Sen. Tim Sheehy

Maddy summaryThe Biodefense Diplomacy Enhancement Act directs the U.S. Secretary of State to strengthen international cooperation on biodefense, biosecurity, and biotechnology with allies and partners. Key provisions require the development of specific strategies to improve NATO's biological threat response capabilities and to expand collaboration with non-NATO allies on safety standards and export controls for dual-use biotechnology. The bill also mandates the creation of a report and congressional briefings within 270 and 90 days of enactment, respectively, to outline these strategic plans and address global developments in biological security.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2026. The act requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows hydropower project license holders to request up to 6 additional years to begin construction on projects that received licenses before March 13, 2020. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) may grant extensions in two-year increments, but the total extension cannot exceed six years. For licenses expiring after December 31, 2023, FERC can reinstate them to immediately apply the extension.

Maddy summaryThe Maverick Act authorizes the transfer of three surplus F-14D Tomcat aircraft from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama. The transfer is made at no cost to the government through a conditional deed of gift, with the Navy providing existing maintenance manuals and spare parts sufficient to make one aircraft flyable or suitable for static display. The agreement includes conditions requiring the Commission to maintain the aircraft according to Federal Aviation Administration standards, obtain approval before transferring ownership, and comply with federal and state laws regarding arms control and export regulations. If the Commission fails to meet these conditions, ownership of the aircraft reverts to the United States. The Navy is not responsible for repairing the aircraft before transfer, nor is it liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the aircraft's future use.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the sense of Congress that retrospective and politically motivated accusations of war crimes against special operations forces from allied nations like the United Kingdom and Australia undermine military trust and alliance cohesion. It urges the executive branch to ensure that any investigations into alleged misconduct by these foreign troops are conducted impartially without being influenced by domestic political pressures. The bill emphasizes that applying new legal interpretations to past actions erodes legal certainty and discourages future cooperation, while simultaneously affirming the value of the sacrifices made by allied servicemembers. Ultimately, the measure seeks to protect the integrity of military partnerships by discouraging the use of war crimes allegations as tools for partisan gain.

Maddy summaryThe ACCESS Act expands Medicaid coverage to include services in assisted living facilities for individuals who currently require nursing home-level care, provided they meet state income and resource limits. This change aims to lower costs by ensuring that the average expense for these residents does not exceed the cost of their care in a hospital or nursing facility. Additionally, the bill allows the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to be used for projects that reduce long-term medical costs for the elderly by offering care in non-institutional settings. These provisions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, with a grace period for states needing to update their legislation to comply.

Maddy summaryThe China-Africa Mining Transparency Act requires the Secretary of State to publish an annual list of Chinese-owned or controlled companies operating mines in specific African nations. This list will identify entities involved in extracting critical minerals, gold, or iron that are accused of using forced labor or causing environmental damage to protected areas. To compile this information, the State Department must rely on open-source data and consult with various federal agencies and foreign counterparts. The resulting report will be made available to the public and Congress in an unclassified format, though a classified version may also be submitted if necessary.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prevents the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from finalizing or enforcing a specific proposed rule regarding heat injury prevention in workplaces. This legislation directly affects the Department of Labor and businesses by blocking the implementation of detailed requirements such as mandatory rest breaks and written safety plans. The bill argues that these specific rules are too burdensome and fail to account for unique industry and geographic conditions. By stopping this rule, the act leaves the proposed heat safety standards in a suspended state without changing existing regulations.