Rep. Burgess Owens

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act would amend federal bankruptcy law to allow individuals filing for bankruptcy to keep firearms they own, up to a total value of $3,000. It adds a specific exemption for firearms in bankruptcy property protections, covering either a single firearm or multiple firearms collectively valued at $3,000 or less. This means creditors cannot force the sale of qualifying firearms during bankruptcy proceedings. The change would only apply to bankruptcy cases filed after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would grant Congress the power to pass laws banning the physical desecration of the U.S. flag (such as burning, trampling, or defacing it). If ratified, it would directly affect individuals who engage in such acts by making them subject to federal criminal penalties under new laws Congress could create. The amendment would add a specific clause to the Constitution stating: "Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States." Ratification would require approval by 3/4 of state legislatures within seven years of submission.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the EPA Administrator to develop new or revised water quality criteria through formal rulemaking (not guidance) and mandates judicial review for these criteria. It directly affects the EPA's process for setting national water quality standards that states use to regulate pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Key changes include amending the Clean Water Act to specify that criteria must be issued "by rule" and adding judicial review authority for EPA's criteria decisions under section 304(a)(10). The bill does not change the criteria themselves, only the procedural steps for their development and legal challenge.

Maddy summaryThe NCAA Accountability Act of 2025 establishes clear due process requirements for the NCAA (referred to as a "covered athletic association") when investigating member colleges or student athletes for rule violations. It requires the NCAA to provide detailed written notices to schools within 60 days of starting an investigation, including specific allegations and potential penalties, and to hold hearings within one year. The bill mandates fair enforcement, prohibits using confidential sources in evidence, and allows schools to seek binding arbitration if they dispute penalties. It also empowers the Attorney General to impose civil penalties up to $15 million for NCAA violations of these rules, affecting all NCAA member institutions and their athletic programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits male students from participating in athletic programs at the U.S. Military Academies (West Point, Annapolis, and Air Force Academy) designated exclusively for women or girls. It allows males to train with such teams only if no female athlete loses a roster spot, competition opportunity, scholarship, or other benefit. The bill defines "sex" as biological sex at birth and clarifies that "athletic programs" include all team-based activities requiring participation. It directly affects the women's sports teams at these three service academies and their eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryHR 589, the FACE Act Repeal Act of 2025, would repeal a federal law (Section 248 of Title 18, U.S. Code) that prohibited obstructing access to reproductive health care facilities through physical means, intimidation, or violence. This repeal would eliminate the federal criminal penalty for such conduct, meaning federal prosecutors could no longer charge individuals under this specific law. The bill applies to all pending or future federal prosecutions related to these actions. It does not affect state laws that may still regulate access to reproductive health care facilities.

Maddy summaryHRES 481 is a symbolic resolution condemning recent antisemitic attacks in the U.S., specifically referencing the June 1, 2025, Boulder, Colorado, assault on a Jewish community gathering and other incidents like the May 2025 Washington, D.C., embassy shooting. It formally recognizes a pattern of violence targeting Jewish individuals and institutions, including attacks during religious events. The resolution calls on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and prosecute such incidents and urges elected officials to publicly oppose antisemitism and politically motivated violence. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to affirm congressional stance against antisemitism.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates specific Capitol rooms (H-315 to H-319) housing the House Press Gallery as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery." It honors Frederick Douglass, who was the first Black journalist permitted to cover Congress in the Capitol press galleries (1871-1875), recognizing his pioneering role in journalism and advocacy during Reconstruction. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no new policies, funding, or obligations; it only changes the name of an existing space to commemorate Douglass's historical significance.

Maddy summaryHRES 487 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' view that fatherhood is essential for children's development and that greater father involvement would improve outcomes like education and economic stability. It cites statistics (e.g., 18.4 million U.S. children living without a father, per the Census Bureau) and lists 11 non-binding recommendations, such as supporting programs for incarcerated fathers and exploring tax incentives for father engagement. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies - it solely states the House's perspective on fatherhood's societal importance. It affects all children and families but has no direct policy impact.

Maddy summaryHR 3777, the Public Land Search and Rescue Act, creates a federal grant program to fund remote search and rescue activities on public lands managed by the Interior or Agriculture Departments. The program provides up to 75% federal funding for eligible states or local teams to purchase equipment, maintain gear, and reimburse costs for locating and rescuing people lost or injured in remote areas. Priority is given to areas with high visitor-to-resident ratios, and grants require applicants to be legally authorized to conduct such rescues. This bill directly affects state/local search and rescue organizations operating on federal lands by providing new funding mechanisms for their remote operations.