Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the U.S. population and economy while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to estuary health, including pollution and sea level changes, and recognizes the efforts of government agencies, organizations, and individuals working to protect and restore these areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Ratepayer Protection Act, modifies federal energy laws to ensure that large industrial customers pay for the specific infrastructure upgrades needed to serve their high electricity demands. It directly affects non-residential facilities with a peak power usage of 100 megawatts or more, requiring utilities to charge these customers the full incremental cost of any necessary generation, transmission, or distribution improvements. Under the new rules, large customers must also provide financial guarantees or contributions before such upgrades are made, ensuring utilities can recover costs even if the customer leaves the contract early. State regulators have two years to implement these standards, though the bill exempts utilities in states that have already enacted similar measures or are actively considering them.

Maddy summaryHR 5267, the American Franchise Act, clarifies when franchisors can be considered joint employers of franchisee employees under federal labor laws. It defines "substantial direct and immediate control" over essential employment terms like wages, benefits, hours, hiring, and discipline - requiring franchisors to actively set these terms to be deemed joint employers. The bill explicitly excludes routine brand standards, training, or minimal safety requirements from constituting such control. This directly affects franchisors and franchisees by limiting joint employer liability to cases where franchisors exert significant, ongoing influence over core employment decisions. The law applies prospectively to new cases after enactment, not past disputes.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by formally honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. The bill acknowledges the ongoing health challenges faced by survivors and responders, highlighting the role of the World Trade Center Health Program in providing long-term medical support. It also credits charitable organizations and community groups that have continued to assist victims' families and veterans over the past two decades. Finally, the resolution urges the American public to observe the anniversary with ceremonies and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remembering the events and lessons of that day.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution supports the goals of National Clinical Nurse Specialist Week, which is observed during the first week of September. It formally recognizes the contributions of these advanced practice nurses to patient care, quality improvement, and workforce development across various healthcare settings. The bill encourages the public to observe the week through appropriate programs and activities. Additionally, it reaffirms the House's commitment to ensuring that Clinical Nurse Specialists are accurately classified in federal labor statistics and supported in health workforce planning.

This resolution states that the House of Representatives condemns and denounces socialism in all its forms, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States; reaffirms its support for free, fair, and secure elections and calls for enactment of the SAVE America Act; reiterates that American elections are for American citizens only; and recommits itself to upholding the U.S. Constitution.

Maddy summaryHR 5063, the Safe Beaches, Safe Swimmers Act, requires the Secretary of the Interior to partner with local governments to ensure adequate lifeguard staffing at federal beaches and swimming areas managed by agencies like the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management. If a staffing shortage threatens safety (excluding temporary absences like sick leave), the Secretary must arrange agreements with local agencies to provide lifeguards during operating hours, reimbursing them for all reasonable costs. Existing agreements must be updated to guarantee full reimbursement, regardless of prior cost-sharing terms. This directly affects federal beach locations and the local governments providing lifeguard services.

Maddy summaryHR 2555, the Freedom of Association in Higher Education Act of 2025, protects students who join or form single-sex social organizations (like fraternities or sororities) at colleges. It prohibits colleges receiving federal funds from taking negative actions against these students or organizations solely because they limit membership to one sex - such as denying housing, financial aid, leadership roles, or recognition. The bill ensures students can join such groups without coercion and stops colleges from imposing unfair recruitment rules on single-sex organizations compared to others. It does not require colleges to recognize single-sex groups, allow organizations to set their own membership rules, or override Title IX protections.

Maddy summaryThe Advancing Water Research and Collaboration Act of 2025 amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to update research priorities and funding allocations for water resources research institutes. The bill adds artificial intelligence to the list of research areas alongside private industry and increases federal funding authorization to $16 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. It requires 20 percent of these funds to support research addressing interstate water problems and allows grants for projects focusing on regional or multi-state water issues. The legislation also expands the types of research institutes eligible for funding to include those working on problems identified by Congress as having interstate significance.

Maddy summaryHR 6893, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act, reauthorizes and updates NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office to better support Bay restoration. It establishes new programs including a watershed education initiative for students and teachers, a coastal habitat management program focused on species like oysters and blue crabs, and requirements for coordinated scientific monitoring of water quality and living resources. The bill mandates the Office Director to consult with the Chesapeake Executive Council, ensure peer-reviewed scientific merit for funded projects, and submit biennial reports to Congress on progress. This directly affects NOAA, Bay watershed states, educators, researchers, and conservation groups working on Bay restoration under the Chesapeake Bay Program.