Rep. Vern Buchanan

Maddy summaryHR 7371 (No Flight, No Fight Act of 2026) bans air carriers from transporting adult roosters as cargo, except for shipments originating from or destined to qualifying commercial farms. The bill requires shippers to provide USDA-certified documentation proving the farm meets the $350,000 annual gross income threshold for commercial operations. It defines "adult rooster" as a male chicken over 6 months old and specifies that exemptions apply only to legitimate agricultural purposes, not to prevent illegal activities like cockfighting. The Department of Transportation will enforce this rule, with violations subject to civil penalties, effective 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryHR 7370, the REUSE Act of 2026, requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to produce a public report within two years of enactment. The report must evaluate the feasibility, best practices, and economic impacts of reuse and refill systems for products like food, beverages, cleaning supplies, and shipping containers across sectors including retail, education, and waste management. It specifically examines job creation opportunities, cost-benefit analyses for businesses and waste management, equitable distribution strategies, and barriers to implementation. The bill does not create new regulations but mandates this study to inform future policy decisions on sustainable product systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents state or local governments from banning or restricting energy connections (like installation, modification, or access) based on the type or source of energy, such as electricity, natural gas, or renewable fuels. It directly affects consumers choosing energy providers and energy companies seeking to offer services. The key provision prohibits local laws, regulations, or policies that limit energy services sold in interstate commerce, covering all energy types listed in the bill’s definitions. It does not create new programs but limits regulatory authority at the state or local level. The law aims to ensure open access to diverse energy sources without source-based restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 7313) designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 3135 1st Avenue North in St. Petersburg, Florida, as the "Poul Hornsleth Post Office." It updates all federal references - such as maps, documents, and regulations - to use the new name for this specific location. The bill has no policy impact beyond renaming the post office and does not affect any individuals or create new requirements. It is a procedural measure to honor Poul Hornsleth through official designation.

Maddy summaryThe VSAFE Act of 2025 establishes a Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs to prevent and address fraud targeting veterans. This officer will develop communication plans, training, and reporting systems for veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to identify and avoid scams, while coordinating with agencies like the IRS, DOJ, and Social Security Administration. The bill also modifies a home loan fee deadline in the VA loan program, changing a date from June 9, 2034, to June 23, 2034. It does not create new full-time positions or alter existing Inspector General authority.

Maddy summaryHR 3307, the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, directs the U.S. government to prioritize diplomatic and security cooperation with Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to support their role as a strategic gateway for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The bill requires the Secretary of State to institutionalize strategic dialogues with these countries, prioritize energy and defense cooperation in the region, and submit annual reports on implementation and multilateral initiatives. It also mandates studies on expanding U.S. bilateral programs (like those with Israel) to include Eastern Mediterranean partners and analyzing the Cyprus security center as a model. The bill does not create new funding but guides existing U.S. policy and coordination efforts.

Maddy summaryHR 7114, the "No Bounties on Badges Act," would amend federal law to allow the Attorney General to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of individuals who harm, kill, or conspire to harm or kill U.S. federal law enforcement officers. The bill creates a new provision authorizing monetary rewards for tips that result in arrests, convictions, or prevention of attacks against officers, including in foreign countries. This policy change directly affects federal law enforcement officers by expanding reward mechanisms for information about threats against them, and it grants the Attorney General new authority under Title 18. The bill does not prohibit bounties but instead establishes a formal reward program for information related to violence against officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the interstate trade and possession of captive mink raised for fur production, directly affecting fur farmers and businesses involved in the mink fur supply chain. It includes an exception for entities covered under existing Lacey Act provisions and authorizes the Secretary to buy out mink farms at a price based on the farmer's recent mink population and farm infrastructure value. The law aims to end commercial mink farming for fur by banning related commerce while offering a voluntary transition option for affected farms. It does not apply to wild mink or non-fur-related mink uses.

Maddy summaryHR 5017, the Greyhound Protection Act of 2025, prohibits commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, open field coursing, and related betting across state lines. It bans activities like using live animals as bait, conducting interstate simulcast betting, and transporting greyhounds for racing purposes. The law amends the Animal Welfare Act to make these actions unlawful, with penalties including fines and up to 7 years in prison per violation. It applies to conduct occurring on or after October 1, 2027, and does not override existing state laws banning these activities. The bill directly affects greyhound racing industry participants and the animals involved in these practices.

Maddy summaryHR 4782, the Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act, establishes a USDA program to connect local farmers with food distribution networks. It requires eligible entities (like state agriculture agencies) to use funds to purchase unprocessed or minimally processed local foods from covered producers - including at least 25% from small-size, mid-size, beginning, or veteran farmers - while providing technical assistance for food safety and supply chains. The bill allocates $200 million annually (2026-2030) from the Commodity Credit Corporation, mandating 10% for Tribal governments and 1% per state before distributing remaining funds. This directly supports regional food security by boosting economic opportunities for local farmers and improving access to fresh, nutritious food through established distribution channels.