Rep. Derrick Van Orden

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 3820) renames the women's health clinic at Milwaukee's Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center as the "Anna Mae Robertson VA Well Woman Clinic." It directly affects the clinic's official designation and all future references to it in U.S. government documents, maps, and records. The key provision is a simple name change requiring all federal materials to update the clinic's name to honor Anna Mae Robertson, with no policy or service changes to the clinic itself.

Maddy summaryHR 3384, the Refinancing Relief for Veterans Act, lowers loan fees for veterans refinancing their VA-backed mortgages during specific time periods. It reduces the upfront fee for interest rate reduction refinancing loans to 0.25% for loans closed between December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2027, down from the previous rate. The bill maintains a 0.50% fee for loans closed in other specified periods (2025-2027, 2032-2035, and after 2035), while setting a 0.75% fee for loans closed between 2032 and 2035. This directly affects veterans who choose to refinance their VA-guaranteed home loans during the defined date ranges.

Maddy summaryHRES 527 is a symbolic resolution designating June 2025 as "National Dairy Month" to honor dairy's role in nutrition and the agricultural economy. It recognizes dairy as a key source of calcium and vitamin D (per Dietary Guidelines), supports over 3.2 million jobs, and highlights the industry's $793 billion economic impact. The resolution encourages public support for dairy farmers while condemning unfair regulatory burdens on the sector. As a non-binding expression of support, it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHR 3753, the Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act, would increase housing stipends for veterans using the Post-9/11 GI Bill to take fully online courses. Currently, veterans enrolled solely in distance learning programs receive only 50% of the standard housing allowance; this bill removes that restriction, providing full housing stipends for online students attending more than half-time. The change applies to all veterans pursuing online degrees under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ensuring they receive the same housing support as on-campus students. The policy takes effect for terms beginning August 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 3720, the HOME Act of 2025, aims to improve housing access for veterans. It requires the VA to update lender guidance on veterans' residual income to include nonprofit financial service organizations and coordinate with them to offer voluntary financial counseling for veterans purchasing homes with VA loans. The bill also mandates creating a public database listing homes adapted for disabled veterans that sellers choose to include, helping veterans find accessible housing. Additionally, it directs the VA to conduct outreach to veterans in U.S. territories about housing benefits under the program.

Maddy summaryThe PLANT Act makes it a federal crime to import high-risk agricultural pathogens - such as harmful bacteria, viruses, or pests - without a U.S. Department of Agriculture permit. It directly affects importers, including businesses or individuals bringing in biological agents that could damage U.S. crops, livestock, or ecosystems. Violations carry up to 10 years in prison, with penalties increasing to 20 years if the offense involves concealing the pathogen’s origin, foreign government involvement, or over $1 million in economic harm. The Secretary of Agriculture will define "high-risk" pathogens through future regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 3946, the FIGHT Act of 2025, amends the Animal Welfare Act to specifically prohibit gambling on animal fighting events and restrict the interstate transport of roosters used in such ventures. It defines "rooster" as male chickens over six months old and makes it unlawful to sponsor, exhibit, attend (for those under 16), or gamble on animal fighting events - whether in-person or broadcast. The bill creates a civil enforcement mechanism allowing any person to file a lawsuit to stop violations after providing 60 days' notice to authorities, with potential fines up to $5,000 per violation. It also establishes seizure of property used to facilitate violations and clarifies that state laws on animal fighting remain in effect unless directly conflicting with federal provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how federal Bureau of Prisons employees in the "Rest of U.S." pay locality receive compensation. It directs that employees whose official worksite is in "Rest of U.S." be treated as working in the nearest other pay locality (within 200 miles) with the highest comparability payment, rather than the default "Rest of U.S." rate. This adjustment applies to all Bureau of Prisons employees, including prevailing rate staff, and takes effect 180 days after enactment. The change directly affects federal correctional officers and staff working in remote locations currently covered by the "Rest of U.S." pay rate.

Maddy summaryHR 3999, the American Flags to Honor Our Veterans Act of 2025, amends federal law to allow permanent, upright American flags to be displayed adjacent to the graves of deceased veterans. It directly affects families of veterans and cemetery operators by permitting this flag placement at burial sites. The key provision modifies Title 4, U.S. Code, to specifically authorize secured flag displays next to graves of veterans (as defined in Title 38) or Armed Forces members (as defined in Title 10), replacing temporary flag displays with a permanent, standardized practice.

Maddy summaryThe Patriots Over Politics Act (HR 3619) allows veterans discharged between August 2021 and January 2023 solely for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine to transfer their earned educational benefits to eligible dependents. Veterans must initiate the transfer within 90 days of the bill’s enactment. Dependents can use the transferred benefits only after the veteran completed at least six years of military service - a requirement already met by these veterans prior to separation. This provision directly affects veterans separated for vaccine refusal during the specified period, providing a pathway to pass on unused education benefits.