Rep. Ken Calvert

Maddy summaryThis non-binding joint resolution (HJRES 149) commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Army Nurse Corps' establishment on February 2, 1901, and expresses congressional gratitude for the service of all Army nurses. It directly honors past and present members of the Army Nurse Corps, recognizing their historical contributions in every major U.S. conflict since the Civil War. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding provisions - it solely serves to formally acknowledge their dedication through four statements of tribute and appreciation. As a ceremonial resolution, it affects no legislation or beneficiaries beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce two types of commemorative $2.50 coins for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: a circulating coin for everyday use and a numismatic (collector) coin. Both would feature designs based on the 1926 Sesquicentennial coin - showing allegorical liberty holding the Declaration on one side and Independence Hall on the other - with "1776-2026" inscriptions. The bill requires the Mint to issue these coins by July 4, 2026, if technically and economically feasible, but does not mandate their production or affect any specific groups beyond the public who may purchase them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the BASICS Act, creates a new $5.5 billion federal funding program over five years to repair and replace bridges in poor condition across the United States. The program prioritizes projects based on the cost of bridge rehabilitation in each state and guarantees a minimum funding allocation of $45 million per state annually. It also expands funding for regional transportation planning in rural areas and increases flexibility for local governments to select and manage transportation projects through enhanced consultation requirements. Additionally, the legislation removes local matching fund requirements for metropolitan planning activities and allows 100 percent federal funding for off-system bridge projects owned by local governments or tribes.

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 summaryThis bill creates a tax exclusion for certain disaster mitigation payments received by property owners. It allows individuals to exclude from gross income funds paid by state programs (or approved entities) to make improvements that reduce damage from windstorms, earthquakes, or wildfires. The exclusion applies to payments made for specific property upgrades like storm shutters or fire-resistant roofing. The change takes effect for 2021+ tax years and includes a retroactive option for taxpayers to amend prior returns. It directly affects homeowners participating in qualifying state disaster resilience programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), treating ALS-related deaths as qualifying for benefits regardless of how long the veteran had the disease before death. It requires surviving spouses to have been married to the veteran for at least eight continuous years prior to death to qualify for compensation. The changes apply to veterans dying from ALS on or after October 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill requires the Veterans Affairs Secretary to submit a report within 180 days of enactment identifying other service-connected disabilities with high mortality rates that might warrant similar treatment.

Maddy summaryThe Make Elections Great Again Act (HR 7300) would require voters to present photo identification to cast ballots in person or by mail for federal elections, with limited exceptions for religious objections or military voters. It would establish new requirements for proving U.S. citizenship during voter registration, including documentary proof of citizenship and proof of state residency. The bill would change mail-in ballot procedures by requiring voters to request mail-in ballots (rather than universal mail-in voting), implementing barcode tracking for mail-in ballots, and setting strict deadlines for ballot receipt. These provisions would apply to all states for federal elections held in 2027 or later, affecting how voters register, vote in person, and submit mail-in ballots for federal office elections.

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.

Maddy summaryThe PORCUPINE Act amends the Arms Export Control Act to include Taiwan alongside New Zealand and Israel in specific certification and reporting requirements related to U.S. arms exports. This legislative change ensures Taiwan is treated similarly to these allied nations in certain foreign policy contexts involving defense article transfers. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to assess the feasibility of creating an expedited licensing process for military equipment transfers from designated allies to Taiwan within 90 days. Additionally, the act requires biennial reports on the implementation of these amendments and includes a provision stating that the legislation does not alter existing U.S. policy toward Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act. The entire measure is set to expire seven years after its enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025 amends the National Labor Relations Act to explicitly include tribal governments and their enterprises as covered employers under federal labor law. It adds new definitions clarifying that "Indian tribe," "Indian," and "Indian lands" encompass federally recognized tribes, their members, and lands held in trust or within reservation boundaries. This change directly affects tribal nations, their member-owned businesses, and tribal employees by bringing them under the same labor protections (like collective bargaining rights) previously applicable to most private-sector employers. The bill does not create new programs but adjusts the legal definition to ensure tribal entities operating on tribal lands are subject to the NLRA’s standard labor regulations.