Rep. Jennifer L. McClellan

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the U.S. military from discriminating against service members or applicants based on gender identity. It bans policies that would deny service, involuntarily separate members, deny medically necessary healthcare, or require service in a gender different from one's identity. The law defines "gender identity" broadly to include a person's internal sense of gender, appearance, and mannerisms, regardless of sex assigned at birth. It directly affects transgender and gender-diverse individuals currently serving or seeking to serve in the Armed Forces.

This bill prohibits the President from selling, transferring, or exporting certain defense articles or services to Israel, except in specified circumstances.  Defense articles covered by the prohibition include BLU-109 bunker busting bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) assemblies, and 155mm artillery ammunition. Defense services directly related to such articles are also covered.  The President may sell, transfer, or export such defense articles or services to Israel if (1) a law is enacted specifying the purposes for which such articles or services may be used, and (2) Israel provides written assurances that the defense articles or services will be used for those specific statutory purposes and in a manner consistent with certain other laws, including international human rights laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a code of conduct for Supreme Court justices, requiring them to disclose gifts, income, and potential conflicts of interest. It creates a formal process for handling complaints about justices, including a judicial investigation panel to review allegations. The bill adds specific circumstances requiring recusal, such as when a justice or family member has financial ties to a party in a case. Additionally, it mandates that parties and amicus briefs disclose any gifts given to justices and lobbying activities related to their nomination. These provisions aim to increase transparency and accountability in the Supreme Court's operations.

Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a grant program to support operating projects for public transportation and related service improvements, particularly in underserved communities and areas of persistent poverty. Specifically, the bill requires DOT to allocate funding under the program for urbanized areas, states, and Indian tribes that are recipients of funds under either the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA's) Urbanized Area Formula Funding program or Formula Grants for Rural Areas program. Eligible recipients may use funding for operating costs associated with projects that improve public transportation service for transit-dependent populations and support increased transit ridership (e.g., service expansion, information technology enhancements, and workforce development). DOT must apportion the funding so that recipients receive funds that are proportional to their share of operating costs. The bill also provides for an increased federal cost share for operating assistance for projects or programs carried out in areas of persistent poverty or underserved communities. DOT must set up a multimodal access measurement interface for public agencies to aid transit agencies in determining and reporting on access to jobs and essential services. A grant recipient must (1) report specific information to the FTA for inclusion in the National Transit Database, and (2) survey transit riders and non-riding residents regarding transit service improvements. Further, the bill expands the purposes of the public transportation programs to include supporting public transportation's role in combating climate change through growing/retaining transit ridership.

Maddy summaryHR 3368, the "Born in the USA Act of 2025," prohibits federal funding for Executive Order 14160 (which aimed to restrict birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S.). The bill directly affects federal agencies that might implement the executive order by blocking their use of funds for that purpose. Its key provision is a funding ban targeting the executive order and any similar future policies, without changing citizenship law. The bill does not alter birthright citizenship rights but prevents federal resources from being used to enforce the controversial executive order. It is a procedural measure focused on funding, not a substantive policy change to citizenship rules.

Maddy summaryHR 3373, the GHOST Act of 2025, requires entities shipping certain firearm parts (barrels, slides, or bolts) across state lines to register shipments with the Attorney General within 5 business days. This includes providing sender/recipient details, shipping method, and proof of delivery via certified mail or recipient signature. The bill creates a confidential database for law enforcement access but prohibits public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Violations carry fines or up to 1 year in prison for single shipments, and up to 10 years for shipping 50+ parts in one transaction.

Maddy summaryHRES 403 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for public servants. It commends federal, state, local, and uniformed service employees for their contributions during Public Service Recognition Week (May 4-10, 2025) and throughout the year. The resolution highlights their roles in areas like national defense, emergency response, Social Security, public health, and infrastructure. It urges the House to salute their dedication, honor those who lost their lives in service, and encourage promoting public service careers. This resolution does not create new policies or funding - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 3273, the Child Care Workforce Development Act, provides financial support to early childhood educators and students. It establishes a loan repayment program where educators serving 5 years with qualified childcare providers (like centers receiving Child Care Block Grant funds) can have up to $6,000 annually of their student loans repaid. Additionally, it creates grants of up to $4,000 per academic year for students enrolled in early childhood education programs, requiring them to work in licensed childcare settings for at least one year after graduation (with renewal options). The bill authorizes $25 million annually for loan repayment (2026-2031) and $10 million annually for grants (2026-2030), targeting workforce development in childcare.

Maddy summaryHR 3266, the Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2025, provides federal loans and loan guarantees to help build or upgrade mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities. It directly affects eligible entities like hospitals, clinics, and community facilities - especially those serving pediatric or adult patients in underserved rural areas or communities with insufficient psychiatric bed capacity. Key provisions include requiring borrowers to cover 25% of project costs, prioritizing projects that increase bed availability in high-need areas, and capping annual funding at $200 million (2026-2030). The bill establishes specific terms for loans, such as 20-year maximum terms and a 25% set-aside for pediatric facilities, to expand access to inpatient and outpatient care.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal officials from reducing, eliminating, or suspending funding for land-grant colleges and universities without specific authorization from Congress. It directly affects public institutions designated as land-grant colleges under the 1977 National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act. The key provision requires that any change to their funding must be explicitly approved by an Act of Congress, preventing unilateral federal action. This creates a clear legal barrier against unexpected funding cuts to these institutions. The bill focuses on preserving existing funding streams rather than creating new programs.