Rep. Paul Tonko

Maddy summaryHR 4482, the Stop NOAA Closures Act, imposes a temporary moratorium on closing, suspending, or limiting access to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities, effective until a report is submitted to Congress by January 21, 2029. The bill requires NOAA and the General Services Administration to submit detailed reports to specific congressional committees before any future facility closure, suspension, lease termination, or consolidation - outlining cost-benefit analyses, service impacts, and justification. Exceptions apply only for emergencies posing immediate threats to personnel safety. This bill directly affects NOAA's facility management decisions and mandates congressional oversight for future closures.

Maddy summaryThe Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 prohibits selling goods or services at grossly excessive prices during exceptional market shocks like natural disasters, energy shortages, or public health emergencies. It creates a presumption of violation when companies with "unfair leverage" (revenue over $1 billion, dominant market position, or other factors) increase prices beyond normal market fluctuations. The law requires public companies to disclose detailed pricing information in SEC filings during these emergencies, including explanations for price increases and how costs affected pricing. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general would enforce the law, with civil penalties up to 5% of a company's revenue for violations. The bill also appropriates $1 billion to fund FTC enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity within the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate federal efforts addressing climate change's health impacts. It requires the creation of a National Strategic Action Plan to identify communities most affected by climate-related health threats - including environmental justice communities, medically underserved communities, and Tribal communities - and develop strategies for preparedness and response. The plan must address specific health impacts like extreme heat, air pollution, infectious diseases, and mental health effects, while prioritizing health equity and environmental justice. The bill also creates a Science Advisory Board to provide expert guidance and authorizes funding for these initiatives over several years. These provisions are designed to strengthen the health sector's ability to respond to climate change impacts across the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts federal law enforcement officers and military personnel (including National Guard) from conducting crowd control, arrests, or detentions during protests, demonstrations, or riots outside federal property unless specific exceptions apply. It requires officers to visibly display their agency and name/identifier during such operations and prohibits using unmarked vehicles or obscuring identification. Federal agencies must also publish public notices within 24 hours after deployments, detailing the date, personnel numbers, mission purpose, and detainee locations. These provisions apply to all federal law enforcement actions involving civil disobedience or public demonstrations, with exceptions only for state/local written requests or emergency federal action under the Insurrection Act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 585) is a symbolic congressional statement recognizing that extreme weather events - like heatwaves, wildfires, and poor air quality - pose unique health risks to children, including respiratory issues, heat illness, mental health impacts, and disruptions to education. It calls on Congress to prioritize rapid, equitable solutions tailored to children’s needs, such as improved school air filtration, accessible emergency alerts, and child-focused disaster planning. The resolution specifically highlights vulnerable groups like young farmworkers, pregnant people, and children in urban heat islands. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but urges future legislation and funding to address these climate-related health threats for children.

Maddy summaryHR 4444 would replace the current "undue hardship" standard for discharging student loan debt in bankruptcy with a new, more accessible standard. This change directly affects the 43 million Americans with federal student loans, particularly those struggling with payments (over 6 million are 90+ days delinquent as of June 2025), who currently face an extremely low success rate (less than 0.01%) under the existing Brunner test. The bill amends Section 523(a)(8) of the bankruptcy code to remove "undue hardship," giving courts flexibility to use reasonable criteria while maintaining existing bankruptcy requirements like means testing. This aims to provide a fairer path to relief for borrowers who cannot repay their debts, addressing a system where most bankruptcy filings for student loans fail.

Maddy summaryThe Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act creates federal funding programs to improve training for health professionals in palliative and hospice care. It authorizes $15 million annually for 2026-2030 to support grants for education programs that train doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals in palliative care. The bill prioritizes programs serving rural or medically underserved areas, pediatric patients, and racial/ethnic minority populations. It establishes specific training requirements including interprofessional team-based care, patient and family engagement, and integration with primary care settings. The legislation also includes provisions to disseminate information about palliative care benefits to patients, families, and health professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using federal funds to detain or transport U.S. citizens during civil immigration enforcement actions. It directly affects ICE operations by blocking funding for any activity that would hold or move citizens outside the U.S. under immigration laws. The key mechanism is a specific funding restriction in the bill text, stating no funds may be used for detaining or transporting citizens. This applies to all civil immigration enforcement activities defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill does not create new enforcement powers but limits how existing funds can be spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal worker heat protection standards to prevent heat-related illness and injury. It requires employers to provide a workplace free from heat stress hazards, including access to cool water, scheduled rest breaks, shaded cooling areas, and training on heat illness symptoms. The Secretary of Labor must create these standards within one year, incorporating evidence-based practices like engineering controls (e.g., ventilation), administrative measures (e.g., adjusted schedules), and employer-paid personal protective equipment. The law directly affects all employers in high-heat work environments - such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing - and strengthens whistleblower protections for workers reporting safety violations.

Maddy summaryThe Child Care for Working Families Act creates a federal program to provide affordable, high-quality child care for working families with children under age 6. It would provide direct child care assistance through certificates or grants to parents, with no copayment required for families at or below 85% of state median income. The program requires states to implement quality standards for child care providers, including a tiered quality system and minimum wage requirements for staff (at least a living wage equivalent to elementary educators). The bill appropriates $20 billion for the program over five years, with additional funding for quality improvement initiatives and universal preschool services.