Rep. Thomas H. Kean, Jr.

Maddy summaryHR 549, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, removes waiting periods for disability and Medicare coverage for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, it amends Social Security Act sections to allow immediate eligibility for disability insurance benefits (eliminating the standard waiting period) and immediate Medicare coverage (waiving the 24-month waiting period) for these patients. The bill directly affects individuals with metastatic breast cancer who would otherwise face delays in accessing critical benefits. These changes apply to applications filed or benefits beginning after the bill's enactment date. The law makes no other policy changes beyond these specific eligibility adjustments.

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 summaryThe Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2024 enables victims of human trafficking to seek to vacate certain convictions or expunge arrests related to offenses they committed as a direct result of being trafficked. It establishes a court process where victims can file motions showing their criminal activity was trafficking-related, with courts required to find by preponderance of evidence that the offense was directly tied to trafficking. If granted, the court must expunge all related records, return any fines paid, and treat the individual as if the offense never occurred. The bill also adds a "human trafficking defense" that creates a presumption of duress for trafficking victims in prosecutions. It requires reports on implementation and training for U.S. attorneys on trafficking indicators.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes federal conservation funding for the Delaware River Basin through 2030, extending the program's expiration date from 2023. It adds Maryland as a basin state (making it a 5-State basin) and modifies cost-sharing rules to provide 90% federal funding for projects serving small, rural, or disadvantaged communities, with a possible 100% federal share if financial hardship is proven. The bill directly affects the five basin states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and New York) and communities within them, particularly those facing economic challenges. The key change is ensuring greater federal financial support for conservation projects in underserved areas while maintaining program continuity through 2030.

Maddy summaryHR 9997 designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, as the "Leonard G. 'Bud' Lomell, Jr. VA Clinic." This ceremonial bill names the facility after Second Lieutenant Leonard G. Lomell, Jr., a D-Day hero who led a critical mission at Pointe-du-Hoc during World War II and later served his community in Toms River. The bill has no policy provisions - it simply changes the clinic's official name for recognition purposes. The naming honors Lomell's military service, post-war civic contributions, and connection to the Toms River area.

Maddy summaryHRES 609 is a House resolution expressing opposition to New York City's proposed Central Business District Tolling Program, which would charge drivers up to $23 daily to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. The resolution highlights that this fee could cost daily commuters about $5,000 annually and disproportionately burden small businesses (still recovering from pandemic lockdowns), low-income families, and students. It disapproves of the program, calls for a public economic impact report, and urges federal and state authorities to halt its implementation. The resolution notes the program is intended to generate $1 billion yearly for the MTA’s capital projects and operations, following the agency’s $690 million 2022 revenue loss.

Maddy summaryThe "Think Differently About Emergencies Act" (HR 6249) requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to report to Congress within 120 days on how it supports individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families during major disasters. The report must detail FEMA’s resources, training, programs, and outreach efforts to states, localities, and nonprofits for these individuals. Within one year, FEMA and the Comptroller General must also review current assistance, identify legal barriers, and propose recommendations to improve support and streamline disaster recovery processes for people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryThe Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act (HR 807) directs the U.S. Treasury to mint three types of commemorative coins honoring working dogs' service: $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar coins with specific weight and composition requirements. Each coin will carry a surcharge ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars) that will be paid directly to America's VetDogs to support their programs providing service dogs for veterans, the disabled, and others. The coins will be issued in 2027 with designs reflecting working dogs' roles in military, detection, therapy, and assistance work. The legislation specifies that all surcharge revenue must fund America's VetDogs' operations without creating new government programs. This is a commemorative measure focused on honoring working dogs' contributions through coin sales, with all surcharge funds going to a specific nonprofit organization.