Rep. Andy Barr

Maddy summaryThis bill bans the import, export, and sale of donkey skins and ejiao products (a gelatin made from donkey skin) in U.S. commerce. It directly affects U.S. businesses importing or selling ejiao, which currently accounts for $12 million in annual U.S. imports. The law prohibits trading in donkey skins for ejiao production or any product containing ejiao, with civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation or criminal charges for larger offenses. Enforcement will be handled by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, targeting the U.S. market for a product driving global donkey population declines.

Maddy summaryHR 5542, the "End Government Shutdowns Act," automatically funds all federal programs at 99% of the previous fiscal year's level if Congress fails to pass regular appropriations bills by the start of a new fiscal year. This prevents shutdowns by ensuring continuous operations, with funding decreasing by 1% every 30 days until a new budget is enacted. The bill directly affects all federal agencies and programs that would otherwise face funding gaps during budget disputes. It requires funding to continue at reduced levels until a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution is signed into law, avoiding government shutdowns through this automatic mechanism.

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 summaryThis bill allocates $5 million annually (2026-2030) to states for collecting de-identified stillbirth data through existing health systems, including risk factor analysis. It also provides $1 million yearly to develop standardized guidelines for healthcare providers and public educational materials about stillbirths, requiring consultation with medical professionals, bereavement organizations, and affected families. The bill mandates that all data collection complies with privacy laws and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to publish a public report on stillbirth guidelines within five years. It directly affects state health departments, healthcare providers, and families experiencing stillbirth by improving data quality and access to resources.

Maddy summaryHR 5483, the Chloe Cole Act, prohibits health care professionals, hospitals, or clinics from providing certain gender-affirming treatments to minors under 18 that aim to alter their body to align with a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth. This includes puberty blockers, sex hormones, and specific surgeries, unless the treatment falls under narrow exceptions like medically necessary care for disorders of sexual development, injuries, or detransition. The bill creates a private right for affected minors or their guardians to sue providers for damages in federal court, with strict liability for violations. It applies when interstate commerce is involved (e.g., payments, travel, communications) and sets a 25-year statute of limitations from the minor’s 18th birthday.

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 summaryHRES 695 is a commemorative resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative speaker and Turning Point USA leader, following his assassination on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. The resolution condemns the attack, offers condolences to his family, and recognizes first responders. It reaffirms the First Amendment right to peaceful assembly and emphasizes that violence cannot silence democratic participation. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to Kirk's memory and the principles of democratic engagement.

Maddy summaryHR 5253, the Protecting American Research and Talent Act, restricts federal funding for fundamental research collaborations between U.S. universities and specific Chinese institutions linked to military programs. It prohibits federal grants or contracts for such collaborations unless a waiver is granted by a federal agency, which requires the university to have less than 15% international enrollment and less than 5% enrollment from students in "foreign countries of concern" (like China). Waivers must be justified and reported to Congress, including details about the research collaboration and intellectual property terms. The bill also mandates annual agency reports tracking compliance, university enrollment data, and all granted waivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. President to identify Pakistani officials responsible for undermining democracy and human rights within 180 days of enactment, then impose Global Magnitsky sanctions on them. It targets senior government, military, or security officials found to have committed gross human rights violations or interfered with democratic processes, such as during Pakistan’s 2024 elections or through constitutional changes. Sanctions would include asset freezes and travel bans, with exceptions for humanitarian aid, UN obligations, and national security activities. The bill expires on September 30, 2030, and aims to pressure Pakistan to uphold democratic norms, human rights, and judicial independence.

Maddy summaryHR 3673 amends Section 203(m) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to require automatic annual inflation adjustments to the dollar threshold that exempts certain private fund investment advisers from SEC registration. The bill directs the SEC to adjust this threshold each year based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), starting with an initial adjustment reflecting the CPI change between 2010 and the bill's enactment. This adjustment ensures the exemption level keeps pace with inflation, preventing it from losing value over time. The bill directly affects private fund investment advisers who manage assets below the adjusted threshold, allowing them to remain exempt from registration requirements without needing new legislation each year.