of the student's studies, or both.)