Rep. Mike Rogers

Maddy summaryHR 5267, the American Franchise Act, clarifies when franchisors can be considered joint employers of franchisee employees under federal labor laws. It defines "substantial direct and immediate control" over essential employment terms like wages, benefits, hours, hiring, and discipline - requiring franchisors to actively set these terms to be deemed joint employers. The bill explicitly excludes routine brand standards, training, or minimal safety requirements from constituting such control. This directly affects franchisors and franchisees by limiting joint employer liability to cases where franchisors exert significant, ongoing influence over core employment decisions. The law applies prospectively to new cases after enactment, not past disputes.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by formally honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. The bill acknowledges the ongoing health challenges faced by survivors and responders, highlighting the role of the World Trade Center Health Program in providing long-term medical support. It also credits charitable organizations and community groups that have continued to assist victims' families and veterans over the past two decades. Finally, the resolution urges the American public to observe the anniversary with ceremonies and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remembering the events and lessons of that day.

Maddy summaryHR 2555, the Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025, protects students who join or form single-sex social organizations (like fraternities or sororities) at colleges. It prohibits colleges receiving federal funds from taking negative actions against these students or organizations solely because they limit membership to one sex - such as denying housing, financial aid, leadership roles, or recognition. The bill ensures students can join such groups without coercion and stops colleges from imposing unfair recruitment rules on single-sex organizations compared to others. It does not require colleges to recognize single-sex groups, allow organizations to set their own membership rules, or override Title IX protections.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally honors the life and legacy of the late Representative Kay Granger from Texas, recognizing her historic achievements in public service. The bill highlights her roles as the first woman elected mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman to represent Texas in the U.S. House, and the first Republican woman to chair the House Committee on Appropriations. It also acknowledges her contributions to national defense, including her work on the F-35 fighter jet program and the naming of a Navy ship for Fort Worth. The resolution expresses sympathy to Granger's family and directs the Clerk of the House to send an official copy of the document to her loved ones.

Maddy summaryThe Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 imposes comprehensive economic restrictions on the Russian Federation, including blocking assets of government officials, state-owned financial institutions, and entities supporting the defense sector. The bill prohibits new U.S. investments in Russia, bans the purchase of Russian sovereign debt, and restricts the importation of uranium and energy products from the country. Additionally, it authorizes the imposition of tariffs up to 500 percent on goods imported directly from Russia and up to 100 percent on goods from foreign nations that continue to purchase significant volumes of Russian crude oil or natural gas. The legislation also extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031 and includes a five-year sunset provision for the new measures, subject to specific humanitarian and safety exceptions.

Maddy summaryHR 7008, the Stop Insider Trading Act, restricts Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing certain investments like stocks in publicly traded companies. It requires 7-14 days' advance public notice before selling any such investment, including the sale date, description, and number of shares. Exceptions apply for work-related transactions (e.g., employer compensation) and reinvesting dividends. Violations trigger a fee of $2,000 or 10% of the investment’s value (whichever is greater), plus any net gain, paid from personal funds - not congressional allowances or campaign donations. The bill aims to prevent conflicts of interest by increasing transparency around congressional financial dealings.

Maddy summaryThe PERFORM Act restricts the Postmaster General from receiving bonuses or performance-based pay if the Postal Service runs a financial deficit, misses service targets, or fails to pass its annual audit. To enforce this, the law requires the Postmaster General to submit an annual report to Congress detailing all executive compensation, the metrics used to justify those payments, and the agency's financial and service performance data. Additionally, the Postal Service Inspector General must review these reports to ensure compliance with the new restrictions. These measures directly affect the compensation of senior Postal Service leadership and increase transparency regarding the agency's financial and operational results.

Maddy summaryThe Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Act of 2026 authorizes the organization Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. to build a commemorative monument on federal land in Washington, D.C., honoring the original Tuskegee Airmen who served in World War II. This legislation allows the group to accept private donations and cover all costs for the project without using federal funds, while requiring any leftover money to be deposited into specific government accounts. The bill also mandates that the memorial be constructed in compliance with existing federal standards for commemorative works.

Maddy summaryHR 8800, titled the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, authorizes funding for the U.S. Department of Defense for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill allocates specific amounts for procuring equipment and supplies across all military branches, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force. It also provides funds for research, development, testing, and evaluation activities, as well as money for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of military forces. These financial authorizations are detailed in funding tables within the legislation and apply to the fiscal year 2027 budget cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) administering prescription drug benefits for federal employee health plans to reimburse pharmacies at specific rates, including the national average drug cost plus a small percentage or $50, whichever is lower. It prohibits PBMs from favoring their own pharmacies, restricting patient choice, or reducing pharmacy payments after claims are processed. The bill establishes $10,000 civil penalties for violations, with debarment from federal health plans after 10 penalties in 10 years. This directly affects PBMs, in-network pharmacies, and federal health benefit plans covering millions of federal employees and their families. The law aims to ensure fair reimbursement practices and maintain pharmacy choice under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.