Rep. Pete Sessions

Maddy summaryHRES 782 is a non-binding House resolution expressing condolences to victims of the July 4, 2025, catastrophic floods in Texas, which caused at least 135 deaths (including 37 children) and widespread destruction. It honors first responders who rescued over 850 people and community heroes like camp staff who saved children, while committing the House to stand with affected Texans. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds - it formally mourns the loss of life, recognizes acts of courage, and urges prioritization of rebuilding infrastructure and support for vulnerable residents. This symbolic gesture was introduced by multiple Texas representatives and referred to the Transportation Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. to include AM radio as standard equipment (not an optional add-on) by 2027-2028, depending on manufacturer size. It mandates that AM radio receivers must be easily accessible to drivers and allows compliance through digital AM broadcast technology. During a transition period, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for this feature. The bill also mandates a GAO study on AM radio's role in emergency alerts and includes a 10-year sunset provision for the rule. It preempts state laws regarding AM radio access in vehicles.

Maddy summaryThe Defense Biotechnology Strategy Act (HR 6009) requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to create a comprehensive strategy within one year of enactment, detailing how biotechnology will support national security. The strategy must address specific areas including developing commercial biomanufacturing facilities for defense-critical products, updating military specifications to use biotech-based items, establishing advance market commitments for biotech products, integrating biotechnology into military exercises, and enhancing international cooperation with NATO allies on biotechnology procurement and research. This bill directly affects DoD operations, defense contractors, and U.S. partnerships with NATO countries. It mandates concrete planning steps but does not create new funding or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHRES 864 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2025. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes veterans' service and sacrifice, calling on all Americans to observe Veterans Day. The resolution references historical context about Veterans Day's origins (from Armistice Day to honoring all veterans) but contains no concrete policy changes. It directly addresses the general public, urging them to participate in the observance. As a non-binding resolution, it affects no specific individuals or groups through legislative action.

Maddy summaryHR 5270, the Stress Testing Accountability and Transparency Act, requires the Federal Reserve Board to establish clear, publicly disclosed rules for bank stress testing and capital buffer calculations within 90 days of enactment. It mandates that the Fed publish stress test scenarios 30 days in advance and prohibits applying climate-related stress tests to nonbank financial companies under existing law. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct triennial reports evaluating the effectiveness of stress tests in assessing financial institution safety and overall system stability. These provisions aim to increase transparency and standardize the Federal Reserve's stress testing framework for bank holding companies and nonbank financial institutions.

Maddy summaryHR 3484, the Business Owners Protection Act of 2025, terminates unused regulatory powers held by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Dodd-Frank Act. Specifically, it ends SEC authorities that grant discretion to create new requirements for businesses but were not actively used - meaning no proposed rules or guidance was issued by January 1, 2025. The bill requires the SEC to publish a list of all terminated authorities within 180 days of enactment. This directly affects business owners by preventing potential future regulatory burdens that were never implemented. The law focuses on eliminating dormant SEC powers, not creating new rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that critical firearm-related government operations continue during federal shutdowns. It designates background checks (via the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforcement, and firearm export licensing (handled by Commerce and State Departments) as essential services that must remain operational. These functions would be treated as "excepted" under federal law, meaning their employees would continue working even if other government services halt. The bill affects how background checks and firearm export licenses are processed during shutdowns but does not change gun ownership laws or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe Black Vulture Relief Act authorizes livestock producers and their employees to remove or kill black vultures (Coragyps atratus) that are causing or likely to cause harm to livestock, bypassing standard protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It prohibits using poison for this purpose and requires annual reports to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about such actions, using a simplified form. The law specifically targets vultures threatening livestock as defined in existing federal agriculture law, with reporting deadlines starting after a form is developed by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests (blood or biological tests analyzing cell-free DNA) starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries aged 68 and older (starting in 2028, with the age limit increasing by 1 year annually), requiring tests to be FDA-cleared and deemed reasonable/necessary by the Secretary for early cancer detection across multiple organ sites. Payment will initially match current stool DNA test rates before 2031, then shift to a lower rate or new payment system after 2031, with limits preventing more than one test per year. The bill explicitly states it does not alter coverage for existing cancer screenings like breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).