Rep. Gabe Evans

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey to launch a program using advanced quantum technology to map critical minerals on Federal lands. The initiative requires the agency to conduct mobile surveys in specific western regions, comparing new quantum data with existing records to improve how well they detect mineral deposits. Survey results will be shared publicly and with mining companies to encourage private investment, while state geological surveys will be consulted throughout the process. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior submit a detailed report to Congress within two years, outlining the survey findings, cost comparisons, and recommendations for future scaling.

Maddy summaryThe Advanced Transmission Technology to Reduce Rates Act directs the Department of Energy to create a public clearinghouse that lists projects, funding options, and analyses regarding advanced transmission technologies. This resource is designed to assist electric utilities, transmission organizations, and state regulators in planning deployments and understanding the potential impacts on grid efficiency and costs. Additionally, the bill allows certain funding actions for these technologies to be exempt from standard environmental review requirements and requires the Department to establish best practices for reducing wildfire risks from power lines. Crucially, the legislation explicitly states that these measures are informational and do not grant the government authority to force utilities to adopt specific technologies or follow the new wildfire safety guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic pre-approval systems for medical services by 2028 and meet transparency reporting standards starting in 2027. Plans must publicly report data on approval/denial rates, appeal outcomes, response times, and technology use for pre-approval requests, including details on how denials relate to clinical criteria. It establishes a 24-hour response timeframe for certain requests and mandates annual reviews of pre-approval requirements based on data and input from seniors and providers. The law directly affects Medicare Advantage plans, seniors enrolled in these plans, and healthcare providers who submit pre-approval requests. These changes aim to make the pre-approval process faster, more transparent, and more accountable for seniors seeking covered medical services.

Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act This bill prohibits payment card networks from using merchant codes that distinguish firearms retailers from general-merchandise retailers or sporting-goods retailers. The Department of Justice must enforce this bill and report annually on the resulting investigations and cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Secretary of State to create and execute a plan to end the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) across the Middle East. The legislation requires a detailed strategy that assesses current programs like education and healthcare, identifies new organizations to take over these services, and outlines how to fund and oversee the transition without interrupting aid. Once the plan is submitted to Congress, the State Department must begin implementing it within a year while coordinating with host countries and international partners. The bill emphasizes maintaining service continuity and ensuring that any successor groups meet strict standards for transparency and accountability.

Maddy summaryThe SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026 directs that money collected from the 9/11 Security Fee must be used exclusively for aviation security improvements rather than other government purposes. Starting in fiscal year 2027, the law creates two separate funds: one to cover general security operations and another specifically for purchasing and installing new checkpoint technology at airports. The Transportation Security Administration will manage these funds to pay for screening upgrades, security equipment, and related personnel support, ensuring the fee directly benefits aviation safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reorganize its Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach (ELO) Office within 120 days of enactment. It mandates a plan to eliminate redundant roles, centralize communication with priority law enforcement agencies (like state and local police), and improve information-sharing to reduce duplication across DHS. The plan must include cost-benefit analyses, staffing reassignments, a transition timeline, and assurances for continued support to State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) partners. DHS cannot expand the ELO Office’s budget or staff until this plan is approved and implemented.

Maddy summaryHR 5549, the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act, streamlines the licensing process for nuclear facilities by reducing mandatory hearings. It allows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue construction permits, operating licenses, or amendments without a hearing if it provides 30 days' notice and Federal Register publication, skipping the hearing requirement only when an amendment involves "no significant hazards." This change applies to all pending NRC applications after enactment, shifting from current rules requiring hearings unless waived. The bill directly affects nuclear facility developers, the NRC, and communities potentially impacted by licensing decisions through its revised notice and hearing procedures.

Maddy summaryHR 3978, the Nuclear REFUEL Act, amends the Atomic Energy Act to exclude certain nuclear fuel reprocessing methods from the definition of a "production facility." Specifically, it exempts facilities that reprocess spent nuclear fuel without separating plutonium from other elements, or continue uranium enrichment. This change would directly affect nuclear fuel recycling companies and facilities seeking to process spent reactor fuel under streamlined regulations. The bill focuses on altering regulatory classification to potentially simplify licensing for specific recycling processes.

Maddy summaryHR 3194, the LOCOMOTIVES Act, prevents states from setting their own emissions standards for locomotives used in interstate commerce. It amends the Clean Air Act to clarify that federal emissions rules exclusively apply to locomotives providing common carrier railroad transportation for hire (like commercial freight or passenger services across state lines), excluding these from state regulation. This directly affects railroads operating interstate services and state environmental agencies that previously could establish stricter local rules for such locomotives. The bill does not change the actual emissions requirements but shifts regulatory authority solely to the federal government for this specific category of locomotives.