Rep. Burgess Owens

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to double the maximum amount of the qualified elementary and secondary education scholarships tax credit for married couples who file a joint return. The change directly affects these taxpayers by allowing them to claim up to 200 percent of the standard credit limit, rather than the current cap. This provision is designed to increase the financial benefit available to families using this specific education credit. The new rules would apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to remove the requirement for states to formally opt in before their residents can claim a federal tax credit for qualified elementary and secondary education scholarships. By eliminating this state-level approval process, the legislation makes the scholarship credit available to taxpayers in all states without additional administrative steps from state governments. The change takes effect as if it were part of Public Law 119-21, ensuring immediate applicability for eligible families seeking tax relief for private school tuition or related educational expenses.

Maddy summaryThe American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 directs the U.S. Treasury to create two new accounts: a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for Bitcoin acquired through government forfeiture and a Digital Asset Stockpile for other digital assets. The bill mandates that all Bitcoin held in the reserve be kept for at least 20 years, with strict rules against selling or disposing of these assets during that time. It also establishes a transparency system requiring quarterly public reports and third-party audits to verify the government's holdings and management of these digital assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Medicare to cover early detection screening tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias starting January 1, 2028. It defines eligible tests as FDA-cleared genomic blood tests, blood product analyses, or equivalent medical imaging methods (like protein expression or whole genome sequencing) that detect pre-symptomatic or early-stage conditions. Medicare beneficiaries would receive this coverage without cost-sharing for these specific screenings. The bill amends Medicare coverage rules to explicitly include these tests under Section 1861(nnn) of the Social Security Act.

Maddy summaryHR 2978, the GUARD Act, allows state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to use existing federal grant funds for investigating elder financial fraud, "pig butchering" investment scams, and general financial fraud. The bill directs these funds toward hiring specialized staff, training on blockchain tools and transnational fraud, purchasing investigative software, improving data collection, and creating financial sector liaisons to coordinate with banks. It requires annual reports from law enforcement on fund usage and outcomes, and mandates federal agencies to submit comprehensive reports to Congress on scam statistics, enforcement actions, and funding allocation. The legislation directly affects law enforcement agencies and aims to strengthen efforts against fraud targeting vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals.

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 summaryHR 5267, the American Franchise Act, clarifies when franchisors can be considered joint employers of franchisee employees under federal labor laws. It defines "substantial direct and immediate control" over essential employment terms like wages, benefits, hours, hiring, and discipline - requiring franchisors to actively set these terms to be deemed joint employers. The bill explicitly excludes routine brand standards, training, or minimal safety requirements from constituting such control. This directly affects franchisors and franchisees by limiting joint employer liability to cases where franchisors exert significant, ongoing influence over core employment decisions. The law applies prospectively to new cases after enactment, not past disputes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify that direct sellers and qualified real estate agents (as defined under IRS rules) are not considered "employees" under federal labor law. It directly affects these workers by excluding them from FLSA protections like minimum wage and overtime pay. The key provision inserts a new definition into the law, changing how these professions are classified for labor rights purposes. This is a technical definitional change, not a new policy or program.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by formally honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. The bill acknowledges the ongoing health challenges faced by survivors and responders, highlighting the role of the World Trade Center Health Program in providing long-term medical support. It also credits charitable organizations and community groups that have continued to assist victims' families and veterans over the past two decades. Finally, the resolution urges the American public to observe the anniversary with ceremonies and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remembering the events and lessons of that day.

Maddy summaryThe Future of America's Workforce Act requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to publish an annual Contingent Work Supplement as part of the Current Population Survey. This supplement must gather data on "covered technologies," which are defined as systems, including artificial intelligence, that influence human decision-making or adapt their behavior based on data and experience. The law specifies that these technologies can be considered covered even if they do not fully automate tasks or replace workers, provided they alter job duties, scheduling, or worker autonomy. If the agency fails to publish the supplement, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics must report the reasons for the delay and the expected publication date to Congress.