Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan

Maddy summaryThe Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act of 2025 requires developers and deployers of AI systems that make decisions affecting "consequential actions" (such as employment, housing, healthcare, education, and credit) to conduct pre-deployment evaluations and annual impact assessments by independent auditors. The bill mandates transparency requirements including clear disclosures to individuals about how AI is used in decision-making, establishes a right to human alternatives for significant AI-driven decisions, and prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or disability. It creates enforcement mechanisms through the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, and private lawsuits, with penalties including civil penalties of up to 4% of annual revenue. The act also requires developers to provide explanations for AI-driven decisions and sets standards for data collection to prevent harm and ensure fairness in critical life areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes comprehensive name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes, prohibiting institutions from restricting athletes' ability to earn compensation for their personal branding or taking adverse action against them for doing so. It requires transparent NIL agreements for compensation over $600, including specific details about services, compensation amounts, and termination terms. The bill also amends immigration laws to better accommodate international student athletes participating in college sports and updates regulations governing sports agents. Additionally, it establishes a Commission to study college athletics governance, focusing on collective bargaining, revenue sharing, and Title IX compliance, while expanding disclosure requirements for colleges regarding athletics revenue and expenses.

Maddy summaryHR 5716, the FARM SAFE Act, ensures that USDA employees administering key agricultural disaster programs cannot be furloughed or laid off during government shutdowns. It directly affects USDA staff working on programs like crop insurance, livestock aid, and other federal disaster assistance authorized under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 and the Agricultural Act of 2014. The bill requires these employees to be treated as "excepted" under federal law during funding gaps, guaranteeing program continuity without requiring new appropriations. This provides immediate stability for farmers relying on disaster relief during federal budget disruptions.

Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 This bill expands the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) authority with respect to research on rare pediatric diseases, including by permitting the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to satisfy pediatric study requirements and by reauthorizing programs that support pediatric research.  Specifically, the bill modifies requirements relating to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations to permit research on new drugs in combination with active ingredients that have already been approved, provided certain conditions are met; permits the FDA to take enforcement action against drug sponsors that fail to comply with pediatric study requirements, if such sponsors demonstrated a lack of due diligence in satisfying the requirement; renews the FDA’s authority to award priority review vouchers to sponsors of new products intended to treat rare pediatric diseases through September 30, 2029; and reauthorizes through FY2027 certain funding for the National Institutes of Health to support priority pediatric research.  The bill also provides statutory authority for the FDA’s interpretation of the orphan drug exclusivity period. The bill specifies, consistent with FDA regulations, that the seven-year market exclusivity period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan drugs) prohibits the approval of the same drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to the disease or condition. (In Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Becerra , a court rejected the FDA’s interpretation and held that orphan drug exclusivity extends to all uses or indications for the disease or condition.)

Maddy summaryHRES 899 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the Transgender Day of Remembrance and memorializing transgender people killed by violence in 2024-2025. It directly affects transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, by acknowledging the epidemic of violence against them - citing 27 U.S. victims (including names like Rick Alastor Newman and Kyla Jane Walker) and 241 global cases in 2025. The resolution’s key provisions include formally recognizing the violence epidemic, memorializing specific lives lost, and affirming the need for solutions to protect transgender people. It does not create new laws but expresses congressional support for addressing systemic violence and discrimination faced by transgender communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare's drug price negotiation program to cover 50 drugs (up from 20) and requires health insurers to apply negotiated prices to cost-sharing for beneficiaries. It establishes annual out-of-pocket cost-sharing limits for prescription drugs under group health plans and insurance coverage, with specific limits of $2,000 for self-only coverage in 2027 that will increase annually. The bill also sets specific cost-sharing limits for insulin products, requiring coverage with no deductible and cost-sharing of no more than $35 per 30-day supply or 25% of the negotiated price. These provisions affect Medicare beneficiaries, people with group health plans, and health insurers across the country. The bill applies to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThe Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act creates a federal grant program to increase the number of mental health professionals (counselors, social workers, and psychologists) in low-income public schools. It provides funding for partnerships between schools serving high percentages of low-income students and graduate institutions that train mental health professionals, aiming to reach recommended staff-to-student ratios (such as 1 counselor per 250 students). The bill also establishes a student loan repayment program for mental health professionals working in these schools, offering up to $200,000 in total repayment over five years. This legislation directly affects low-income school districts and mental health professionals working in those schools, with the goal of improving mental health support for students facing challenges like poverty, homelessness, or trauma.

Maddy summaryThe EXPERTS Act of 2025 requires agencies to disclose funding sources and potential conflicts of interest for studies submitted during rulemaking, including who funded research and any financial relationships that might influence findings. It establishes an Office of the Public Advocate within the Office of Management and Budget to assist public participation in rulemaking, conduct social equity assessments, and improve outreach to underrepresented groups. The bill also mandates that agencies consider social equity impacts when creating rules and requires detailed explanations for withdrawing proposed regulations. These provisions aim to increase transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the federal regulatory process.

Maddy summaryHRES 891 is a ceremonial House resolution supporting the designation of National Rural Health Day, observed annually on the third Thursday of November (November 20, 2025, this year). It recognizes rural health care providers and the challenges rural communities face in accessing care, citing issues like hospital closures and workforce shortages. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or requirements; it solely expresses the House's support for the day's goals and commitment to improving rural health accessibility. This is a non-binding acknowledgment, not a legislative action with concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 6085, the "Stop Ballroom Bribery Act," restricts donations for specific government properties tied to the President or Vice President, including White House grounds, monuments honoring presidents, or events on those grounds. It prohibits donations from individuals or entities involved in government litigation, under investigation, seeking contracts/grants, lobbying the executive branch, or requesting pardons/appointments. Key provisions require federal approval before accepting donations, ban donor recognition (like logos), mandate quarterly public disclosures of donations and related meetings, and prohibit "straw" or anonymous donations. Violations face civil penalties up to $100,000 or criminal fines/imprisonment for large-scale breaches. The bill directly affects donors seeking to contribute to projects involving the White House, Vice President’s residence, or related honors.