Rep. Gregory F. Murphy

Maddy summaryHR 472, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, creates new disciplinary procedures for VA supervisors and management officials. It requires the VA Secretary to consider specific factors like the seriousness of misconduct and the employee's role when deciding on removal, demotion, or suspension, and limits the entire disciplinary process to 15 business days. The bill prevents courts from reviewing penalty amounts but allows review of whether procedures were followed correctly. It also strengthens whistleblower protections by requiring Special Counsel approval before disciplining employees who report misconduct, affecting VA supervisors and management officials but excluding senior executives and political appointees.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Medicare Advance Directive Certification Program to help Medicare beneficiaries create and manage legally recognized advance directives that outline their medical care preferences. The program would require participating vendors to meet strict accreditation standards for security, privacy, and accessibility while allowing beneficiaries to voluntarily enroll and update their documents online. Key provisions include mandatory notifications to Medicare enrollees, federal oversight of vendor compliance, and the availability of state-compliant advance directive forms on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. The legislation does not preempt state laws and ensures that certified directives remain accessible to healthcare providers and designated family members when needed.

Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025 This act modifies the procedures by which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reissues misused benefits to a beneficiary, including by requiring the VA to establish methods and timing with respect to determining whether an instance of misuse by a fiduciary is the result of negligence by the VA. The act also provides that if a beneficiary predeceases a reissuance, the VA must pay the amount to a surviving beneficiary in the same method as certain other VA benefits are paid upon the death of a beneficiary. Under the act, the VA may not withhold the reissuing of a benefit payment by reason of a pending determination regarding the VA's negligence in relation to the instance of misuse by a fiduciary. Additionally, the VA is not required to make a determination regarding its negligence for each instance of misuse by a fiduciary of all or part of an individual's benefit paid to such fiduciary.

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act This act provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team in recognition of the team's achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

Maddy summaryHRES 947 is a non-binding resolution condemning public universities and colleges for requiring applicants or faculty to submit statements supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as part of admissions or hiring decisions. It states such "compelled political litmus tests" violate the First Amendment by restricting free speech and academic freedom, citing Supreme Court precedents that protect intellectual inquiry on campuses. The resolution specifically urges institutions to stop demanding these statements, calling them incompatible with principles of free expression and academic autonomy. It does not create new laws but formally expresses congressional disapproval of this practice.

Campus Free Speech Restoration Act This bill addresses expressive activities (e.g., peacefully assembling, distributing literature, or carrying signs) on college campuses. First, the bill generally prohibits a public institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student aid programs from restricting noncommercial expressive activities on campus. Further, the bill prohibits a public IHE from receiving federal funds if the Department of Education determines that the public IHE (1) maintains a policy that infringes upon the expressive rights of students; or (2) maintains or enforces time, place, or manner restrictions on expressive activities, except in limited circumstances. In addition, the bill prohibits retaliation against an individual because the individual reported or complained about restrictions on expressive activities or participated in an investigation or hearing. The bill also requires a private IHE that receives federal funds to provide students with its policies related to expressive rights. The bill also establishes a framework for investigating complaints and for IHEs to regain eligibility for federal funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to advise the President on reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test as the primary assessment tool for a Presidential Fitness Award in U.S. schools. The Council, appointed by the President, would develop school-based fitness programs, promote physical activity through community partnerships, and address childhood obesity as a national security concern. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to fund the Council and its initiatives, with the Council terminating two years after enactment unless extended. The bill specifically aims to impact K-12 schools by integrating the fitness test into physical education programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for health care services provided to veterans enrolled in those plans, including outpatient care, prescription drugs, and inpatient services. It establishes a new process for the VA to recover costs from Medicare plans, requiring these plans to respond to reimbursement claims within 45 days and face penalties for non-compliance, including triple damages for willful violations. The law modifies existing VA authority to recover costs for non-service-connected disabilities by clarifying recovery procedures and requiring Medicare plans to coordinate benefits with VA care. The provisions apply to Medicare plan years beginning January 1, 2026, and directly affect Medicare Advantage organizations and prescription drug plan sponsors that serve veterans. This policy change ensures veterans receive full benefits without double payments by requiring Medicare plans to reimburse the VA for services they cover.

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 summaryThe Kidney Care Access Protection Act (HR 6214) improves access to innovative kidney treatments for Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease. It extends transitional payment adjustments for new renal dialysis drugs and devices for at least three years, then establishes permanent payment adjustments based on actual utilization and costs. The bill also expands Medicare's annual wellness benefit to include kidney disease screening and increases access to kidney disease education services through renal dialysis facilities. These changes apply to Medicare beneficiaries, renal dialysis facilities, and healthcare providers, with key provisions effective January 1, 2026.