Rep. Don Bacon

Maddy summaryHR 9109, the IRS Overreach Prevention Act, prohibits the IRS from continuing its Direct File program or developing any successor program that offers free, public electronic tax filing. This bill directly affects taxpayers who might have used the free service, as it prevents the IRS from providing this specific option. The key provision explicitly bans the Secretary of the Treasury from maintaining or creating any free, public electronic return-filing service. The bill does not change tax laws or filing requirements but restricts the IRS’s ability to offer this particular service. It is a procedural measure focused solely on prohibiting the specific program described in the bill text.

Maddy summaryHRES 1374 is a non-binding House resolution honoring correctional officers nationwide for their service and sacrifice. It specifically recognizes 29 fallen officers who died in the line of duty and acknowledges the daily risks, bravery, and professionalism of all correctional officers in maintaining facility safety. The resolution calls for supporting officers' well-being through adequate resources and training, while encouraging public appreciation for their role in upholding justice. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a section of law governing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee compensation to clarify that disputes over whether an employee received the correct pay amount under existing rules are not considered "adjustment of compensation" under the statute. It specifically excludes grievances challenging pay accuracy from the definition of "establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation." The change directly affects VA employees covered under Section 7421(b) who might file such pay-related grievances. The bill makes a technical clarification to streamline how these disputes are categorized within VA's compensation process.

Maddy summaryThe HEALTH for MOM Act of 2024 gives states the option to create Medicaid programs that provide coordinated care for pregnant and postpartum women through "maternity health homes." These are teams of healthcare providers (like doctors, nurses, and social workers) that develop personalized care plans covering prenatal, delivery, postpartum, mental health, and social support services. States can design payment models for these programs, with a 15% federal funding boost for the first four years, and must track outcomes like reduced hospital stays and maternal health data. The program applies to Medicaid-eligible pregnant women (excluding those with limited pregnancy-only coverage) and requires states to collect data on care access and outcomes without mandating enrollment for women or participation for providers.

Maddy summaryHR 4581, the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024, amends Title V of the Social Security Act to explicitly allow federal funds to support stillbirth prevention efforts. The bill directs states receiving Title V maternal and child health funds to use these resources for evidence-based programs and research aimed at reducing stillbirths, including tracking fetal movements, screening for growth issues, smoking cessation, and community support. It directly affects state maternal health programs by clarifying that existing funding can now cover specific stillbirth prevention activities previously not explicitly permitted. The law changes how Title V funds may be spent, adding clear provisions for research and programs targeting stillbirth reduction. This is a policy change that updates funding guidelines without creating new programs or mandates.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers specific federal lands in Iowa and Nebraska from the Army Corps of Engineers to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, then places those lands into trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. The lands, described in detail as Tracts 119, 210, and 113, are declared part of the tribe's historic 1865 reservation under the same terms as the original treaty. The bill explicitly prohibits Class II and Class III gaming on these lands under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Maddy summaryHR 9008, the SEWER Act, establishes a National Wastewater Surveillance System to detect disease-causing pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, flu, mpox, and others in sewage. The bill directs the CDC to expand this system, coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies to monitor wastewater for public health threats. It authorizes $150 million annually (2025-2029) for this effort, with funds remaining available until spent. The law explicitly states wastewater utilities are not required to comply with surveillance requests, making participation voluntary for them.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases military pay rates for all service members across pay grades and years of service, effective January 1, 2025, with specific rate adjustments detailed in the legislation. It expands eligibility for the basic needs allowance to 200% of current rates and authorizes $1.2 billion for housing allowances in fiscal year 2025. The bill also improves child care access by requiring competitive pay for military child care staff, reducing fees for children of child care employees, and mandating regular reports on child care services. Additionally, it enhances health care access by waiving referral requirements for certain services in military medical facilities and establishes a permanent program to support military spouses' employment.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to include physician assistants and nurse practitioners as eligible providers for injured federal workers. It defines "other eligible provider" as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant within their state-authorized scope of practice. The law updates key sections to replace "physician" with "physician or other eligible provider" for treatment, certification, and claim processes. The Secretary must finalize implementing regulations within six months of enactment.