Rep. Laura Gillen

Maddy summaryHR 2921, the Federal Firefighter Cancer Detection and Prevention Act of 2025, requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide free, regular cancer screenings during annual health assessments for its firefighters. It mandates specific screenings: biannual mammograms for female firefighters aged 40-49, annual for those 50+, colon cancer screenings starting at age 45 with options like colonoscopy, and annual prostate-specific antigen tests for male firefighters aged 50+ or high-risk individuals (e.g., African American firefighters or those with family history). The bill also requires DOD to document screening rates, cancer trends, and share anonymized data with the CDC for research, while allowing firefighters to opt out of any screening. This applies exclusively to DOD firefighters, not all firefighters nationwide.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the federal tax credit for rehabilitating historic buildings. It raises the standard credit rate from 20% to 30% for qualifying small projects (with a $3.75 million expenditure cap) and further increases the cap to $5 million for projects in rural areas. The bill also allows taxpayers to transfer all or part of this credit to another taxpayer, creating a new market for the credit. These changes apply to properties placed in service after the bill's enactment date. The bill directly affects developers and owners of historic properties seeking tax incentives for rehabilitation projects.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 27 is a concurrent resolution that formally reaffirms Congress's support for open water lifeguards by recognizing them as first responders and emergency response providers under existing U.S. law. It highlights their lifesaving work in protecting people and property during water rescues, medical emergencies, and environmental incidents, noting their cross-training in medical response and water safety. The resolution does not create new laws or benefits but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their critical role in community safety. This statement honors lifeguards' service and aligns with international practices that grant similar recognition to lifeguards as emergency responders.

Maddy summaryHR 2830, the Public Safety Officer Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Health Act of 2025, requires the CDC to collect and publicly share data on concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affecting public safety officers (including firefighters, police, and emergency responders). The bill directs the CDC to update its website and develop outreach materials to share this information with medical professionals, public safety employers, mental health providers, patients/families, and researchers. Key provisions include compiling evidence-based practices for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, and consulting with affected groups to ensure the information meets their needs. This bill creates a centralized information resource but does not mandate new treatments or funding for specific programs.

Maddy summaryHR 2767, the BRAIN Act, aims to advance brain tumor research and improve patient care by requiring the NIH to create a public database of tumor samples collected with federal funding. It authorizes $50 million annually for a Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network to accelerate treatment development and $10 million for cellular immunotherapy research (including CAR-T therapies) targeting brain tumors. The bill also mandates a national awareness campaign to increase understanding of cancer clinical trials and biomarker testing, plus $5 million yearly for pilot programs studying survivor care coordination and follow-up services. Additionally, it directs the FDA to issue guidance ensuring brain tumor patients can access clinical trials. These provisions directly affect patients, researchers, and healthcare providers focused on brain tumors and rare cancers.

Maddy summaryHR 2788, the End DWI Act of 2025, requires states to mandate ignition interlock devices for drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) for a minimum of 180 days. States that fail to implement this requirement risk losing 3% of federal highway funds in 2027 and 5% annually thereafter. The bill directly affects states (by tying funding to policy compliance) and DWI offenders (who must use interlock devices to regain driving privileges). Key provisions include a national standard for interlock use, defined exceptions (like employer vehicles), and mechanisms for restoring withheld funds once states comply.

Maddy summaryHR 2772, the Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act of 2025, requires the Coast Guard to study and report on recreational boater education programs within 180 days of enactment. The study examines existing state training programs (like those coordinated by NASBLA), Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, and hands-on training, focusing on course content, assessment methods, and how well programs address boating risks. The report must analyze state program harmonization, reciprocity between states, uniformity in mandatory training, and recommendations for potential federal standards - without creating new requirements for boaters. This procedural bill aims to inform future policy decisions about boating safety education.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to launch a public service campaign educating the public and international allies about transnational repression - when foreign governments harass, threaten, or retaliate against people in the U.S. to coerce them or punish exercise of rights. The campaign must provide resources for victims, including anonymous FBI reporting options, and operate in relevant languages. It also mandates research into technologies to help law enforcement counter these threats while respecting privacy and civil liberties. The bill directly affects victims of transnational repression and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryHR 2735, the Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act, updates federal laws to better protect children from exploitation. It amends kidnapping statutes to include deception in abduction definitions and explicitly states that consent is not a defense for offenses involving victims under 16. The bill adds a new provision (2243(f)) making it illegal to intentionally touch a minor under 16 without clothing for sexual purposes in specific settings like prisons or federal facilities. These changes apply retroactively to conduct occurring before, on, or after the law’s enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisors. The Federal Labor Relations Authority would determine if state laws provide these rights, and if not, would establish them for affected employees. The bill guarantees public employees the right to form unions, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while requiring public employers to recognize unions and put agreements in writing. It also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would disrupt emergency services. This would apply to public employees in states that don't meet the federal standards for collective bargaining rights.