Sen. Mike Rounds

Maddy summaryS 2600 requires the Secretary of Defense to direct the Defense Science Board to study and recommend the optimal organizational structure for digital engineering work across the Department of Defense (DoD). The study will assess current digital engineering efforts, evaluate options like creating new agencies or consolidating existing functions, and provide recommendations on structure, staffing, funding, and implementation. It directly affects DoD digital engineering activities, including AI systems, software development, and data platforms managed by military departments and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The Defense Science Board must submit a final report to the Secretary by February 1, 2027, with a congressional copy following 30 days. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryS 2624, "Kamisha's Law," removes all time limits for prosecuting certain non-capital homicide offenses in federal court. It directly affects prosecutors and defendants in cases involving second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or attempted manslaughter under specified sections of Title 18 (e.g., sections 1111, 1112, 1114, and others listed). The bill amends federal law to allow indictments or information to be filed "at any time without limitation" for these offenses, eliminating the usual statute of limitations. This change applies only to federal prosecutions for the listed homicide crimes, not to state cases or capital offenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how the U.S. Department of Defense selects states for the State Partnership Program, which matches National Guard units with partner nations. It requires the Secretary of Defense to update guidelines so that the National Guard Bureau Chief must consider: (1) how many existing partnerships a state already has, and (2) give priority to states with only one active partnership. This directly affects states seeking to join or maintain military partnerships under the program. The change aims to ensure broader geographic representation by reducing the concentration of partnerships in states with multiple partners.

Maddy summaryS 2606 requires the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command to develop a roadmap by August 2026 for collaborating with private industry on AI-powered cybersecurity tools for the Department of Defense. The roadmap must establish how the military can partner with AI developers and cybersecurity firms, including details on contracts, security clearance processes, and technology transition plans. It mandates specific elements like near-term AI use cases, industry engagement strategies, and infrastructure costs, with annual updates to Congress starting in 2028. This bill directly affects private sector companies working with the DoD on AI and cybersecurity, aiming to streamline collaboration for both defensive and offensive cyber operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits using fiscal year 2026 Department of Defense funds to change the command structure, responsibilities, or authorities of the U.S. Cyber Command Commander from what existed on June 1, 2025. It directly affects the Department of Defense by blocking any reorganization or modification of Cyber Command's existing framework. The key provision is a funding restriction that freezes Cyber Command's current operational structure for the 2026 budget cycle. It does not create new policy but prevents structural changes using allocated defense funds. This is a procedural measure to maintain continuity in Cyber Command's command structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Section 394 of Title 10, U.S. Code, to explicitly include "defense of critical infrastructure of the Department of Defense" within the authority for cyber operations. It directly affects Department of Defense (DoD) cyber operations personnel and the protection of DoD assets. The key change adds specific language to expand existing cyber operation authority and defines "critical infrastructure of the DoD" as assets so vital that a cyber attack against them would severely disrupt military missions. The bill does not change operational procedures but clarifies the scope of permissible cyber defense actions. This is a technical amendment focused on defining and expanding the legal basis for protecting DoD's essential cyber infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Defense to create the Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee by April 1, 2026. The committee, composed of senior Defense officials and experts, must analyze AI development trends, assess adversary capabilities, evaluate military applications, and develop a strategy for adopting artificial general intelligence - including ethical guidelines and funding plans. It must submit an unclassified report to Congress by January 31, 2027, detailing its findings, with a classified annex permitted. The committee’s requirements expire on December 31, 2027. The bill directly affects the Department of Defense’s strategic planning for advanced AI systems.

Maddy summarySRES 349 designates the week of August 3-9, 2025, as "National Farmers Market Week." The resolution recognizes farmers markets for their role in supporting local economies, connecting urban and rural communities, and promoting sustainable agriculture. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the sector's contributions to food access, community engagement, and farming livelihoods. This is a ceremonial designation without binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames the Africa Center for Strategic Studies within the Department of Defense to the "James M. Inhofe Africa Center for Strategic Studies" for commemorative purposes. It directly affects all U.S. government documents, records, maps, and references that currently cite the center's original name. The bill makes this change by amending a specific section of the U.S. Code and updating all related federal references. It is purely procedural and does not alter the center's mission, funding, or operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 879 (Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act), supports family caregivers who provide personal care for veterans. It extends medical coverage for 180 days after a caregiver stops providing services (unless dismissed for misconduct), provides up to $1,000 for certification fees, free training modules, and access to employment programs like Military OneSource, and adds bereavement counseling after a veteran's death. The bill also requires studies on returnship programs for caregivers returning to work and barriers to hiring former caregivers at VA facilities. It mandates reports to Congress on retirement savings options and VA efforts to assist caregivers transitioning out of caregiving roles.