Rep. Tony Gonzales

Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal nutrition law to include Puerto Rico in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), allowing it to transition from its current funding method to the same SNAP benefits available to U.S. states. Puerto Rico must submit a 180-day plan to the USDA detailing its transition to SNAP, with approval required within another 180 days. The transition period lasts up to 5 years from the bill's effective date, during which Puerto Rico would continue receiving block grants while preparing for full SNAP participation. This change directly affects Puerto Rico's 1.4 million residents who currently receive nutrition assistance under a separate funding structure.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.

Maddy summaryHR 6454 establishes a 5-year pilot program at five Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers to improve suicide care for veterans. The program requires VA staff at these sites to complete a 10-week training curriculum based on the Zero Suicide Institute's model, focusing on suicide screening, risk assessment, safety planning, and care transitions. It mandates annual reports to Congress tracking staff training completion, policy alignment with the Institute's standards, and comparisons of suicide-related outcomes (like screenings and hospitalizations) between pilot sites and other VA facilities. The pilot includes one site primarily serving rural veterans and requires site selection based on factors like regional suicide rates and staff capacity. The program will conclude after five years unless the VA extends it for up to two more years.

Maddy summaryHR 6791 authorizes grants to help local governments, tribes, and utility groups fix infrastructure near U.S. land ports of entry, such as roads, water systems, or waste facilities within 25 miles of a port. It prioritizes projects improving border security (like drug seizure rates), trade efficiency, community resilience, and quality of life for border patrol families. Recipients must cover at least 30% of costs (lowered or waived for rural areas or security projects), with the government reimbursing up to 70% for eligible pre-2021 work. The bill focuses on tangible infrastructure upgrades directly tied to port operations, not broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 6643, the American Border Story Memorial Act, authorizes a nonprofit organization ("The American Border Story") to establish a commemorative memorial on federal land in Washington, D.C., to honor U.S. citizens and legal residents who died due to crimes committed by individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. The bill prohibits the use of federal funds for the memorial's creation or maintenance, requiring all costs to be covered by private donations. Any remaining funds after project costs must be deposited into specific federal or National Park Foundation accounts, as outlined in the Commemorative Works Act. This is a procedural memorial bill with no direct policy or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryHR 6466, the Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act, prohibits non-consensual administration of abortion drugs (like mifepristone or misoprostol) to pregnant women without their informed consent. It criminalizes this act with penalties up to 25 years in prison and allows victims to sue for triple damages, psychological/physical injury compensation, and attorney fees. The bill directly affects pregnant women who might face coerced procedures and medical providers or others who administer such drugs without consent. Key provisions include criminal penalties for the act itself, enhanced penalties for serious injury or death, and a civil remedy framework for victims seeking compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 6456) requires the Veterans Affairs Secretary to move the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas within one year of the bill becoming law. It mandates that the VA notify Cota’s next of kin before moving the remains and then either return the remains to them or arrange for final disposition if no response is received. The bill directly affects the VA’s handling of Cota’s burial site and the next of kin’s right to claim the remains. It is a procedural measure with no broader policy changes beyond this specific disinterment request.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal pay rules to expand higher overtime pay rates for U.S. Border Patrol supervisors. It changes the eligibility from only GS-12 agents to include all supervisors classified from GS-12 through GS-15. The key provision modifies Section 5550(h) of Title 5, U.S. Code, to apply the higher overtime pay rate to these higher-grade supervisory positions. The bill aims to improve retention for experienced Border Patrol supervisors by increasing their overtime compensation.

Maddy summaryThis bill suspends payment limits for agricultural subsidies for the 2025 crop year, removing caps on payments to farmers. It also establishes a new option for farmers to receive 50% of their expected 2025 crop payments as an advance by December 1, 2025, if they opt in. The remaining balance is paid later after the marketing year ends, with farmers required to repay any overpayment if the final amount exceeds the advance. The bill directly affects farmers growing covered commodities (like corn, soybeans) who choose to participate in the advance payment program.

Maddy summaryHR 3806, the New World Screwworm Preparedness Act of 2025, requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct a study on the nation's readiness to prevent and respond to New World screwworm (NWS) infestations. The study must assess current threats, sterile insect production capabilities, surveillance systems, emergency response plans, research needs, and international cooperation, with input from livestock producers, wildlife agencies, and scientists. The Secretary of Agriculture must submit a report to Congress within six months detailing findings and recommendations for improving preparedness. This bill directly affects agricultural stakeholders and wildlife management by mandating a review of existing capabilities, not by changing current policy.