Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Maddy summaryThe SPEED and Reliability Act of 2025 streamlines federal permitting for new or modified electric transmission lines by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue permits within 18 months if projects meet specific criteria. It directly affects utilities building transmission infrastructure, landowners (like farmers and ranchers) along proposed routes, and state agencies through new consultation requirements. Key provisions include prioritizing projects that improve grid reliability (e.g., reducing outages), mandating landowner input during planning, and ensuring costs are allocated only to customers who benefit from the new infrastructure. The bill also clarifies FERC’s role versus state authorities and modifies cost allocation rules to align with benefits like reduced congestion and lower power losses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 to clarify and expand law enforcement support for identity theft cases. It defines "identity theft" as criminal acts involving unauthorized use of another person's identifying details (like Social Security numbers or bank info), and adds "identity theft" to existing federal grant programs for local police to investigate cybercrimes. These grants will now fund investigations into identity theft alongside other cybercrimes. The bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies receiving these grants and victims of identity theft by improving enforcement resources. (Note: The title "Protect Your PIN" is misleading; the bill focuses on identity theft definitions and funding, not PIN security.)

Maddy summaryHR 5614, the "If You See It, Squish It Act of 2025," directs the Secretary of Agriculture to launch a national public awareness campaign about spotted lanternflies. The campaign requires placing TV, radio, and billboard ads in high-incidence areas to inform the public that spotted lanternflies are invasive pests threatening agriculture and to encourage people to kill any they encounter. It specifically mandates these public service announcements and allows the Secretary to use additional awareness tools. This bill directly affects residents in regions with spotted lanternfly infestations by providing information on identifying and addressing the pest.

Maddy summaryHRES 760 is a symbolic House resolution supporting the designation of September 22-26, 2025, as "National Hazing Awareness Week." It does not create new laws or requirements but formally acknowledges the harm of hazing in college settings and encourages ongoing prevention efforts. The resolution references existing laws like the Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024) and highlights statistics on hazing prevalence and its deadly consequences, including listed cases of student deaths. It urges the public to observe the week by promoting hazing awareness and prevention. This resolution directly affects college communities and aims to foster safer campus environments through awareness, not policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the import, export, and sale of donkey skins and ejiao products (a gelatin made from donkey skin) in U.S. commerce. It directly affects U.S. businesses importing or selling ejiao, which currently accounts for $12 million in annual U.S. imports. The law prohibits trading in donkey skins for ejiao production or any product containing ejiao, with civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation or criminal charges for larger offenses. Enforcement will be handled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, targeting the U.S. market for a product driving global donkey population declines.

Maddy summaryThe Improving Child Care for Working Families Act of 2025 increases the tax exclusion limit for dependent care assistance from $7,500 to $10,500 annually for most taxpayers. This change directly benefits working families who receive employer-provided child care benefits by allowing them to exclude more of that assistance from their taxable income. Married couples filing separately would see their exclusion limit rise from $3,750 to $5,250. The amendment applies to amounts paid or incurred in calendar years starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025 would establish a federal grant program to fund school-based mental health services for students in grades K-12, particularly those experiencing trauma, grief, suicide risk, or violence. It directly affects schools (including Bureau of Indian Education schools), students, and community mental health providers through partnerships that must include school districts and local mental health entities. Key provisions require services to be culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and integrated with positive behavioral supports, with grants capped at $2 million per award for 5 years (renewable) and funded at $300 million annually for 2027-2028. Recipients must report annually on program outcomes, ensure equitable access across urban and rural areas, and comply with privacy laws like HIPAA and FERPA.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes time limits for victims to file civil and criminal cases related to child sexual abuse, exploitation, and sex trafficking. It requires states to eliminate statutes of limitations for these cases and revive previously time-barred claims, allowing victims a minimum of 2 years or until age 55 to pursue legal action (Section 3, Section 4). The bill provides federal grants to states that adopt these reforms, with funding tiers based on how many changes they implement (e.g., eliminating civil/criminal time limits or reviving expired claims) (Section 4). It directly affects survivors of child sexual abuse by expanding their legal options to seek justice, addressing findings that most victims delay reporting until decades later.

Maddy summaryHR 5521, the Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025, authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to the Peace Corps organization. The medal recognizes all volunteers who served between August 1961 and December 2026, commemorating their 65-year contributions to global development and international relations. The award, to be presented by September 22, 2026, will be displayed at Peace Corps headquarters and other relevant locations. This symbolic honor acknowledges volunteers' work in sectors like education, health, and community development across 140+ countries.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther, a volunteer firefighter and equities trader who died saving others during the September 11, 2001, attacks. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be given to Crowther’s mother, Alison Crowther, following a formal presentation by congressional leaders. The bill also permits the U.S. Mint to sell bronze duplicates of the medal at cost to cover production expenses. It is a purely commemorative measure with no legislative or regulatory impact.