Rep. George Whitesides

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from implementing layoffs or involuntary employee separations until after full-year funding for fiscal year 2026 is secured. It directly affects NSF employees in competitive service, excepted service, and the Senior Executive Service by blocking workforce reductions. The key provision creates a temporary moratorium on layoffs, with exceptions only for separations due to misconduct, inefficiency, or delinquency. This applies until Congress enacts the full FY2026 budget, adding a specific timeline to existing federal personnel rules.

Maddy summaryHR 2210, the Saving NASA’s Workforce Act, prohibits NASA from initiating or implementing reductions in force or involuntary separations of most employees until after full-year funding for fiscal year 2026 is enacted. It specifically protects employees in competitive service, excepted service, and the Senior Executive Service from being laid off, except for cause related to misconduct, inefficiency, or delinquency. The bill applies to all standard personnel actions under federal law and does not affect existing authority for disciplinary separations. This moratorium directly affects NASA’s workforce by preventing layoffs during the current funding cycle.

Maddy summaryHR 2209, the Saving NIST’s Workforce Act, prohibits the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) from implementing layoffs or involuntary employee separations (except for misconduct, inefficiency, or delinquency) until after full-year funding for NIST’s fiscal year 2026 budget is enacted. The bill directly affects all NIST employees in the competitive service, excepted service, and senior executive roles by blocking workforce reductions during this period. Key provisions require NIST to maintain current staffing levels through the end of FY2026, unless Congress passes a full-year appropriations bill for that year. This is a procedural measure focused on preserving NIST’s current workforce structure, not creating new programs or altering funding levels.

Maddy summaryThe Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act (HR 2211) prohibits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from initiating layoffs or involuntary separations of most employees until after full-year funding for fiscal year 2026 is approved. It specifically blocks reductions in force or involuntary separations for competitive service, excepted service career employees, and Senior Executive Service members, except for cause (like misconduct or inefficiency). This bill directly affects NOAA’s workforce by preserving current employment status through the 2026 budget cycle.

Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2025 or the HELPER Act of 2025 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a first-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment. Instead, the mortgage is subject to a one-time, up-front mortgage insurance premium.

Maddy summaryHRES 218 is a resolution recognizing and honoring teachers who have earned or maintained National Board Certification as of March 2025. It specifically honors approximately 141,464 certified teachers nationwide, acknowledges their contributions to student learning (including research showing improved outcomes for students), and encourages school districts and states to support more teachers in pursuing this certification. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for educators meeting rigorous teaching standards.

Maddy summaryThe Access to Family Building Act establishes legal rights for individuals seeking fertility care and health care providers offering assisted reproductive technology (ART) services. It prohibits states or localities from imposing unreasonable restrictions on ART access - such as excessive costs, health barriers, or arbitrary limitations - that don’t advance safety or health outcomes. The bill allows patients, providers, or insurers to sue to enforce these rights, while explicitly preserving state health/safety regulations that protect patient safety. It does not override existing state insurance laws or require changes to medical facility safety standards. This bill directly affects patients pursuing fertility treatment, fertility clinics, and health insurers covering ART services.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.

Maddy summaryHR 2081, the Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the 627 women who served as Red Cross volunteers in the Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program during the Vietnam War. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be presented by Congress and then given to the Smithsonian Institution for display. It also allows the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint fund. This commemorative act recognizes the volunteers' service supporting over 280,000 troops through recreation programs across Vietnam from 1965 to 1973.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to transition its workforce from a special personnel management system to the standard federal personnel system under Title 5 of the U.S. Code by December 31, 2025. It protects TSA employees by ensuring no reduction in pay, benefits, or retirement rights during the transition, while preserving collective bargaining rights for screening agents. The legislation also mandates consultation with labor unions during the process and requires several reports on workforce issues including recruitment, harassment policies, and workplace safety.