Rep. Brandon Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the use of 529 college savings accounts to cover career training and credentialing costs. It allows funds to pay for tuition, fees, books, and testing expenses related to recognized postsecondary credential programs (like vocational certifications) that meet specific standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The change directly affects workers seeking industry-recognized credentials - such as nursing certifications or IT certifications - instead of traditional degrees. It treats these expenses the same as traditional college costs for 529 account withdrawals, making it easier to save for career-focused training. The provision applies to expenses paid after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis resolution, titled the "No Fame for Fraud Resolution," would amend House rules to prevent members of Congress (including delegates and resident commissioners) who face an indictment for financial or campaign finance fraud from receiving payment for biographies, media appearances, or creative works. It specifically targets offenses like violations of campaign finance laws (under the Federal Election Campaign Act) or certain financial crimes covered under federal employee ethics rules. The rule change would apply only to compensation from these non-legislative activities, not a member's regular salary. This policy directly affects members under indictment for the specified fraud-related charges, restricting their ability to profit from public-facing projects during such legal proceedings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a strategic review of the Northeast Petroleum Product Reserves (which include the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve and Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve) within 180 days of enactment. The review must assess the reserves' current configuration, storage capabilities, and alignment with U.S. energy security goals, and propose an action plan to optimize their capacity, location, composition, and distribution. The resulting plan will outline steps to ensure these reserves meet future energy and economic security needs. The bill directly affects the Department of Energy's management of these existing reserves, not the public or private fuel markets.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes safety and operational rules for tethered drones used by emergency services. It requires these drones to have redundant flight controls and automatic landing if tethered, and sets specific airport proximity rules: 0.25 miles from airports (or 0.5 miles in approach paths), with air traffic control approval needed for closer operation. The law directly affects fire departments, police, search and rescue teams, and other emergency service organizations using tethered drones during emergencies. It mandates the FAA to issue implementation guidance within 90 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryHRES 124 is a non-binding House resolution expressing congressional support for expanding domestic nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technology. It states the House believes the U.S. should promote nuclear energy as a reliable, low-carbon power source to enhance energy leadership and independence, citing its high reliability (92% operation rate), carbon reduction benefits (482 million metric tons avoided in 2021), and economic contributions (475,000 jobs supported). The resolution urges actions like streamlining regulations for advanced reactors, securing domestic uranium supply chains, and addressing misinformation about nuclear safety - though it does not create new laws or funding. It serves solely as a statement of policy preference, not a legislative mandate.

Maddy summaryHR 1007, the Nuclear Assistance for America’s Small Businesses Act, delays collection of nuclear regulatory fees for small businesses applying for permits to build or operate advanced nuclear reactors. It allows eligible small businesses (defined as those with NAICS code 221113 that responded to NRC's RIS-20-02) to delay up to 50% of pre-application fees and 35% of post-application fees. The delayed fees must be repaid over 10 years at 10% annually, or accelerated to 25% if the business fails to submit a covered application within 5 years, withdraws it, or faces denial. This applies specifically to applications for construction permits, operating licenses, or combined licenses for advanced nuclear reactors under NRC oversight.

Maddy summaryHJRES 33 is a symbolic congressional resolution acknowledging Vietnam War veterans' service and formally apologizing for their mistreatment upon returning home. It recognizes the sacrifice of over 58,000 service members killed and 300,000 wounded during the war, including veterans exposed to harmful herbicides like Agent Orange. The resolution urges the President to acknowledge this mistreatment as part of the Vietnam War Commemoration and issues a formal apology on behalf of the American people. It also calls for increased educational efforts in schools to highlight veterans' courage and the lack of support they faced after the war. (Note: This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it has no direct legal or financial impact.)

Maddy summaryHR 1088, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968) and the first Black candidate for a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image, which will be presented by Congress and then permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This bill commemorates Chisholm's legacy and achievements without creating new laws or affecting any current policies.

Maddy summaryThe HELP Copays Act (HR 830) changes how health insurance plans calculate patient cost-sharing. It requires that payments made by third parties (like pharmacies, charities, or discount programs) toward medical costs count toward a patient's deductible, copay, or out-of-pocket limit. This directly affects insured individuals who receive financial assistance, discounts, or product vouchers for healthcare expenses. The law ensures these external payments reduce the patient's actual out-of-pocket costs more quickly, aligning with existing Affordable Care Act and Public Health Service Act requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor all U.S. Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). It recognizes their critical role in evacuating nearly 900,000 wounded personnel, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, under extreme combat conditions. The medal, designed with input from the Secretary of Defense, will be presented to the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum for permanent display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, but the primary action is the commemorative recognition of these crews' service.