Rep. Daniel Webster

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a definition in existing law to expand restrictions on foreign talent recruitment. Starting January 1, 2026, territories controlled by "countries of concern" (like special administrative regions) will be treated as part of those countries for these restrictions. It directly affects researchers and institutions receiving federal research funding who may interact with entities in those territories. The change clarifies the scope of existing rules without altering the core policy on foreign influence prevention.

Maddy summaryHRES 472 is a symbolic House resolution condemning an antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, 2025, which targeted Jewish individuals. The resolution explicitly condemns the attack - where the perpetrator used Molotov cocktails against victims aged 52-88, including a Holocaust survivor - and calls for prosecuting the perpetrator. It also expresses concern about rising antisemitism on campuses and online, while urging Congress to secure borders and deport visa overstayers (though this is a symbolic call, not a new law). The resolution directly affects the Boulder Jewish community and victims of the attack, with no new policy changes enacted.

Maddy summaryHJRES 98 is a non-binding joint resolution designating June as "Life Month" to promote awareness of the value of human life. It expresses support for protecting unborn life, references the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, and urges policymakers to defend "the sanctity of human life" through legislation. The resolution does not create new laws, alter funding, or impose requirements - its purpose is solely symbolic recognition. It was introduced by multiple representatives and referred to relevant committees for consideration.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 433) is a symbolic congressional statement condemning former FBI Director James Comey for a social media post described in the bill as inciting violence against President Trump. It claims Comey's post - featuring the phrase "86-47" with "cool shell formation" - seemed to call for eliminating the president, jeopardizing his security during a foreign trip. The resolution formally condemns this as "indefensible," urges barring Comey from future federal employment, and requests a DOJ investigation into his post. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but reflects the sponsors' position on the matter. The bill focuses on the stated claims within its text, not on verified facts about the post or Comey's intent.

Maddy summaryHR 3512, the Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act, imposes a new annual tax on funds received by third-party investors who finance lawsuits through litigation financing agreements. It directly affects investors (including foreign entities) who provide funding to plaintiffs or law firms in exchange for a share of settlement or judgment proceeds, excluding small agreements under $10,000 or standard loans. The tax equals the top individual income tax rate plus 3.8 percentage points, with 50% withheld from settlement payments by parties involved in the lawsuit. The law also clarifies that such funds cannot offset losses and excludes certain typical legal fee reimbursements from taxation. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe Conscience Protection Act of 2025 would protect health care providers, facilities, and insurers that choose not to provide, refer for, or cover abortion services. It prohibits discrimination against such entities by the federal government, states, or any recipient of federal funds. The bill creates a private right of action allowing affected individuals or entities to sue for violations of conscience protections. It also establishes administrative enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights. This would strengthen existing conscience protections like the Weldon Amendment by ensuring entities can maintain religious or moral objections without facing penalties.

Maddy summaryHR 3324, the Safer Shrimp Imports Act, requires foreign countries exporting shrimp to the U.S. to meet specific food safety standards. It mandates that foreign governments enter agreements with the FDA within 180 days of the bill’s enactment, and shrimp from countries without such agreements or with inadequate food inspection systems will be refused entry one year after enactment. The law defines "equivalent" food inspection systems as those with sufficient staffing for uniform enforcement and regulations covering shrimp farming and transport conditions. This directly affects shrimp importers and foreign facilities manufacturing, processing, or holding shrimp for U.S. consumption.

Maddy summaryHR 276, the Gulf of America Act, would rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in all U.S. federal documents and maps. It requires all federal agencies to update their records, maps, and publications within 180 days of enactment to reflect this new name. The bill directly affects federal agencies responsible for geographic naming and documentation, such as the Department of the Interior and the Board on Geographic Names. This is a procedural change with no impact on policy, environmental regulations, or affected communities.

More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed Act or the MOMS Act This bill establishes requirements to enable the collection of certain child support during pregnancy, establishes grants for supportive services for women that promote alternatives to abortions, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a website with pregnancy resources other than those about abortions. Specifically, the bill requires states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy under the Child Support Enforcement program. (The program enables states to receive federal matching funds for expenses related to child support enforcement activities and related services.) Such child support applies at the request of the mother and may be applied retroactively. Also, HHS must award grants to nonprofits to provide pregnant and postpartum women, and women parenting young children, with services or information on topics including health care (excluding abortions), child care, and employment assistance. It also requires HHS to provide grants to health care providers in rural or medically underserved areas, as well as tribal areas, to purchase equipment enabling telehealth visits for prenatal and postnatal care (e.g., monitoring devices). Additionally, the bill requires HHS to establish a public website to inform pregnant and postpartum women, and women parenting young children, of nearby services and resources on topics including health care, material or legal support, and alternatives to abortion. States must, as a condition of receiving certain federal funds, provide lists of nonprofit child placement agencies for potential inclusion on the site.

Maddy summaryHR 3246, "Violet’s Law," amends the Animal Welfare Act to require federal research facilities to create plans for placing eligible animals (dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, or rabbits) no longer needed for research. It directs federal departments and agencies operating such facilities to develop standards within one year of enactment to facilitate adoption or placement with qualified organizations like animal rescue groups, sanctuaries, or shelters. Animals must be certified by a licensed veterinarian as free of infectious disease or physical issues endangering health before release. This applies directly to all U.S. federal agencies conducting animal research, mandating concrete steps to transition animals out of research settings into permanent care.