Rep. Pat Harrigan

Maddy summaryHR 1207 transfers the administration of the Food for Peace Act's food aid programs from USAID to the Department of Agriculture. This means the Agriculture Secretary, not the USAID Administrator, will now handle all related functions, including managing assets, grants, and rules for distributing U.S. food aid overseas. The bill requires immediate implementation upon enactment, with references in law automatically updating to the Agriculture Secretary, and allows for swift interim rules to maintain program continuity. It also specifies that the Famine Early Warning Systems Network will continue under Agriculture, and the Department must consult with the State Department on certain aspects of the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands 529 college savings account flexibility by allowing funds to cover costs for industry-recognized postsecondary credentials, not just traditional degrees. It defines "qualified expenses" to include tuition/fees for recognized credential programs (like certifications or apprenticeships), required testing fees, and continuing education needed to maintain credentials. To qualify, programs must meet specific criteria, such as appearing on state lists under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or being listed in VA or Defense directories. The change applies to 529 distributions made after the law's enactment, giving families more options to use these accounts for job-focused training.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 120) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' condemnation of Azerbaijan's treatment of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a detained academic and economist. It urges Azerbaijan to immediately release Dr. Ibadoghlu, who was arrested in 2023 without evidence, subjected to severe beatings, poor prison conditions, denied medical care and legal access, and later placed under house arrest with a travel ban. The resolution specifically calls for his "immediate and unconditional release" and directs the Secretary of State to prioritize his well-being and release in diplomatic engagements with Azerbaijan. It directly addresses the Azerbaijani government's actions toward Dr. Ibadoghlu and his family, who face ongoing harassment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax exclusion for landowners who sell certain property interests through the Defense Department's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program. It excludes the gain from taxable income when selling "qualified real property interests" (including full ownership, remainder interests, or surface use restrictions) to a qualified organization under the REPI program, which protects military readiness areas while conserving environmentally sensitive lands. The exclusion does not apply if the property was purchased within three years prior to sale (except for family partnerships or family-owned entities). This policy change directly affects landowners participating in the REPI program by reducing tax liability on qualifying sales.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 925, the "Dismantle DEI Act of 2025," would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal government operations. The bill requires federal agencies to close DEI offices, rescind related executive orders, and prohibit the use of federal funds for DEI training, offices, or initiatives. It defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" as any activity that discriminates based on race, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin, or requires employees to complete training asserting that certain groups are inherently superior or inferior. The legislation also prohibits requiring employees to sign statements about race, ethnicity, or gender, and establishes private lawsuits for violations with potential damages of $1,000 per violation per day. This bill would directly affect federal agencies, contractors, grantees, and advisory committees receiving federal funding.

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 729, the Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2025, prohibits healthcare providers from administering chemical abortions (using drugs to terminate pregnancy) via telehealth or remote means without being physically present during the procedure. It requires providers to physically examine the patient, be present at the location of the abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit within 14 days. The bill directly affects healthcare providers offering telemedicine abortion services, imposing fines up to $1,000 or up to 2 years in prison for violations. Exceptions apply for life-threatening medical emergencies, and the law explicitly excludes treatment for verified ectopic pregnancies. This bill targets the remote provision of abortion drugs, making in-person provider presence mandatory for such procedures.

Maddy summaryHR 735, the United States Reciprocal Trade Act, would give the President authority to impose tariffs on imports from countries that maintain higher tariffs on U.S. goods than the U.S. imposes on their goods, or that apply significant nontariff barriers. The bill requires the President to consider multiple factors before taking action, including tariff classifications, trade impacts, and competitive relationships, and mandates consultation with Congress before imposing new tariffs. It establishes a 3-year timeframe for these tariff actions with a potential 3-year extension, while providing Congress with a process to disapprove tariffs through a joint resolution requiring a two-thirds vote. The law aims to address perceived trade imbalances by promoting reciprocal trade practices between the U.S. and its trading partners.