Rep. Don Bacon

Maddy summaryThe FORTIFY Act allows defense equipment and services to move freely between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania without needing special permission from the U.S. President. This change removes previous legal barriers that required U.S. approval whenever one Baltic nation shared military supplies with another. Additionally, the bill directs the U.S. Department of Defense to set up a shared digital system so these countries can easily coordinate and share ammunition for training and operations. The legislation aims to strengthen regional security by making it easier for Baltic allies to support each other militarily.

Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 This bill amends the Clean Air Act to address the limitations on Reid Vapor Pressure (a measure of gasoline's volatility) that are placed on gasoline during the summer ozone season. Specifically, the bill applies the waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements that is applicable to gasoline blended with 10% ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15). This change allows gasoline that is blended with 10% to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round. Currently, states may be excluded from the waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements by submitting documentation supporting that the waiver would increase air pollution. The bill nullifies existing state exclusions, but states may submit documentation after enactment of the bill to be excluded going forward. The bill also modifies the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, which requires transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States to contain minimum volumes of renewable fuel. Under the existing program, obligated parties, such as small refineries, must satisfy the volume obligations by either blending renewable fuels into their gasoline or diesel fuel products or by acquiring credits that represent the required renewable fuel volume. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to return compliance credits to small refineries under certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating May 2026 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. The bill directly affects the U.S. House of Representatives and the general public by encouraging awareness of healthy lifestyles. It highlights the importance of physical activity and nutritious eating to combat obesity and related health issues. The measure aims to educate Americans on the benefits of regular exercise and proper diet for overall well-being.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally designates May as Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month to highlight the growing prevalence of these illnesses across the United States. The bill cites data showing a significant increase in reported cases and emergency room visits for tick bites, emphasizing the need for public education and early detection. By supporting this designation, the House aims to encourage awareness and promote better clinical responses to Lyme disease and related conditions. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the issue.

This resolution expresses support for police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Maddy summaryHRES 64 is a non-binding House resolution affirming the U.S.-South Korea alliance. It highlights historical ties (dating to 1882), economic partnerships (including 2023 trade data), and security cooperation (like the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty), while celebrating Korean American contributions to U.S. society. The resolution formally supports strengthening security, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations and notes the 2025 anniversary of Korean liberation. It does not create new laws or funding, but serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support for the alliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill would amend federal law to strengthen penalties for organized retail crime by expanding definitions of theft to include digital goods, gift cards, and setting a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for charges over a 12-month period. It would establish a new "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" under Homeland Security to coordinate Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement efforts against cross-jurisdictional theft groups. The Center would share information with retailers, transportation companies, and law enforcement agencies, track crime trends, and produce annual reports on organized retail crime. This legislation directly affects retailers, supply chain businesses, and law enforcement agencies, while targeting organized crime groups responsible for a 93% increase in larceny incidents and rising safety concerns for retail employees. The bill aims to address significant financial losses and supply chain disruptions noted in the National Retail Federation's 2023 data.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses Congress's support for law enforcement officers and honors those who have died or been injured while performing their duties. The document highlights the dangers officers face, noting high rates of assaults and suicide, as well as current staffing shortages compared to pre-2020 levels. It calls for increased measures to improve officer safety, including more personnel, better training and equipment, stricter penalties for assaulting officers, and expanded mental health resources. This non-binding measure does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to formally recognize the contributions of police professionals and urge government bodies to provide necessary support.

Maddy summaryThe VICTIM Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to help state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies improve their clearance rates for homicides and firearm-related violent crimes. Funds awarded by the Attorney General can be used to hire and train investigators, upgrade forensic technology, implement evidence-based investigative strategies, and provide support services for victims and their families. The legislation also mandates regular reporting on investigation outcomes and requires the Justice Department to conduct audits to prevent misuse of funds, with specific provisions ensuring that at least 5% of the money goes to rural and Tribal agencies.

Maddy summaryThe Respect Tribal IDs Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to create and enforce annual training for immigration officers on how to properly identify and accept Native American tribal documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. This legislation directly affects federal immigration officials by mandating that they complete specific curricula developed in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian tribes. Key provisions include establishing a database of tribal document examples, incorporating scenario-based exercises, and ensuring officers understand the historical trust responsibility between the U.S. government and American Indians. Additionally, the bill defines which tribal documents, such as enrollment cards and certificates of degree of Indian blood, are considered valid proof of citizenship.