Rep. Troy Downing

Maddy summaryHR 1109, the Litigation Transparency Act of 2025, requires parties and their lawyers in civil lawsuits to disclose to the court and other parties the identity of any person or group that could receive payment if the case succeeds (like investors or lenders), and to provide copies of related agreements. Exceptions apply for simple loan repayments (with interest limits) or attorney fee reimbursements. Disclosures must be made within 10 days of signing such agreements or when filing the case, and must be updated if inaccurate. This applies to all civil cases filed after the law takes effect, aiming to increase transparency in litigation funding arrangements.

Maddy summaryThe National Cemetery Access Act (HR 5942) requires national cemeteries managed by the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the National Park Service to be open to the public on all federal holidays specified in 5 U.S.C. § 6103(a), such as New Year's Day and Independence Day. This directly affects veterans' families and the public who visit these sites on those holidays, ensuring consistent access without closures. The bill mandates standard opening hours on designated federal holidays but does not change the list of holidays or create new benefits.

Maddy summaryHRES 864 is a ceremonial resolution honoring U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2025. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes veterans' service and sacrifice, calling on all Americans to observe Veterans Day. The resolution references historical context about Veterans Day's origins (from Armistice Day to honoring all veterans) but contains no concrete policy changes. It directly addresses the general public, urging them to participate in the observance. As a non-binding resolution, it affects no specific individuals or groups through legislative action.

Maddy summaryThe Whole-Home Repairs Act of 2025 establishes a federal pilot program to fund home repairs for affordable housing. It provides grants to eligible homeowners (with income at or below 80% of area median income) and forgivable loans to eligible landlords (who own 10 or fewer rental properties with majority affordable units) for repairs addressing accessibility, habitability, energy efficiency, and safety. The program requires landlords to maintain affordability by capping rent increases at 5% annually for three years after repairs and to comply with accessibility standards. The pilot will operate until 2031 with $30 million in funding, administered by local governments or qualified nonprofits, and will track outcomes through annual reporting on units served and demographic data.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that critical firearm-related government operations continue during federal shutdowns. It designates background checks (via the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforcement, and firearm export licensing (handled by Commerce and State Departments) as essential services that must remain operational. These functions would be treated as "excepted" under federal law, meaning their employees would continue working even if other government services halt. The bill affects how background checks and firearm export licenses are processed during shutdowns but does not change gun ownership laws or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe Retirement Investment Choice Act (HR 5748) codifies Executive Order 14330 into law, making its provisions permanent. This order aims to expand 401(k) investment options by allowing access to alternative assets like real estate and private equity, which were previously restricted. The bill directly affects employers sponsoring 401(k) plans and investment providers, requiring them to offer these expanded choices as a standard feature. By converting the executive order into law, it ensures these investment options become a permanent part of retirement plan structures rather than relying on temporary executive action.

Maddy summaryHR 281, the Grizzly Bear State Management Act, directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a 2017 rule that removed the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population from the federal endangered species list. This reissuance must occur within 180 days of the bill's enactment, and the rule cannot be challenged in court. The bill directly affects grizzly bear management in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem by making the 2017 delisting permanent under federal law. It does not change hunting or conservation rules but ensures the prior federal delisting decision is finalized without judicial review.

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 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.