Rep. Ritchie Torres

Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal nutrition law to include Puerto Rico in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), allowing it to transition from its current funding method to the same SNAP benefits available to U.S. states. Puerto Rico must submit a 180-day plan to the USDA detailing its transition to SNAP, with approval required within another 180 days. The transition period lasts up to 5 years from the bill's effective date, during which Puerto Rico would continue receiving block grants while preparing for full SNAP participation. This change directly affects Puerto Rico's 1.4 million residents who currently receive nutrition assistance under a separate funding structure.

Maddy summaryThe MORE Act (HR 5068) would remove cannabis from the federal list of controlled substances, effectively decriminalizing it at the federal level while establishing a new tax on cannabis products. The bill creates an Opportunity Trust Fund that would distribute tax revenues to support communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, including funding for expungement programs, job training, and equitable licensing initiatives for minority business owners. It also includes provisions to prevent discrimination based on cannabis use in federal programs, immigration proceedings, and workplace policies. The bill would require federal courts to expunge non-violent cannabis convictions and establish a process for resentencing individuals currently serving time for such offenses. These provisions aim to address racial disparities in cannabis enforcement and create more equitable opportunities in the legal cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryHR 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, modifies how funds from the False Claims Act are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. It specifies that from 2025 through 2029, certain False Claims Act proceeds (specifically those for qui tam plaintiff payments and government damage reimbursements) cannot be deposited into the fund. This change directly affects the composition of the Crime Victims Fund by excluding these specific revenue streams during the specified period. The bill does not create new benefits or alter victim services; it only adjusts fund allocation rules for existing False Claims Act revenues.

Maddy summaryHR 7004 prohibits federal elected officials, congressional staff, political appointees, and executive branch employees from trading prediction market contracts using material nonpublic information about government policy, actions, or political outcomes. It bans any purchase, sale, or exchange of these contracts when the individual possesses or could reasonably obtain such nonpublic information - defined as important investment details not available to the public. The bill directly affects government insiders who might otherwise trade on inside knowledge of upcoming decisions or election results through prediction markets. Key provisions clarify that covered transactions include any financial instrument tied to future government events, listed on platforms operating across state lines. This creates a specific insider trading rule for prediction markets, distinct from general securities laws.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HCONRES 69) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims, survivors, and Giffords - now a prominent advocate for gun violence prevention - and recognizes her leadership in promoting civility and reducing gun violence. The resolution also commends Tucson residents and first responders for their resilience and reaffirms Congress’s commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 969) expresses support for designating the week beginning September 8, 2025, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment (known as Hispanic-Serving Institutions or HSIs) and their role in serving diverse, low-income students. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but encourages public observance through ceremonies and activities to honor HSIs’ contributions to higher education access and economic mobility. It applies symbolically to all 615+ HSIs across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Maddy summaryHR 4663, the Saving Vet Halls Act of 2025, authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to eligible veterans service organizations for repairing existing facilities or upgrading technology at their locations. Organizations must submit detailed improvement plans, and grants are limited to $75,000 per year per organization, with recipients ineligible for another grant for five years. The bill explicitly prohibits using funds for new construction or facility acquisition and requires the VA to prioritize organizations based on need, plan quality, and capacity. This program, funded by $10 million annually, directly supports chartered veterans service organizations under 36 U.S.C. § 3621.

Maddy summaryHR 4611 (EACH Act of 2025) requires all federally funded health programs - including Medicaid, Medicare, military health plans, and the Indian Health Service - to cover abortion services without restrictions, repealing the Hyde Amendment's long-standing ban on federal funding for most abortions. This directly affects millions of people enrolled in these programs, particularly low-income women, women of color (including 25% of Black women and 22% of Hispanic women on Medicaid), and young people. The bill mandates coverage in all federally administered health plans and prohibits state or private insurers from restricting abortion coverage in health insurance. It aims to eliminate current federal and state barriers that deny abortion access to people who rely on government health programs.

Essential Caregivers Act of 2025   This bill prohibits certain health care facilities from limiting the access of essential caregivers to residents of those facilities, including during designated emergency periods.   Specifically, the bill generally prohibits Medicare skilled nursing facilities, Medicaid nursing facilities, Medicaid intermediate care facilities, and associated inpatient rehabilitation facilities from restricting the access of essential caregivers to residents of the facilities, including during emergency periods in which visitation rights are otherwise restricted. During emergency periods, facilities may restrict access for an initial period of up to seven days and for one additional maximum seven-day period (if the additional period is approved by the state health department). Facilities may restrict access for a total of 7 days (or 14 days with the approval of the state health department) during an emergency period. Essential caregivers must agree to comply with any safety protocols set by the facility, which may be no more stringent for caregivers compared to those for staff. Caregivers who fail to comply with these requirements may be denied access, subject to an appeals process.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes an age restriction that previously prevented Medicaid from covering mental health care in specialized institutions for people under 65. It amends the Social Security Act to eliminate the "65 years or older" requirement, allowing all age groups to qualify for Medicaid coverage of services at these facilities. The bill also establishes new evidence-based standards for these institutions, requiring them to meet nationally recognized criteria for mental health and substance use disorder care. This change directly affects younger adults with mental health conditions who rely on Medicaid for institutional treatment.