Rep. Michael Guest

Maddy summaryHR 2808, the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, restricts how consumer reporting agencies share credit reports during mortgage applications. It prevents agencies from sending these reports to third parties unless the request is tied to a firm credit offer and the recipient has either the homebuyer’s explicit written consent or is directly involved in the mortgage (like the lender, loan servicer, or the homebuyer’s bank holding an active account). This directly affects homebuyers applying for residential mortgages by limiting unsolicited sharing of their credit information. The law amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to strengthen privacy protections around mortgage-related credit data.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to issue photo identification cards meeting REAL ID standards to U.S. citizen prisoners being released from federal custody within 180 days of enactment. The card is valid for 18 months and must be accepted by states for state ID purposes (through negotiated agreements) and by federal programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food assistance, and housing programs. It directly affects federal prisoners upon release, states (through required negotiations), and federal agencies that provide services requiring ID. The law mandates annual reports to Congress on state agreement progress but does not change existing prerelease planning procedures.

Maddy summaryThe PRICE Act (HR 5113) increases penalties for assaulting, resisting, or obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers or employees. It would double the maximum prison sentence and adjust fines for such offenses when the victim is an ICE officer or employee. This bill directly affects individuals who commit violent or obstructive acts against ICE personnel by imposing harsher punishments. The key provision amends federal law to add a specific penalty enhancement for ICE-related cases within existing assault provisions.

Maddy summaryHR 5116, the "Empower Parents to Protect their Kids Act," requires all K-12 schools receiving federal funds to obtain parental consent before accommodating a student's gender identity that differs from their sex assigned at birth. The bill prohibits schools from changing student names/pronouns, facilitating gender transition, hiding such information from parents, or encouraging gender transition without parental involvement. Schools must publicly post policies ensuring compliance and provide written policies to families. Parents or the Attorney General can sue schools for violations, seeking injunctions, fees, or compensation for harm caused by unconsented gender transition efforts.

Maddy summaryHR 4018 aims to accelerate U.S. access to critical minerals (like nickel, cobalt, and rare earths) found in seabed resources on the continental shelf. It requires federal agencies to expedite permits for exploration and commercial recovery under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act within 60 days of enactment. The bill also mandates a seabed mapping plan, identifies critical minerals for defense/energy use, and directs engagement with allies to support U.S. companies in developing these resources. This directly affects U.S. mining companies seeking seabed mineral rights and federal agencies managing offshore resource development.

Maddy summaryHRES 664 is a non-binding resolution observing the 20th anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita's 2005 Gulf Coast devastation. It recognizes the progress made in rebuilding affected communities across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Georgia, citing statistics on population recovery and tourism growth. The resolution expresses support for victims, commends recovery efforts, and reaffirms commitment to the Gulf Coast region. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change policy - its sole purpose is commemorative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "cottage family homes" as a new foster care placement option under federal law. It defines these homes to require trauma-informed care, prohibit seclusion/restraints (except brief physical restraint for safety), ensure children can participate in normal activities, and maintain family connections. The bill removes time limits on foster care payments for children in these homes and gives states flexibility to classify them as foster family homes if they serve children's best interests. It directly affects foster children placed in cottage homes and the agencies operating them.

Maddy summaryHR 1569, the CATCH Fentanyl Act, establishes a 5-year pilot program to test nonintrusive inspection technologies at U.S. border ports of entry. The bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to evaluate at least five technology enhancements - including AI, machine learning, and quantum sensing - to improve detection of contraband, drugs, weapons, and threats while reducing inspection wait times. Pilot projects must prioritize cost-effective solutions that integrate with existing systems, adhere to privacy protections, and report findings on performance metrics like detection rates and throughput. The program mandates detailed reports to Congress on effectiveness, implementation plans, and privacy impacts, using existing funding without new appropriations.

Maddy summaryHR 4964, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, requires physicians performing abortions on minors traveling across state lines to provide 24 hours of actual or constructive notice to the minor's parent before the procedure. It directly affects minors (under 18) seeking abortions in a state different from their residence, their parents, and healthcare providers. Key provisions mandate parental notification unless exceptions apply - such as medical emergencies, court waivers, verified abuse disclosures, or the minor being accompanied by a documented parent. The law aims to ensure compliance with parental involvement requirements in the minor’s home state, with penalties for noncompliance including fines or imprisonment for physicians.

Maddy summaryHR 4863, the Fairness for Khobar Act of 2025, provides lump sum catch-up payments to victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and 1996 Khobar Towers bombing who were previously denied compensation due to confusing Department of Justice guidance. The bill requires the Special Master to authorize these payments to individuals who relied on outdated guidance stating they could not apply for lump sum payments if already eligible for regular distributions. Victims can prove their reliance through documentation, sworn statements, or other methods approved by the Special Master. Payments will be made from a reserve fund or the main compensation fund, ensuring those who were wrongly excluded can now receive full compensation they were entitled to under the law.