Rep. Becca Balint

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a corporate tax penalty on large companies where CEO pay exceeds 50 times the average worker's pay. Specifically, corporations with a pay ratio above 50:1 face a tax rate increase of 0.5% to 5% (depending on how high the ratio is), effective for taxable years starting after 2025. It applies only to corporations with average annual revenue of at least $100 million over the prior three years, exempting smaller businesses. The penalty is calculated using a 5-year average of compensation data from SEC filings, and the Treasury will issue rules to prevent avoidance tactics like shifting to contractor workforces.

Maddy summaryHRES 697 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing suicide as a preventable public health issue and supporting the designation of September as "National Suicide Prevention Month" and September 10, 2025, as "World Suicide Prevention Day." It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally expresses congressional support for these designations to raise awareness. The resolution cites statistics showing suicide as a leading cause of death across age groups, including among veterans and adolescents, and emphasizes mental health as equally important as physical health. It acknowledges the need for diverse prevention strategies without specifying new policies or programs. This resolution is purely declarative, aiming to bolster public awareness rather than enact concrete changes.

Maddy summaryHR 5249 requires the President to submit a detailed reorganization impact report to Congress before implementing significant federal agency changes (like cutting 5%+ staff or merging agencies). Congress must then pass a specific "joint resolution of approval" within 7 days for the reorganization to proceed. The bill establishes an independent panel to review reports and provide advisory opinions within 30 days, while also mandating agencies to notify affected employees and comply with labor protections. This directly affects federal agencies planning major restructuring, Congress as the gatekeeper, and agency employees facing potential job impacts.

Maddy summaryHRES 684 is a non-binding House resolution designating September 9, 2025, as "National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day." It aims to raise public awareness about firearm suicide statistics (including that firearms were used in 55% of U.S. suicides in 2023) and promote safe firearm storage as a key suicide prevention strategy. The resolution encourages health professionals to discuss safe storage with patients and supports existing awareness efforts led by organizations like Brady and End Family Fire. It directly affects the public and healthcare providers by emphasizing evidence-based prevention practices, not by creating new laws.

Maddy summaryHR 5220, the Congressional Power of the Purse Act, strengthens Congress's authority over federal spending by preventing the executive branch from withholding appropriated funds. The bill requires federal agencies to report on budget management, adds penalties for failing to comply with congressional oversight requirements, and establishes new procedures for congressional review of national emergencies. It directly affects federal agencies, the executive branch, and the balance of power between Congress and the President regarding budget authority. The law aims to increase transparency and accountability in how government funds are managed and spent.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 680) recognizes suicide as a serious public health issue and designates September 8, 2025, as "988 Day" to highlight the national three-digit crisis hotline (988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). It does not create new laws or funding but formally supports existing efforts to raise awareness about the 988 hotline, which connects people in mental health crisis to 24/7 support services. The resolution emphasizes the hotline's role in suicide prevention, citing data showing it handled nearly 18 million contacts since 2022 and was reported as helpful by 98% of users. It urges continued public education about the hotline, particularly for high-risk groups like LGBTQI+ youth, and encourages broader access to mental health services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Social Security Act to remove an exclusion for rural facilities primarily treating mental health conditions from Medicare coverage. It specifically changes Section 1861(aa)(2) by deleting the phrase "or a facility which is primarily for the care and treatment of mental diseases," allowing these facilities to qualify for Medicare reimbursement. The change directly affects rural behavioral health centers specializing in mental health care that were previously excluded. The amendment takes effect on January 1, 2027, enabling these facilities to access federal Medicare funding for services.

Maddy summaryHR 5198, the Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act of 2025, changes Medicare eligibility rules for rural health clinics by updating the definition of "urban area" used to determine clinic qualification. It replaces the current "urbanized area" standard with a clearer definition: any urban area (per Census Bureau data) having a population of 50,000 or more. This adjustment directly affects clinics seeking Medicare certification, ensuring they meet consistent geographic criteria for rural designation. The change takes effect January 1, 2027, aiming to simplify qualification rules without altering Medicare coverage or benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 1510, the Due Process Continuity of Care Act, expands Medicaid eligibility to cover individuals in jail or custody while awaiting trial or disposition of charges, at a state's option. This allows states to provide Medicaid benefits to this population without requiring them to be convicted first. The bill provides $50 million in planning grants to states to develop implementation plans, including assessing healthcare needs, recruiting providers (especially for behavioral health and substance use treatment), and creating electronic billing systems for correctional facilities and outpatient providers. States must also consult with stakeholders like jails, providers, and Medicaid advocates before finalizing their plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from owning or trading certain investments, including stocks, commodities, and derivatives (referred to as "covered investments"). It requires affected individuals to divest these investments within 90-180 days, with specific exemptions for Treasury bonds, diversified mutual funds, small business interests, and family trusts meeting strict conditions. Violations incur penalties of 10% of the investment's value plus disgorgement of profits, paid directly to the U.S. Treasury. The law applies to all covered individuals during federal service, with exceptions for investments acquired through inheritance or occupational trading (e.g., a spouse’s finance job).