Rep. Chuck Edwards

Maddy summaryThis bill would require all states to recognize valid concealed carry permits issued by other states, allowing permit holders to carry concealed handguns (excluding machine guns) in any state that either issues such permits or doesn't prohibit concealed carry. It directly affects law-abiding gun owners with valid permits from their home state, ensuring they can carry in states with similar permit systems or no prohibitions. Key provisions include treating valid permit documents as proof of legal carry (reducing officer stops), shifting the burden of proof to prosecutors if challenged, and allowing civil lawsuits for violations with attorney's fee awards. The bill does not override state laws restricting firearms on private property or government land, nor does it affect federal gun restrictions like those in section 922(q).

Maddy summaryHR 5648, the Disaster Relief Continuity Act of 2025, ensures uninterrupted federal disaster relief funding during fiscal year 2026 if regular appropriations aren't finalized. It appropriates Treasury funds to continue FEMA operations under the Stafford Act, covering individual assistance, emergency response personnel costs, and ongoing recovery projects. The funding remains available until either regular appropriations are passed, a continuing resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. Funds cannot be used for non-essential administrative work, new policies, or non-disaster-related activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill withholds federal grant funding from states or local governments that implement specific policies. It prohibits funding for jurisdictions with laws that substantially limit cash bail for certain serious crimes (like violent offenses or public disorder) or allow felony convicts to be released without bail. It also blocks funding for cities classified as "urbanized areas" that reduced police budgets (unless due to a general budget shortfall). The policy directly affects local governments and states that adopt these specific approaches to criminal justice or law enforcement funding. The bill modifies two existing federal grant programs to enforce these eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThe Faith in Housing Act of 2025 allows houses of worship (churches or religious associations exempt from taxes under IRS Code 501(a)) to build or rehabilitate affordable housing on their eligible land, overriding local zoning rules that previously blocked such projects. It defines "affordable housing" as units meeting specific affordability thresholds (e.g., 140% of area median income, 30-year affordability commitments) and requires compliance with building codes and the Fair Housing Act. The bill preempts state/local laws conflicting with this authority but permits reasonable safety inspections and exempts rules targeting site-specific hazards like floods. It applies only to land owned by houses of worship for at least five years (or owned before January 2023), with the organization needing to notify local authorities in writing to activate the provision.

Maddy summaryHR 5552, the "Eliminate Shutdowns Act," would automatically continue federal funding for most government programs during a funding gap. If Congress fails to pass annual appropriations bills by the start of a fiscal year, the bill would automatically provide funding at the previous year's level for 14 days, extending in 14-day increments until a new funding bill is enacted. This applies to all federal programs except those specifically prohibited or covered by other laws, including maintaining current funding for entitlement programs like food assistance under the Food and Nutrition Act. The bill aims to prevent shutdowns by ensuring continuous operations without requiring new congressional action during the funding gap. It would take effect on September 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryHRES 719 is a House resolution honoring Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated on September 10, 2025. The resolution condemns his assassination and all political violence, extends condolences to his family, and calls on Americans to reject violence while promoting civil discourse. It specifically recognizes Kirk's legacy as a defender of constitutional principles and his role in inspiring youth through free speech and faith-based civic engagement. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy changes but formally expresses the House's stance on honoring his life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther, a volunteer firefighter and equities trader who died saving others during the September 11, 2001, attacks. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be given to Crowther’s mother, Alison Crowther, following a formal presentation by congressional leaders. The bill also permits the U.S. Mint to sell bronze duplicates of the medal at cost to cover production expenses. It is a purely commemorative measure with no legislative or regulatory impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the federal tax code to exclude certain overtime pay from taxable income. It directly affects workers who earn overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or through specific employer-employee agreements meeting defined conditions (like exceeding 40 hours per week or railway work standards). The key provision defines "qualified overtime compensation" to exclude this pay from federal income tax calculations. The change applies to tax returns filed for 2025 and later. This creates a concrete tax exemption for qualifying overtime earnings.

Maddy summaryHRES 711 is a non-binding House resolution honoring victims of Hurricane Helene and expressing support for affected communities in western North Carolina, specifically North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, one year after the hurricane struck on September 27, 2024. It formally recognizes the storm’s devastation - including loss of life, displaced families, and damaged infrastructure - while extending condolences to victims’ families and gratitude to first responders and recovery efforts. The resolution affirms the House’s commitment to supporting ongoing recovery and encourages federal agencies to collaborate with Congress on rebuilding. As a symbolic gesture with no new policy or funding, it focuses solely on commemoration and solidarity.

Maddy summaryHR 5401, the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026, ensures military personnel, civilian Defense workers, and supporting contractors receive pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It appropriates emergency funds for active-duty service members, reserves, and their supporting personnel (including Coast Guard staff under DHS) if regular appropriations aren't enacted by the end of the fiscal year. The bill provides necessary pay and allowances during any period when full-year funding is unavailable, covering both active service and support roles. Funding expires when regular appropriations are passed, a funding resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2027, whichever comes first. This is a procedural measure to prevent pay delays for military and support staff during fiscal year 2026 funding lapses.