Rep. Paul A. Gosar

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution expresses the U.S. Congress's disapproval of a specific law passed by the District of Columbia Council. The bill directly affects the District of Columbia by rejecting its "Full Accountability in Arrest Reporting Temporary Amendment Act of 2026," which was intended to modify how arrest data is reported. The mechanism used is a formal legislative statement that does not change any laws or policies but serves to record the federal government's opposition to the local action. This measure is a procedural response that highlights a disagreement between the federal and local governments without altering the actual operation of arrest reporting in Washington, D.C.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Preventing International Surrogacy Exploitation Act, aims to stop foreign nationals from using U.S. surrogate mothers for commercial surrogacy arrangements. It would make any surrogacy contract void and unenforceable if the intended parents are foreign citizens or permanent residents, with a specific exception for married couples where at least one partner is a U.S. citizen or resident. Additionally, the law prohibits surrogacy brokers from facilitating these agreements and imposes criminal penalties, including fines and up to 10 years in prison, for those who knowingly or recklessly assist in such contracts. Children born through these invalid agreements would have their custody determined by the state where the surrogate lives, focusing on the child's best interests rather than the contract. Finally, the bill prevents foreign parents from using their U.S.-born children to gain immigration benefits or rights under U.S. immigration laws.

Maddy summaryThe Merit Restoration Act prohibits federal research agencies and grant recipients from using specific diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in their work. This law targets requirements that mandate employees or researchers sign statements or complete training asserting that certain races, sexes, or national origins are inherently superior or inferior. If a recipient is found to have violated these rules, the agency must freeze their funding and may require them to repay any money used during the violation. The restrictions apply to grants awarded on or after the bill becomes law, affecting scientific and medical research funded by the federal government.

Maddy summaryThe Housing Regulatory Clarity Act of 2026 prohibits the Department of Housing and Urban Development from considering disparate impact when making any decisions. This provision directly affects the agency's ability to evaluate housing policies by removing a specific legal standard from its review process. By disallowing this type of analysis, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for how the department conducts its actions. The change limits the scope of factors the Secretary can weigh when implementing housing regulations.

Maddy summaryThe CARE for RPA Crews Act directs military department secretaries to create a new status identifier for remotely piloted aircraft crews conducting combat operations. This status would hold equivalent merit to the existing combat status identifier currently used by traditional military personnel. The law requires this new system to be established within 180 days of the bill's enactment. By granting this recognition, the legislation aims to formally acknowledge the combat roles played by drone operators.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Government Accountability Office to analyze new federal legislation for potential duplication with existing programs, offices, or initiatives. When the GAO identifies such overlaps, it must report the findings to the Congressional Budget Office Director and the committee that introduced the bill, and publish the information on its website. The bill aims to improve government efficiency by flagging redundant spending before new programs are fully implemented, affecting the GAO, budget officials, and legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Defense to review and eventually ban contracts with retailers that use payment processing systems from specific countries deemed a national security risk, such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Effective January 1, 2027, the Defense Department will be prohibited from entering into agreements for payment equipment or services if those tools rely on technology developed, owned, or controlled by entities in these nations. The law defines covered systems broadly to include hardware, software, and firmware linked to these countries, aiming to prevent potential foreign access to sensitive military financial data. Retailers wishing to continue working with the Department of Defense must replace their payment processing infrastructure with systems that do not involve these restricted technologies.

Maddy summaryThe Critical Mineral and Extraction Tax Parity Act expands a federal tax credit for advanced manufacturing to include eleven new critical minerals, such as boron, copper, and uranium, while also adding specific rules for phosphate. It allows companies that extract ore in the United States to claim these credits for the extraction costs themselves, provided they certify that the ore is refined into a qualifying mineral and sold to an unrelated buyer. Additionally, the bill removes a previous penalty that reduced tax credit amounts for metallurgical coal, ensuring these materials receive the same financial support as other critical minerals. These changes are designed to encourage domestic production and processing of essential raw materials and will take effect for minerals produced and sold after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe Armed Forces Carry Rights Protection Act of 2026 modifies federal law to make it easier for military personnel to carry personal firearms on military bases when they are not on duty. Under this bill, commanders would face a legal presumption in favor of approving such requests, shifting the default stance toward allowing carry rather than restricting it. If a commander does deny a request, the law requires them to provide a written explanation that is specific to the individual and based on objective criteria. This change directly affects active-duty service members and the commanders who evaluate their requests for firearm authorization on installation.

Maddy summaryThe FAIR Labels Act of 2026 establishes new labeling requirements for cell-cultivated protein products and plant-based alternatives designed to look like meat or poultry. It mandates that labels for these products prominently display the terms "cell-cultivated" or "plant-based alternative protein product" and include clear disclaimers stating the items are not derived from live animals or birds. Additionally, the bill updates regulatory oversight by requiring the USDA and FDA to revise their agreement, assigning the USDA primary responsibility for regulating cell-cultivated meat and poultry while the FDA oversees production safety and facility compliance. The legislation also directs these agencies to create common standards of identity for these products within 180 days of enactment.