Rep. Derek Schmidt

Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act This bill removes less-than-lethal projectile devices (e.g., certain TASERs) from regulation under the Gun Control Act. The term less-than-lethal projectile device means a device that (1) is not designed or intended to expel (and may not be readily converted to discharge) commonly used ammunition or projectiles exceeding a velocity of 500 feet per second; (2) is designed and intended to be used in a manner not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; and (3) does not accept (and cannot be readily modified to accept) an ammunition feeding device. The bill also requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether a device satisfies the definition of a less-than-lethal projectile device within 90 days of a request.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs U.S. agencies to support Iranian people's access to uncensored information and hold Iranian officials accountable for human rights abuses. It requires the State Department and FCC to report on technologies (like satellite networks and mesh systems) that could bypass internet restrictions in Iran, and authorizes $2 million annually to develop such tools. The bill also establishes a new "Iran Kleptocracy Initiative" at FinCEN to track corruption, freeze assets of Iranian regime officials and state-owned businesses, and coordinate with international partners. These measures apply to U.S. policy toward Iran but do not alter Iran's domestic laws; they focus on U.S. sanctions, technology development, and anti-corruption efforts targeting the Iranian regime.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays a Medicare payment adjustment for physicians' services until 2030. It prevents the implementation of a 2025 rule that would have adjusted Medicare payment rates based on efficiency metrics for doctors' work. The delay requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress by 2027 assessing whether a future one-time adjustment to these payment rates is necessary, with specific conditions for any future implementation. The bill does not cancel the adjustment but postpones it, while maintaining existing payment update percentages for Medicare physician services. It directly affects physicians and Medicare providers who rely on these payment structures.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate joint development and integration of defense technologies between the two countries. It directs the U.S. Secretary of Defense, with Israel’s agreement, to identify Israeli-origin technologies for rapid adoption into U.S. military systems, focusing on areas like counter-drone systems, missile defense (including "Golden Dome for America"), AI, cyber defense, and directed energy. The initiative requires annual congressional reporting on progress, partnerships with industry, and technology transitions, while authorizing $150 million annually for fiscal years 2027-2029. It aims to strengthen bilateral defense innovation and streamline the use of Israeli technologies within U.S. military programs.

Maddy summaryThe SCAM Act requires online platforms that display paid advertisements (like social media sites) to verify advertiser identities, implement scam detection systems, and remove fraudulent ads within 24 hours of confirmation. It directly affects platforms that accept payment for ads, targeting scams such as fake giveaways, romance scams, and AI impersonations that cost consumers $195 billion in 2024 (per FTC data). Key mechanisms include mandatory identity checks for advertisers, active monitoring systems, and a 72-hour investigation window for reported scams. The law aims to reduce fraud by shifting responsibility to platforms, with enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general.

Maddy summaryHR 7484, the Community Bank Relief Act, adjusts fees for payment card transactions to help community banks. It requires the Federal Reserve to annually increase these fees starting in 2026 based on the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, with a special one-time adjustment using CPI data from October 2009 to October 2025. This change directly affects community banks by linking their transaction fee limits to inflation, aiming to offset rising costs. The bill modifies existing law under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to implement these specific fee adjustment mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a national resource center to help states, local governments, and tribes adopt programs designed to prevent domestic violence homicides. It authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to nonprofit or tribal organizations that have proven experience in creating and evaluating these safety initiatives. The funded programs would train first responders to better identify high-risk situations and connect victims quickly with community support services using evidence-based tools. A total of $5,000,000 is authorized annually starting in fiscal year 2026 to support these efforts.

Maddy summaryHR 7391, the Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act, requires that Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) pay the discounted 340B ceiling price for covered drugs **at the time of purchase**, not later through rebates or adjustments. This directly affects FQHCs, which rely on 340B discounts to provide affordable care to low-income patients. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit manufacturers from entering agreements where FQHCs initially pay more than the ceiling price, with later reimbursement. It takes effect immediately upon enactment for all new drug purchases and applies to existing agreements starting then.

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 summaryHRES 1034 modifies House rules for "questions of privilege" resolutions during the 119th Congress. It requires that any privilege resolution offered by the Majority Leader or Minority Leader must have at least one-fifth of all House members as cosponsors when introduced. Additionally, Members must maintain this one-fifth cosponsorship threshold for at least one legislative day after a resolution's introduction before making an oral announcement about it. This procedural change affects how Members can formally raise conduct issues involving other Members, Delegates, or Resident Commissioners.