Rep. Steve Cohen

Maddy summaryThe Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends and reauthorizes a program that allows foreign medical graduates to work in underserved U.S. communities after completing their training. It extends the program through 2021 (with retroactive effect), adds protections for physicians who have completed service requirements, and makes changes to visa requirements to better support physicians working in underserved areas. The bill requires states to maintain a 90% utilization rate of waivers to keep receiving the full allocation, and adds reporting requirements for the program. This bill directly affects foreign physicians seeking to work in underserved areas and the health care facilities that employ them.

Maddy summaryHRES 154 is a symbolic resolution commemorating Ukraine's sacrifices 3 years after Russia's February 24, 2022, full-scale invasion. It condemns Russia's aggression, recognizes the human and material toll of the war (including civilian casualties and infrastructure damage), and reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but expresses congressional solidarity with Ukraine through ceremonial recognition and condemnation of Russian actions. It was introduced by Rep. Kaptur and co-sponsors on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows physical therapists to use temporary replacement staff (locum tenens) under Medicare, similar to how physicians currently can. It directly affects physical therapists providing outpatient services and Medicare beneficiaries relying on those services. The key change modifies Medicare rules to apply the same provisions for physical therapy services as are already used for physician services. This means physical therapists can more easily fill temporary staffing gaps without disrupting patient care. The amendment applies to services provided after the bill's enactment date.

Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025 This bill provides continuing appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and benefits when there is a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse. Under the bill, a  Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs when (1) a bill providing appropriations for the Coast Guard for a fiscal year has not been enacted before the beginning of that fiscal year, and no joint resolution providing continuing appropriations for the Coast Guard is in effect; and (2) a bill providing appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD) for the fiscal year has been enacted before the beginning of the fiscal year, or a joint resolution providing continuing appropriation for DOD is in effect.  If a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse occurs, the bill provides appropriations to the Coast Guard for pay and allowances for military members of the Coast Guard who perform active service or inactive-duty training; pay and benefits for certain civilian employees and contract employees; the payment of a death gratuity; payments for travel related to funerals, the dignified transfer of remains, and unit memorial services; and the temporary continuation of the basic allowance for housing for dependents of members of the Coast Guard dying on active duty. The bill generally provides the appropriations to the Coast Guard until the earlier of the enactment of specified Coast Guard appropriations legislation, the termination of the availability of appropriations for DOD, or two weeks after the beginning of the Coast Guard-specific funding lapse.

Maddy summaryHRES 147 is a symbolic resolution designating the third Friday of every March as "National FIRST Robotics Day." It does not create new laws or funding but expresses congressional support for recognizing this day to promote robotics education. The resolution encourages schools and educators to use existing funds under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for afterschool robotics programs and to engage students in STEM activities. It aims to highlight robotics' role in developing future STEM skills and workforce readiness, without imposing new requirements or changing current policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating February 16, 2025, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day." It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging schools to teach about Black aviation pioneers' contributions and support opportunities for Black Americans in the field. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness of historical figures like Bessie Coleman, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Katherine Johnson. It affects recognition efforts rather than direct policy changes, focusing on honoring past contributions to aviation.

Maddy summaryHR 1502 authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the volunteers and communities (primarily from Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas) who supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be presented to the individuals who contributed to the canteen’s operations and then permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing historical service, not a policy change affecting current laws or programs.

More Options to Develop and Enhance Remote Nutrition in WIC Act of 2025 or the MODERN WIC Act of 2025 This bill permanently allows individuals to remotely certify their eligibility for, and receive benefits through, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Specifically, the bill requires that a state agency allow an individual seeking a WIC certification, recertification, or a nutritional risk evaluation to do so by phone or through video teleconference, in addition to the in-person option. A state agency has 90 days to collect data for a nutritional risk evaluation for a remotely certified individual. Further, a state agency may consider an applicant who meets the income eligibility standards to be temporarily eligible on an interim basis to participate in the program and may certify the individual for immediate participation without waiting for a nutritional risk evaluation. The bill also allows states to provide benefits on WIC electronic benefit transfer cards through mail or remote issuance instead of requiring participants to pick up or reload benefits in person at a WIC office. Further, the Department of Agriculture must report to Congress about the use of remote technologies and other digital tools in the WIC program. Currently, individuals are generally required to be physically present to certify their WIC eligibility and receive benefits, with exceptions. The Food and Nutrition Service  has temporarily waived these requirements and allowed remote certification and benefits using authorities that were provided by laws that were enacted to address COVID-19.

Maddy summaryHR 1477 creates a new Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division to enforce federal animal cruelty laws. This unit will coordinate with agencies like the FBI, USDA, and U.S. Marshals to investigate and prosecute cases, addressing current gaps in enforcement. The bill requires the unit to submit annual reports to Congress detailing prosecutions, convictions, and investigations where charges weren't filed. It does not change existing animal cruelty laws but establishes a dedicated federal unit to improve enforcement of current statutes.

Maddy summaryHR 1449, the Energy Resilient Communities Act, creates a federal grant program to fund clean energy microgrids that support critical community infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and emergency facilities. Eligible entities - including states, local governments, nonprofits, and tribal agencies - can apply for grants covering up to 90% of costs for technical assistance, community outreach, or microgrid projects in environmental justice communities. Key provisions prioritize projects that reduce emissions, lower energy costs for low-income residents, minimize land use impacts, and ensure 40% of construction labor comes from local residents meeting specific criteria (e.g., displaced workers, environmental justice community members). The program authorizes $1.5 billion over 10 years, with at least 10% reserved for community-owned microgrid projects, and requires annual reporting on project outcomes and labor practices.