Rep. Jefferson Van Drew

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.

Stop Misappropriating Ratepayer Tariffs for Excessive Resources Act or the SMARTER Act This bill requires nonregulated utilities and state regulators of utilities to consider implementing a standard to prohibit electric utilities from recovering costs relating to the deployment of any smart grid system from their consumers. It also repeals the current requirement for states to consider authorizing electric utilities to recover costs relating to the deployment of certain smart grid systems from their consumers. Within a year, each nonregulated utility and state regulatory authority must consider adopting the prohibition. Within two years, they must determine whether or not to implement the prohibition. However, the deadlines do not apply if a state has already considered or implemented a comparable standard.

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 summaryThe CARGO Act of 2025 prohibits the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from funding any research involving live animals conducted outside the United States. It directly affects foreign organizations and researchers who previously received NIH grants for animal research abroad, including projects funded under the $2.2 billion in grants from 2011-2021. The key provision amends the Public Health Service Act to ban NIH support for such overseas research, requiring all animal research funded by the NIH to occur within the U.S. (including territories and the District of Columbia). This change aims to address concerns about inadequate oversight of animal welfare in foreign labs where self-reported data may be inaccurate.

Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025 This bill requires or authorizes certain actions related to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The bill requires the Department of Justice to appoint an assistant U.S. attorney in each judicial district to coordinate and supervise the investigation and prosecution of various crimes related to postal services (for example, assault on a postal service employee, breaking into a post office, or obstruction of mails). The bill also requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend sentencing guidelines to provide that the assault or robbery of a postal employee shall be treated the same as the assault of a law enforcement officer. Additionally, the bill authorizes appropriations for the USPS to install high security collection boxes and replace older versions of the universal mailbox key with electronic versions.

Maddy summaryHR 1046, the Marc Fischer Memorial Act, requires the Bureau of Prisons to implement digital mail scanning technology at all federal prisons to detect fentanyl and other synthetic drugs in inmate mail. It mandates a strategy within 90 days of an evaluation, including 100% scanning of all mail, digital copies of mail to inmates within 24 hours, and physical mail delivery within 30 days for non-contaminated items. The bill directly affects federal prison staff, inmates, and the Bureau of Prisons by aiming to reduce drug-related overdoses and alleviate staff workload tied to mail processing. Implementation must be completed within three years, with annual reports tracking detected drugs and strategy efficiency. The legislation focuses on concrete technological and procedural changes to enhance safety, referencing a successful pilot program at two facilities.

Maddy summaryHR 1102 establishes a commission to study the feasibility of creating a National Museum of Italian American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The commission, composed of 8 members appointed by congressional leaders, will examine factors like location options, costs, fundraising potential, and impacts on existing museums, and must report back within 18 months. It will not create the museum itself but will develop recommendations for Congress on whether to proceed, with all funding coming from private sources - no federal funds may be used for the commission’s work. The bill focuses solely on the study process, not on building or operating the museum.

Maddy summaryHR 1040, the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act, would stop taxing Social Security benefits for seniors by repealing the current tax rule that includes some benefits in gross income. It directly affects senior citizens who currently pay federal income tax on portions of their Social Security payments. The bill adds a provision stating Section 86 of the tax code (which taxes Social Security benefits) no longer applies after enactment. To offset the lost tax revenue, the bill requires the government to appropriate funds to the Social Security and Railroad Retirement trust funds, ensuring they remain fully funded without requiring tax increases.

Maddy summaryHR 1094, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act, prevents private restrictions (such as those in homeowners associations) from blocking amateur radio operators from installing and maintaining antennas for emergency communications. The bill directly affects over 770,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the U.S. who face such restrictions on their residential property. Key provisions include overriding unreasonable restrictions, requiring reasonable safety and building code compliance for allowed rules, setting a 45-day approval period for antenna installations (with deemed approval if not acted on), and exempting small antennas (under 1 meter, flagpoles ≤43 feet, or minimal wire antennas) from prior approval. This ensures amateur radio operators can quickly establish emergency communication systems without unnecessary delays or costs during crises.

Maddy summaryHR 1052, the UNPLUG EVs Act, rescinds unobligated federal funds from two electric vehicle infrastructure programs. It targets unused balances from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) and charging/fueling grant programs under federal highway law. These rescinded funds will be deposited into the U.S. Treasury's general fund to reduce the federal deficit. The bill does not alter existing program requirements or affect current EV infrastructure projects, only redirecting unspent allocated funds.