Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Maddy summaryThis bill finalizes land entitlements for the Cape Fox Village Corporation (a Native Village of Saxman entity under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act). It waives a requirement for Cape Fox to select additional land, allowing the transfer of approximately 180 acres of federal surface land within the Tongass National Forest to Cape Fox. Simultaneously, the subsurface rights to this land are transferred to Sealaska Corporation. The conveyance includes a public easement to maintain access to National Forest land on Revillagigedo Island.

Maddy summaryThe HELPER Act of 2025 creates a new FHA mortgage insurance program specifically for first responders and teachers, allowing them to purchase homes with no down payment. It defines "first responders" as full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and K-12 teachers employed by government or accredited schools. The program requires applicants to be first-time homebuyers with 4 years of recent employment in their field, complete housing counseling, and intend to remain in their role for at least one year after closing. Mortgages under this program must be used for a primary residence, cover 100% of the home's appraised value, and exclude monthly insurance premiums.

Maddy summaryS 991 repeals a specific requirement in the Small Business Act that previously mandated federal contractors to award construction subcontracts within the county or state where the work is performed. This change directly affects small businesses participating in the federal 8(a) contracting program, which helps them compete for government construction projects. The bill eliminates paragraph (11) of section 8(a) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)), removing the geographic restriction on subcontracting. This simplifies the contracting process for small businesses by allowing them greater flexibility in selecting subcontractors nationwide. The bill makes a concrete policy change to administrative rules without altering program eligibility or funding.

Maddy summaryThe Space National Guard Establishment Act of 2025 creates a Space National Guard as a reserve component of the Space Force, composed exclusively of existing units from seven states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New York, and Ohio. It transfers specific Air National Guard units (like the 213th Space Warning Squadron in Alaska and the 137th Space Warning Squadron in Colorado) to the new Space National Guard without adding new personnel or facilities. The bill mandates that the Space National Guard must operate within existing military infrastructure, prohibiting new construction or modifications to accommodate it. It also amends military law to formally define the Space National Guard and its role within the Space Force structure.

Maddy summaryS. 925 (Credit for Caring Act of 2025) creates a 30% tax credit for eligible family caregivers incurring qualified expenses to care for a certified relative with long-term care needs. It directly affects caregivers who earn over $7,500 annually and pay expenses exceeding $2,000 per year for care recipients certified by a healthcare professional as needing at least 180 days of care during the tax year. The credit covers costs like human assistance, home modifications, transportation, and respite care, with a maximum annual credit of $5,000 (adjusted for inflation). The credit phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income above $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). The bill applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from transmitting certain information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms. Specifically, the bill prohibits the VA from transmitting personally identifying information of a veteran or a beneficiary to the NICS solely on the basis that such veteran or beneficiary has an appointed fiduciary to manage their benefits, unless there is an order or finding of a judicial authority that such veteran or beneficiary is a danger to themselves or others.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures military personnel, including active-duty members, reserve components, and their support staff (such as civilian employees and contractors working with the Department of Defense or Coast Guard) receive pay during fiscal year 2025 if Congress fails to pass a full budget. It sets aside funds from the Treasury to cover pay and allowances for these groups during any gap in regular appropriations. The funding remains available until Congress passes a full budget, the budget deadline passes, or January 1, 2026 - whichever occurs first. The bill directly affects service members, military support staff, and contractors dependent on timely pay during budget transitions.

Maddy summaryS 906 establishes a federal pilot program to fund peer-led mental health support in secondary schools (grades 6-12). States and tribes can apply for competitive grants to implement evidence-based programs where trained student peers help classmates navigate mental health challenges, with oversight by school counselors. The program requires measuring participation rates, mental health outcomes, and connections to professional care, and mandates an evaluation report to Congress. The pilot will run until September 30, 2029, with funds limited to existing mental health programs.

Maddy summaryS 870, the Native ELDER Act, creates an Older Americans Tribal Advisory Committee to advise the federal government on Native American elder programs under the Older Americans Act. This committee, composed of 11 members including tribal representatives and Native Hawaiian organizations, ensures tribes and Native Hawaiians directly influence policies affecting their communities. Key provisions include amending in-home assistance to cover necessary home modifications for aging Native Americans and requiring annual reports to Congress on barriers to tribal access to elder services. The bill directly affects Native American tribes, Alaska Native groups, and Native Hawaiian organizations through mandated government-to-government consultation and program adjustments.

Maddy summarySCONRES 8 is a Senate concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act. It urges Congress not to impose a new fee or charge on local radio stations for playing music over the air, or on businesses like bars and restaurants that play radio broadcasts publicly. The resolution argues that such a fee would disrupt the current system where radio stations provide free promotional support to the music industry and essential local services like emergency weather updates. It claims the existing model has fostered a thriving music and broadcasting sector without harming small businesses or consumers. This resolution does not create law but expresses congressional support for maintaining the current fee-free system.