Rep. Tom Cole

Maddy summaryHR 4304, the FAIR Bet Act, amends the tax code to allow gamblers to deduct 100% of their wagering losses instead of the current 90% limit. This change directly affects individuals who report gambling losses on their federal income tax returns. The key provision modifies Section 165(d) of the Internal Revenue Code to remove the 90% restriction on deducting gambling losses. The bill does not alter how gambling winnings are taxed, only the deduction available for losses.

Maddy summaryThe Tribal Warrant Fairness Act updates federal law to ensure Indian tribes have equal standing with local and state governments in specific law enforcement contexts. It amends the U.S. Marshals Service statute to explicitly include "Tribal fugitive matters" when requested by an Indian Tribe, and revises the Presidential Threat Protection Act to add "Indian Tribes" and "Tribal law" to relevant provisions. These changes directly affect tribal governments by requiring federal agencies to recognize tribal requests and jurisdiction in warrant-related matters and threat protection. The bill makes no new policy but clarifies existing federal procedures to include tribal authorities on par with local and state entities.

Maddy summaryHR 7457, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, designates Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under U.S. law due to ongoing religious persecution. The bill mandates the U.S. Secretary of State to impose targeted sanctions (including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act) on specific Fulani militias, officials like former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and groups like MACBAN, and requires annual reports on Nigeria’s compliance with religious freedom standards. Key provisions include urging Nigeria to repeal blasphemy laws, protect religious minorities, investigate violence, and facilitate the return of internally displaced persons. The bill directly affects the Nigerian government, perpetrators of religious violence, and vulnerable religious communities, particularly Christians.

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 1033 is a symbolic resolution expressing support for designating the week beginning February 2, 2026, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week." It directly recognizes 34 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) serving students from over 250 federally recognized tribes, including American Indians and Alaska Natives in economically disadvantaged areas. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally urges the public and organizations to observe the week through activities highlighting TCUs' role in preserving cultural traditions, providing accessible education, and contributing to the national economy (as noted in the resolution's preamble).

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Truth and Healing Commission to investigate the history and impacts of U.S. Indian Boarding School policies on Native American communities, including their cultural, emotional, and physical effects. The Commission will document these policies' history through research, public meetings across all 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions and Hawai'i, and consultation with survivors, tribes, and relevant Federal agencies. It will develop recommendations for federal action on memorialization, education, and addressing ongoing impacts, with a final report due six years after enactment. The Commission will include a Survivors Truth and Healing Subcommittee with 15 members representing boarding school survivors, their descendants, and tribal communities. The bill requires trauma-informed care at public meetings and mandates consultation with Native American communities throughout the process.

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 This bill provides appropriations to several federal departments and agencies for the remainder of FY2026 and provides continuing FY2026 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 13, 2026. It also extends various expiring programs and authorities. Specifically, the bill includes 5 of the 12 regular FY2026 appropriations bills: the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026; the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026;  the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026; the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2026; and the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026. The departments, agencies, and activities funded in the bill include the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development,  the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the judiciary, the District of Columbia, the Department of State and related programs, the administration and oversight of foreign assistance programs,   bilateral economic assistance, international security assistance, multilateral assistance, export and investment assistance, and several related and independent agencies. In addition, the bill includes a continuing resolution (CR) that provides continuing FY2026 appropriations to DHS through the earlier of February 13, 2026, or the enactment of the DHS appropriations act. The CR funds most DHS programs and activities at the FY2025 levels. The bill also extends several expiring programs and authorities, including the U.S. Grain Standards Act; the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s whistleblower program; the National Flood Insurance Program; the Forest Service's participation in the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services Program; the Transportation Security Administration’s Reimbursable Screening Services Program; the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee; several authorities and programs related to cybersecurity; the technology modernization fund and board; the U.S. Parole Commission; the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking; several immigration-related programs and authorities; the authority for the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promulgate certain guidelines or amendments related to the use of unmanned aircraft;  certain bankruptcy fees; trade preferences for Haiti and countries in sub-Saharan Africa; the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; and several health care authorities and programs.

Maddy summaryThe Roadway Safety Modernization Act of 2025 requires states to integrate predictive safety tools - like data analytics and telematics - into federal highway safety programs to identify risks, evaluate projects, and improve planning. It directs the Department of Transportation to issue guidelines on data privacy, security, and validating these tools to ensure reliability. The bill also defines "intelligent freight transportation systems" to include technologies that enhance freight safety on highways. These changes apply directly to states administering highway safety funds and federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration.

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.