Rep. Don Bacon

Maddy summaryHR 1586, the Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023, exempts certain fire suppression activities from requiring permits under the Clean Water Act. It directly affects federal agencies like the Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management, as well as state, local, and tribal governments conducting wildfire response. The bill's key provision removes the need for a Section 402 permit under the Clean Water Act when these covered entities discharge fire retardants, chemicals, or water for fire control or prevention. This change streamlines firefighting operations by eliminating a specific permitting step during active wildfire events.

Maddy summaryHR 10352, the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Modeling and Simulation Act of 2024, requires the Department of Defense to develop a modeling and simulation capability for military electromagnetic spectrum operations. This capability will assess how well joint forces can conduct these operations to support combatant command plans and identify improvements. The bill amends an existing annual budget assessment requirement under Title 10 of the U.S. Code to include this new modeling component. It directly affects military commands and the Pentagon's planning processes for spectrum operations, which are critical for communication and electronic warfare. The change focuses on improving operational readiness through better analysis tools, without altering funding or creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 10353, the Middle East Space and Satellite Security Alliance Act of 2024, mandates the U.S. Secretary of Defense (with the Secretary of State) to assess space and satellite security threats in the U.S. Central Command region. The assessment evaluates threats from adversaries like Iran, current efforts to integrate allies (including Israel) into security partnerships, gaps in space situational awareness, and potential multilateral data-sharing agreements. It requires a detailed report to Congress within one year, including recommendations, cost estimates, and metrics for improving collective security. The bill directly affects U.S. allies and partners in the Middle East by aiming to strengthen their protection against space-based threats through better coordination. It is a procedural assessment bill with no new funding or immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a commission to study whether the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The commission, composed of 8 members appointed by congressional leaders with expertise in Jewish American history and museum administration, will examine the museum's collections, financial status, governance, and feasibility of transfer within two years. The commission must submit a report detailing findings, a fundraising plan, and legislative recommendations for any potential transfer. The bill does not transfer the museum but creates a process to evaluate the possibility.

Maddy summaryHR 7438 directs the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins. The coins will be sold to the public at face value plus surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin, respectively), with all surcharge revenue paid to FWC2026 US, Inc. for U.S. soccer programs. These funds must support soccer initiatives, particularly in underserved communities and youth development, as specified in the bill. The coins are legal tender but will only be issued during 2026, with no net cost to the U.S. government.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends funding for the existing Public Health Service Act program focused on raising public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It authorizes $33 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support public health education and outreach initiatives. The program directly affects public health organizations and community groups that develop and distribute educational materials about Alzheimer's prevention, diagnosis, and care. The key provision is the multi-year funding extension, ensuring continued support for nationwide awareness efforts without altering the program's core structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Marine Unit at 101 Km 18.5 in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, as the "Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit" to honor Marine Interdiction Agent Michel O. Maceda, who was mortally wounded during a 2022 drug interdiction operation. The bill ensures all future government documents, maps, and references will use this new name for the unit. It does not change policies, funding, or operations - only commemorates Agent Maceda's service and sacrifice.

Maddy summaryHR 10333, the Defense Hackathon Act of 2024, establishes a formal program requiring the Department of Defense to hold at least four annual hackathons. These events, hosted annually by two combatant command commanders and two military department secretaries (rotating each year), directly involve DoD personnel and external specialists like data scientists. Each hackathon must address a specific technical challenge through collaborative problem-solving, with hosts providing per diem allowances and submitting reports within 60 days. The program aims to foster internal innovation and create repeatable processes for solving critical technical issues across the military. This is a procedural bill focused solely on structuring DoD internal innovation events, not changing external laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN) as a subordinate unified command under U.S. Cyber Command. It requires the Secretary of Defense to make this change within 120 days of enactment and notify all relevant DOD leaders, including military departments and combatant commands. The key provision establishes JFHQ-DODIN as the lead organization responsible for all network operations, security, and defense of the Department of Defense Information Network. This reorganization directly affects all DOD components that receive the notification, centralizing cyber defense authority under Cyber Command. The bill creates a formal command structure to streamline military cyber defense operations without altering existing cyber mission authority.

Maddy summaryHR 10334, the Security Assistance Funding Availability Act of 2024, amends a provision of U.S. law to change how funding for foreign security force programs is managed. It allows funds authorized for fiscal year 2025 or later to cover programs starting in that year and continuing through the end of the third following fiscal year (e.g., programs beginning in 2025 could extend through 2027). This directly affects U.S. security assistance programs supporting foreign military forces by enabling multi-year funding without requiring annual re-approval for the same program. The key mechanism removes previous restrictions on carrying over funds across fiscal years for these specific programs. The bill focuses on streamlining funding administration for security assistance, not altering program goals or eligibility.