Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick

Maddy summaryHR 2678, "Ellie’s Law," authorizes $20 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to conduct new research on unruptured brain aneurysms. The funding specifically aims to study diverse patient populations by age, sex, and race, addressing gaps in current research. This bill directly affects the estimated 6.8 million Americans with unruptured brain aneurysms - particularly women and people of color, who face higher rupture risks - by advancing medical understanding of the condition. The law requires the funds to supplement, not replace, existing research budgets.

Maddy summaryThe Tax Fairness for Workers Act (HR 2671) would allow certain employees to deduct work-related expenses directly from their gross income. Specifically, it creates an above-the-line deduction for union dues (amending IRC Section 62(a)(1)) and reinstates a deduction for other out-of-pocket work costs like uniforms or tools (amending IRC Section 67(g)), effective for 2025 tax years. This directly affects union members and workers with significant job-related expenses who previously could not deduct these costs. The bill removes the prior limitation that barred these deductions, making them available without needing to itemize. The policy change simplifies tax filing for affected workers by treating these expenses as deductible business costs.

Maddy summaryThe Retirement Savings for Americans Act of 2025 creates a new retirement savings program called the American Worker Retirement Fund to help workers without access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. It requires businesses to automatically enroll qualifying workers (those without existing retirement plans) at a 3% contribution rate, with the option to opt out. The program includes a government match tax credit that provides up to 5% of a worker's income as matching contributions, phasing out for higher earners. The Fund will be managed by a Board and Executive Director, offering multiple investment options and maintaining accounts until retirement or withdrawal.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 2253 (Puppy Protection Act of 2025), sets new federal standards for commercial dog dealers who sell puppies to the public. It requires specific housing sizes based on dog size (e.g., 12-30 square feet per dog), daily exercise in safe outdoor areas, clean water and nutritious food twice daily, and annual veterinary exams including dental checks. The bill also limits breeding frequency (max 2 litters in 25 months), sets age minimums for breeding (18 months for small dogs, 2 years for large dogs), and mandates health screenings to prevent genetic diseases. These requirements apply directly to commercial dealers, with final regulations to be issued within 18 months of enactment.

Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act This bill waives the adjusted gross income limitations for payments or benefits under specific Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster assistance programs for a person or legal entity that derives a portion of their income from agriculture. Currently, a person or entity is not eligible to receive certain benefits during a crop, fiscal, or program year if their average gross income exceeds $900,000. Specifically, in the case of an excepted payment or benefit, the adjusted gross income limitation is waived if 75% or more of the average adjusted gross income for the person or entity is derived from farming, ranching, or silviculture activities. These activities include agritourism, direct-to-consumer marketing of agricultural products, and the sale of agricultural equipment owned by such person or entity. The bill applies to the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program; Tree Assistance Program; and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HR 2102 (Major Richard Star Act), allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both full military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation simultaneously, without the previous offset that reduced retired pay. It directly affects veterans already eligible for both benefits due to combat-related injuries, removing the requirement that their retired pay be reduced by the disability compensation amount. The key provision amends Title 10 and Title 38 to eliminate the offset rule (sections 5304 and 5305 of Title 38) for these veterans. The change applies to payments starting after the bill’s enactment date, effective for all qualifying veterans. This is a policy change to increase financial support for affected veterans, not a new benefit.

Maddy summaryHR 2109, the Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act, requires the federal rural water assistance program to provide cybersecurity help to small water systems serving under 10,000 people. It adds specific provisions for these systems to assess their cyber threat protections and implement security plans, procedures, and technologies. The bill increases annual funding for the program from $25 million to $32.5 million (2026-2030), with $7.5 million specifically allocated each year for this cybersecurity assistance. This directly affects rural water providers who lack resources to address growing cyber risks to their infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHRES 292 is a non-binding House resolution supporting "Financial Literacy Month" to raise awareness about personal finance education. It references statistics showing widespread financial literacy gaps, including 14.2% of U.S. households being unbanked or underbanked, only 42% of adults budgeting, and just 28 states requiring high school economics courses. The resolution calls on federal, state, local, school, nonprofit, and business entities to observe Financial Literacy Month with programs and activities. It does not create new laws or policies but aims to highlight the importance of financial education for managing money, credit, and debt.

Maddy summaryHR 2656, the *Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act*, establishes a federal grant program to help community water systems, schools, and other facilities reduce harmful nitrate and arsenic levels in drinking water. Eligible entities like municipalities, nonprofits, and water systems can apply for grants to install treatment technology, with priority given to disadvantaged communities, areas with past non-compliance, and facilities serving children or vulnerable populations. The program authorizes $15 million annually starting in 2026, limiting administrative costs to 4% of funds. It requires applicants to identify contamination sources and demonstrate how their project will reduce contaminants, aiming to improve water safety for at-risk communities.

Maddy summaryHR 2622, the Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act, imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign entities facilitating North Korea's transfer of arms or military equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine. It targets individuals, companies, and financial institutions involved in such transactions, blocking their U.S. assets, banning visas, and prohibiting financial dealings with the U.S. The bill also amends existing North Korea sanctions law to explicitly require halting material support for Russia's war in Ukraine and mandates quarterly reports to Congress on North Korea's military assistance to Russia. These provisions directly affect foreign arms dealers, financial institutions, and North Korean entities engaging in military cooperation with Russia.