Rep. Michael Cloud

Maddy summaryHR 992, the PATROL Act, prohibits the federal Attorney General from suing states that build border barriers (like walls or fences) to prevent illegal entry or protect state territory. It specifically blocks civil lawsuits under existing border laws (33 U.S.C. 401/403) against states for such barrier projects. The bill defines key terms like "barrier" (including walls or fences) and "immigration laws" to clarify its scope. This directly affects states constructing border infrastructure and limits federal legal actions against those efforts. The bill does not create new border policies but changes the legal landscape for state-led border security measures.

Maddy summaryHR 991, the Cost Estimates Improvement Act, requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) to include debt servicing costs (interest payments on the national debt) in their budget estimates "to the extent practicable." This change directly affects how Congress evaluates the fiscal impact of proposed legislation, as these estimates determine whether bills qualify for budget reconciliation and influence funding decisions. The key mechanism amends the 1974 Congressional Budget Act to mandate this inclusion within existing cost estimation processes. The bill does not alter spending or tax policy but aims to make budget scoring more comprehensive by accounting for ongoing interest costs.

Fair Access to Banking Act This bill places restrictions on certain banks, credit unions, and payment card networks if they refuse to do business with a person who complies with the law. Restrictions include prohibiting the use of electronic funds transfer systems and lending programs, termination of an institution's depository insurance, and specified civil penalties. Banks and other specified financial institutions are allowed to deny financial services to a person only if the denial is justified by a documented failure of that person to meet quantitative, impartial, risk-based standards established in advance by the institution. This justification may not be based upon reputational risks to the institution. The bill establishes the right for a person to bring a civil action for a violation of this bill.

Maddy summaryHR 925, the "Dismantle DEI Act of 2025," would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal government operations. The bill requires federal agencies to close DEI offices, rescind related executive orders, and prohibit the use of federal funds for DEI training, offices, or initiatives. It defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" as any activity that discriminates based on race, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin, or requires employees to complete training asserting that certain groups are inherently superior or inferior. The legislation also prohibits requiring employees to sign statements about race, ethnicity, or gender, and establishes private lawsuits for violations with potential damages of $1,000 per violation per day. This bill would directly affect federal agencies, contractors, grantees, and advisory committees receiving federal funding.

Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act or the SHUSH Act This bill removes silencers from regulation under certain federal statutes governing the sale, transfer, and possession of firearms. Specifically, it removes silencers from the list of firearms subject to regulation (i.e., registration and licensing requirements) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Additionally, it excludes a muffler or silencer from the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., background check requirements) under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA). Finally, the bill does the following: preempts state or local laws that tax or regulate firearm silencers, specifies that a person who lawfully acquires or possesses a silencer under provisions of the GCA meets the registration and licensing requirements of the NFA, eliminates mandatory minimum prison terms for a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense in which a defendant uses or carries a firearm equipped with a silencer or muffler, and permits active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed silencer.

Maddy summaryHR 849, the No Regulation Through Litigation Act of 2025, prevents federal agencies from using settlement agreements to create new regulations or non-binding guidance documents. It prohibits including attorney fees or litigation costs in settlements that result in such rules, ensuring agencies cannot bypass standard rulemaking processes through court settlements. The bill applies broadly to agency regulations but excludes military/foreign affairs regulations, internal agency policies, and procurement rules.

Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act This bill directs the Department of State to designate four specified drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. (Among other things, such a designation allows the Department of the Treasury to require U.S. financial institutions to block transactions involving the organization.) The four specified cartels in the bill are the Gulf Cartel, the Cartel Del Noreste, the Cartel de Sinaloa, and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion. The bill also requires the State Department to submit a detailed report on those four cartels and any other cartels it may identify. Based on this report, the State Department must designate as a foreign terrorist organization any such identified cartel (or faction thereof) that meets certain criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization. The bill specifies that it may not be construed to expand eligibility for asylum.

Maddy summaryThe SWAG Act prohibits federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to purchase or distribute promotional items ("swag"), such as free hats, keychains, or candy, unless the spending directly supports the agency's mission with a measurable positive return on investment, aids military or federal job recruitment, or is used by the Census Bureau. It also bans agencies from using costumed characters (mascots) to promote programs, except for mascots declared U.S. property, used in military recruitment, or for military academy sports teams. Agencies must report their public relations and advertising spending - including estimated return on investment - to Congress annually as part of their budget requests. The bill aims to eliminate wasteful government spending on non-essential promotional materials by requiring justification for such expenditures.

Maddy summaryHR 778, the Safeguarding American Workers’ Benefits Act, modifies Social Security Number (SSN) requirements for claiming the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It requires taxpayers to provide SSNs issued to U.S. citizens or under specific legal provisions (as defined in the bill) before the tax return deadline, replacing previous allowances for certain alternative numbers. This directly affects individuals filing taxes who seek these credits, as they must now use only eligible SSNs to qualify. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill does not alter the credit amounts but tightens verification rules for eligibility.

Maddy summaryHR 756, the 287(g) Program Protection Act, makes it easier for state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with federal immigration authorities under the 287(g) program. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to enter written agreements with any state or local agency that requests participation within 90 days, prohibits arbitrary denials without 180 days' notice to Congress, and bans termination of existing agreements without compelling reasons and 180 days' notice. The bill also mandates uniform federal training standards for participating officers, requires annual reports on program performance (including apprehensions, removals, and compliance), and establishes dedicated funding for the program. This directly affects state and local police departments seeking to enforce federal immigration laws within their jurisdictions.