Rep. Bruce Westerman

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 summaryThis is a procedural resolution (HRES 860), not a bill with legislative effect. It expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for former President Trump's 2020 decision to redesignate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) under religious freedom laws. The resolution commends this action due to documented religious persecution in Nigeria, including violence against Christians and minority religious groups. It does not create new policy or alter U.S. assistance; it solely states congressional support for holding Nigeria accountable for religious freedom violations.

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 symbolic resolution (HRES 821) calls for recognizing October 2025 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month" to highlight dyslexia's impact. It urges Congress, schools, and educational agencies to acknowledge dyslexia's educational challenges - defined as a learning disability affecting reading due to phonological processing issues - and support early screening and intervention. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness about dyslexia, which affects 1 in 5 people and requires evidence-based support for academic success. It follows existing federal recognition of dyslexia in the First Step Act (2018) and emphasizes the need for accommodations to address the achievement gap.

Maddy summaryThe 21st Century Dyslexia Act amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to explicitly include dyslexia in the definition of specific learning disabilities and provide a clear definition of dyslexia as an unexpected difficulty in reading due to challenges in phonological processing. It requires schools to provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible students, including those from low-income families, low socioeconomic backgrounds, and limited English proficient students. This change ensures students with dyslexia are formally recognized under IDEA and that schools must consider these equity factors when determining eligibility and service provision. The bill does not alter existing eligibility criteria but clarifies definitions and mandates equitable access to support services.

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).

Maddy summaryHRES 719 is a House resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The resolution condemns his assassination and all political violence, extends condolences to his family, and calls on Americans to reject violence while promoting civil discourse. It specifically recognizes Kirk's legacy as a defender of constitutional principles and his role in inspiring youth through free speech and faith-based civic engagement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy changes but formally expresses the House's stance on honoring his life and legacy.

Maddy summaryHR 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, ensures military personnel, civilian Defense workers, and supporting contractors receive pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates emergency funds for active-duty service members, reserves, and their supporting personnel (including Coast Guard staff under DHS) if regular appropriations aren't enacted by the end of the fiscal year. The bill provides necessary pay and allowances during any period when full-year funding is unavailable, covering both active service and support roles. Funding expires when regular appropriations are passed, a funding resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a procedural measure to prevent pay delays for military and support staff during fiscal year 2026 funding lapses.

Maddy summaryHR 5133, the Patients’ Right to Know Their Medication Act of 2025, requires drug manufacturers to provide standardized printed patient medication information (PMI) with each prescription dispensed in non-hospital settings. This PMI must include clear, plain-language details on drug name, usage instructions, warnings, side effects, storage, disposal, and interactions - formatted consistently with readable text and graphics. The bill directly affects patients receiving prescriptions, ensuring they get accessible, non-promotional printed information to improve safety and reduce errors. The FDA would establish regulations within one year of enactment, mandating that manufacturers include this standardized PMI on prescription drug packaging.