Sen. Ashley Moody

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Help America Vote Act to require voters casting ballots in person for federal elections to present a valid physical photo identification. It allows individuals who cannot show ID to cast a provisional ballot, provided they either present the ID within three days or submit a state-approved affidavit stating a religious objection to being photographed. The law also mandates that states make digital imaging devices available at public buildings like libraries and police stations so voters can print copies of their IDs for free. Acceptable forms of identification include state-issued driver's licenses, state ID cards, U.S. passports, military IDs, and tribal government IDs with photos. States must also notify all voter registration applicants, including those registering online, about this new requirement before they complete the process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the contributions of approximately two million hotel employees in the United States, highlighting their essential role in supporting the travel and tourism industry and local economies. It supports the goals of National Hotel Employee Day, an annual observance established in 2022 to honor the professionalism and dedication of workers in roles ranging from housekeeping to management. The bill encourages the public to acknowledge these employees for their service in facilitating events, ensuring guest safety, and strengthening communities through civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThe Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in the People’s Republic of China Act directs the U.S. government to evaluate whether Chinese officials responsible for severe religious freedom abuses have committed gross human rights violations, potentially subjecting them to sanctions under existing laws. It mandates that the Department of State support programs promoting religious freedom and monitor transnational repression targeting ethnic and religious minority groups within China. Additionally, the bill establishes a "sense of Congress" urging diplomatic actions such as raising cases of political prisoners with Chinese leadership and strengthening international partnerships to address these issues. Finally, it requires the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom to provide annual briefings to congressional committees on sanctions efforts, diplomatic initiatives, and specific cases of detained individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week." It directly affects the public by encouraging responsible visits and support for the National Park System, which includes parks, battlefields, and historical sites located across the United States and its territories. The measure serves as a formal declaration to highlight the parks' role in recreation, education, and economic activity without altering any laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThe Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2026 significantly expands the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens who are facing removal from the United States. The bill removes time limits on detention during removal proceedings and allows for indefinite detention after a final order is issued if specific conditions, such as national security threats or public safety risks, are certified by government officials. It restricts access to bond hearings for many detainees, requiring them instead to prove they are not flight risks or community threats through clear and convincing evidence. Additionally, the legislation establishes administrative review processes that permit detention beyond standard removal periods if an individual fails to cooperate with deportation efforts or poses a continuing danger.

Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act (S 1748) requires major social media platforms, online video games, and other "covered platforms" to implement specific safety features for minors (under 17). These features include default privacy settings that limit harmful design features like infinite scrolling and auto-play, parental controls for managing minors' accounts, and restrictions on advertising illegal products to minors. The bill also mandates annual transparency reports about how platforms are used by minors and requires platforms to provide clear notices about their content algorithms. It creates a Kids Online Safety Council to advise Congress on online safety issues for children. The law applies to platforms with more than 10 million monthly users in the U.S. and takes effect 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe SWIPES Act strengthens federal laws against financial fraud by explicitly including gift cards and digital credentials in the definition of "access devices" under existing statutes. It significantly increases prison sentences for individuals who traffic large quantities of counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, with penalties reaching up to 30 years for offenses involving more than 1,000 items. Additionally, the bill introduces a new federal offense that mandates an extra two-year consecutive prison sentence for anyone who commits fraud against victims over the age of 60.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children's Day to honor the sacrifices and hardships faced by children of fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations; instead, it serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the Senate and encourages the public to observe this day in support of these families. By establishing this specific date, the measure aims to raise awareness about the legacy carried by children who lost a parent in military service.

Maddy summaryThe Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 amends the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education to explicitly define "sex" based on biological characteristics. Specifically, it states that sex refers to an individual's biologically determined status as male or female. The bill further defines "female" as someone with a reproductive system that produces ova and "male" as someone with a reproductive system that produces sperm, regardless of congenital anomalies or accidents. These definitions apply to all education programs receiving federal financial assistance starting on the date the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryThe PLEDGE Act requires all elementary and secondary schools in the District of Columbia to display the United States flag in every classroom and recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily at the start of the school day. During these ceremonies, students and civilians must stand at attention, and students must recite the pledge while standing with their right hand over their heart. The law also mandates that students be informed of their right to opt out of reciting the pledge upon a written request from a parent, while prohibiting any displays that disrupt other students participating. Additionally, schools must provide reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities who cannot comply with the physical requirements of the ceremony.