Rep. Andy Barr

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all commercial driver's license (CDL) tests - including knowledge tests, entry-level training exams, and third-party provider assessments - to be administered exclusively in English. It also mandates that new CDL applicants must hold a regular driver's license for at least one year prior to receiving a CDL, affecting most first-time commercial drivers. The Secretary of Transportation can revoke a state's authority to issue non-domiciled CDLs or commercial learner's permits (CLPs) if the state fails to comply with these requirements. These provisions directly impact new CDL applicants, particularly non-English speakers and those without prior driving experience.

Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act or the SCORE Act This bill provides a framework for the compensation of student athletes for the use of their name, image, or likeness (NIL). This includes addressing certain elements of the court approved agreement to settle the In re College Athlete NIL Litigation (i.e., House settlement ). Specifically, the bill statutorily prohibits institutions, conferences, or interstate intercollegiate athletic associations (e.g., the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)) from restricting the ability of a student athlete to enter an NIL agreement. The bill also requires institutions of higher education that generate $20 million or more in annual revenue from the institution's intercollegiate athletics activities to (1) provide counseling and medical benefits to student athletes, and (2) establish and maintain at least 16 varsity sports teams. Further, the bill authorizes interstate intercollegiate athletic associations to establish rules with respect to athletic eligibility, transfers, recruitment, and the disclosure of NIL agreements. Under the bill, student athletes may not be considered employees of an institution, conference, or interstate intercollegiate athletic association. The bill also preempts state laws with respect to compensation, payments, benefits, employment status, eligibility, and academic standards applicable to student athletes. Compliance with the provisions of this bill is considered lawful under federal and state antitrust laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates securities laws to expand exemptions for retirement plans used by charities and educational institutions. It specifically modifies definitions in the Investment Company Act, Securities Act, and Securities Exchange Act to include 403(b) plans meeting certain conditions - such as being subject to ERISA, having employer fiduciary oversight, or being governmental plans. These changes reduce regulatory hurdles for organizations offering these plans, making it easier to administer retirement benefits for their employees. The bill directly affects charities, schools, and other non-profits that sponsor 403(b) retirement plans.

Maddy summaryHRES 900 is a symbolic resolution expressing condolences to the families and loved ones of the 14 victims (3 on board and 11 in the Louisville community) of the UPS Airlines flight 2976 crash that occurred on November 4, 2025, at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. It specifically names the victims, honors their lives, and commends the first responders who assisted during the tragedy. This resolution has no policy or funding impact - it serves only as a formal expression of sympathy from the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award two gold medals in honor of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was tragically killed in 2025. One medal will go to his family, and the other will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution to preserve his legacy. The bill does not create new policy or affect any laws - it is purely commemorative, following standard procedures for Congressional Gold Medals. It includes provisions for striking the medals and selling bronze duplicates to cover costs, but contains no substantive legislative changes.

Maddy summaryHR 1109, the Litigation Transparency Act of 2025, requires parties and their lawyers in civil lawsuits to disclose to the court and other parties the identity of any person or group that could receive payment if the case succeeds (like investors or lenders), and to provide copies of related agreements. Exceptions apply for simple loan repayments (with interest limits) or attorney fee reimbursements. Disclosures must be made within 10 days of signing such agreements or when filing the case, and must be updated if inaccurate. This applies to all civil cases filed after the law takes effect, aiming to increase transparency in litigation funding arrangements.

Maddy summaryHRES 880 is a symbolic House resolution recognizing the strategic U.S.-India partnership, not a bill with new policy or funding. It reaffirms longstanding cooperation on defense, counterterrorism, technology, and people-to-people ties, citing historical milestones like the 2008 nuclear agreement and recent Quad collaboration. The resolution has no binding effect but formally supports continued partnership through existing mechanisms like the U.S.-India Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology initiative. It highlights shared priorities including Indo-Pacific stability and counterterrorism efforts, with no new legislative requirements or changes to law.

Maddy summaryHRES 861 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives condemning the Chinese Communist Party's persecution of religious minorities. It specifically addresses the detention of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and other leaders of Beijing Zion Church, alongside broader crackdowns on Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists in China. The resolution demands China release all wrongfully detained religious leaders and respect international human rights standards for religious freedom. As a non-binding statement, it reaffirms U.S. policy under the International Religious Freedom Act but does not create new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the name of Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument to "Camp Nelson National Monument" in all federal laws, maps, regulations, and official records. It directly affects government documents and references that currently use the older name. The key mechanism is updating the name in Section 2303 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act and clarifying that all future references to the monument must use the new name. The bill makes no changes to the monument's boundaries, management, or public access - only correcting the official designation. This is a procedural name correction with no substantive policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill streamlines federal permitting for projects critical to artificial intelligence infrastructure, including large data centers (50+ megawatts), reliable power plants, and associated transmission/fuel systems. It requires federal agencies to coordinate reviews and complete all necessary approvals within 2 years for designated projects, with a single agency leading environmental reviews. Owners of affected projects can seek compensation if new federal regulations materially impair operations for 180+ days, and qualifying power facilities may receive financial assistance for expansion. The bill directly affects AI infrastructure developers, power providers, and federal permitting agencies, focusing on accelerating reliable power access for national defense-related AI systems.