Sen. David McCormick

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that distinguish firearm retailers from general merchandise or sporting goods stores. It directly affects firearm retailers (those selling guns or ammunition) and payment networks (such as Visa or Mastercard), ensuring their transactions are processed without special classification. Key provisions ban the use of discriminatory codes, establish an enforcement process through the Attorney General with complaint mechanisms, and preempt state or local laws on this issue. The bill does not change gun sales laws but alters how payment systems categorize firearm-related transactions. It explicitly states no private lawsuits can be filed under this law.

Maddy summaryS 1705, the Chip Security Act, requires U.S. companies exporting specific advanced integrated circuits (used in AI systems and high-performance computing) to install location verification technology before shipping them abroad. It directly affects manufacturers and exporters of chips classified under U.S. export control numbers like 3A090 or 4A090. The bill mandates that these chips include security mechanisms to verify their location and prevent diversion or tampering, with companies needing to report suspicious activity like unauthorized location changes. The Commerce Secretary must implement these requirements within 180 days and conduct annual assessments to update security standards. This aims to strengthen compliance with export laws and protect national security by securing chip supply chains.

Maddy summaryS 1675 would amend federal death penalty law to add a new aggravating factor for capital sentencing. Specifically, it would allow the death penalty to be considered if a defendant is an alien who entered or remained in the U.S. illegally and was convicted of killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a U.S. citizen. This provision directly affects defendants in federal murder cases who meet both criteria: violating immigration laws and committing violent crimes against citizens. The bill changes sentencing guidelines by expanding the circumstances under which the death penalty could be applied.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates "Workforce Pell Grants" to support students in short-term, job-focused training programs instead of traditional degree programs. It directly affects students enrolled in state-approved programs lasting 8-15 weeks (150-600 hours) that lead to portable credentials in high-demand fields, not graduate degrees or programs exceeding 600 hours. Key provisions require programs to meet state-determined job placement (70%+ within 180 days), earnings standards (median earnings exceeding 150% of poverty line), and academic credit transferability. The program starts July 1, 2026, replacing standard Pell Grants for eligible short-term training while preventing double-benefits with other aid.

Maddy summaryThe HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act requires the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agriculture (USDA), and Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a formal agreement for sharing housing-related research and market data. Within 180 days of enactment, these agencies must jointly submit a report to Congress detailing opportunities for improved collaboration to enhance efficiency in housing programs, and publish the report for 30 days of public comment beforehand. This bill directly affects HUD, USDA, and VA by mandating new coordination procedures but does not change existing housing laws or funding. The focus is on streamlining data sharing and collaborative planning between the three agencies to support evidence-based policymaking.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1694) restricts U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for colleges and universities that maintain relationships with Confucius Institutes or designated "Chinese entities of concern." It defines "Chinese entities of concern" as institutions or organizations tied to China's military, defense industry, or government security agencies. Starting 12 months after enactment, schools with such relationships would lose eligibility for DHS funds unless they terminate those ties. The law directly affects higher education institutions receiving DHS funding and requires them to sever connections to avoid losing federal support.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1612) prevents U.S. funding for United Nations agencies if Palestine gains any status beyond observer status. It amends existing laws to replace "full membership" with "any status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status" in U.S. funding rules for UN agencies. This would block U.S. financial support for UN bodies if Palestine achieves full membership or equivalent standing. The bill directly affects U.S. foreign aid policy toward UN agencies and Palestine's potential UN representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the PRECISE Act of 2025, increases financial incentives for farmers and ranchers to adopt precision agriculture technologies through existing USDA conservation programs. It defines "precision agriculture" as managing crop or livestock inputs (like fertilizer or water) with high spatial and temporal detail to improve efficiency, and "precision agriculture technology" as tools including GPS systems, soil sensors, and data software. Key provisions allow up to 90% cost coverage for adopting these technologies under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and add precision agriculture to eligibility for supplemental payments in the Conservation Stewardship Program. The bill directly affects agricultural producers participating in USDA conservation programs by expanding their access to funding for technology that aims to reduce input waste and support environmental quality.

Maddy summaryThe MOMS Act establishes a federal website called pregnancy.gov that will connect pregnant and postpartum women with local resources for healthcare, housing, childcare, and other support services. It creates grant programs for nonprofits that assist women in carrying pregnancies to term, with restrictions prohibiting these organizations from providing or referring for abortion services. The bill also amends child support laws to allow for child support obligations to begin at conception for unborn children, with payment amounts determined by courts based on the best interests of the mother and child. Additionally, it provides grants for telehealth equipment to improve prenatal and postnatal care access in rural and medically underserved areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill would deny federal tax deductions for medical expenses related to gender transition procedures and prohibit federal funding through Medicaid, Medicare, and essential health benefits for such procedures. It defines gender transition procedures broadly to include various hormonal treatments and surgeries, while excluding certain medical conditions like disorders of sex development and specific medical emergencies. The bill would affect individuals seeking gender transition care who rely on federal health programs for coverage. The provisions would apply to services furnished after the bill's enactment, with specific exclusions for certain medically necessary treatments.