Sen. Christopher A. Coons

Maddy summaryThe TABOO Act requires all individuals serving as special envoys or representatives to foreign governments to comply with standard federal ethics rules, including financial disclosure and conflict-of-interest laws, regardless of whether they are paid or working in a volunteer capacity. Individuals in these roles must confirm within 30 days that they have no financial interests in the countries they represent, or place existing interests in blind trusts, and agree to avoid new such interests for one year after leaving their position. Federal agencies must submit quarterly lists of these officials to Congress, detailing their duties and the foreign entities they engage with. Violations can result in criminal penalties, loss of government support services, suspension from duties, and delays in the confirmation process for future nominees.

Maddy summaryThe Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act prevents new tariffs from being applied to specific school supplies and educational materials, ensuring their prices remain at levels seen before January 19, 2025. This legislation directly affects students, families, teachers, and schools by exempting items such as notebooks, backpacks, pencils, pens, and certain electronic devices from increased import duties. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with designating additional classroom items for this exemption in coordination with the Secretary of Education, while providing regular reports to Congress on the covered products. To maintain legislative oversight, the bill includes a mechanism allowing Congress to pass a joint resolution to disapprove any specific item designated for tariff exemption by the executive branch.

Maddy summaryThe Protect American Values Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce a specific Department of Homeland Security rule regarding the "Public Charge" ground of inadmissibility. This legislation directly affects immigrants and their families by preventing the government from using financial resources to carry out policies that could restrict access to essential services like food, medical care, and housing. The bill includes a statement of congressional intent arguing that the targeted rule would harm community health, increase poverty, and circumvent established immigration laws. By blocking funding for this specific regulatory action, the act aims to maintain current eligibility standards for public assistance without altering the underlying statutory framework.

Maddy summaryThe Quantum-GUARD Act of 2026 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to evaluate cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computers and the potential use of post-quantum cryptography when reviewing reliability standards for the bulk-power system. The bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a "PQC sandbox" within one year, bringing together grid operators, technology vendors, and government agencies to test and develop post-quantum security solutions for both information and operational technology systems. Additionally, the Secretary of Energy must conduct a study on the specific vulnerabilities of critical grid infrastructure to quantum threats and submit a report with recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026 grants Temporary Protected Status to Afghan nationals who have been continuously present in the United States since the bill's enactment, providing them with legal protection and work authorization until July 1, 2029. To qualify, applicants must register with biometric data and pass criminal and national security background checks, while the Department of Homeland Security is required to process these applications within 90 days, subject to a potential extension for specific security concerns. The legislation also allows recipients to apply for waivers on filing fees and permits brief international travel in cases of emergency or extenuating circumstances.

Maddy summaryThe Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Talent Act requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with other federal officials, to develop a comprehensive strategy within 180 days to align immigration policies with national goals for attracting and retaining high-skilled talent in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The strategy must assess how current laws impact U.S. competitiveness, evaluate options for retaining foreign nationals trained in the United States, and identify specific high-priority occupations where domestic talent may be insufficient. Additionally, the plan must outline measures to protect national security through risk-based vetting and provide recommendations for administrative changes, such as revising the H-1B visa selection process, as well as potential legislative actions like creating a new visa class for entrepreneurs in critical sectors.

Maddy summaryThe NIH Mentorship Modernization Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish minimum mentorship standards for institutions receiving National Institutes of Health career development, training, and fellowship awards. These standards mandate regular mentor-mentee engagement, professional development support, periodic progress assessments, and specific qualification requirements for mentors. To implement these changes, the bill directs that compliance be verified through existing annual reporting mechanisms to avoid duplicative administrative burdens, while also encouraging the adoption of evidence-based mentorship practices such as individualized development plans. The Secretary may provide supplemental funding to assist institutions with implementation costs, and the new standards will apply only to awards issued two years after the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Pentagon Press Access Act directs the Secretary of Defense to restore physical access for credentialed journalists to the Pentagon, specifically returning them to the Correspondents' Corridor and other designated workspaces that were accessible prior to May 2025. The bill mandates that reporters regain unescorted entry to these areas and establishes a security credentialing process managed by career officials within the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, explicitly prohibiting political interference or delays in the review. Additionally, it requires the Department of Defense to consult with congressional Armed Services Committees before making any future changes to press access policies, workspaces, or credential requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support dogs for the agency's existing canine program. The program would be managed by the Secretary of Homeland Security and must begin within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The pilot program is designed to run for three years before it ends. This legislation focuses on creating a structured process for integrating shelter dogs into federal service roles rather than changing broader immigration or border enforcement policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to workers' compensation for injured federal employees by adding nurse practitioners and physician assistants to the list of healthcare providers eligible to treat them under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. It amends the law to define "other eligible provider" as these professionals practicing within their state-authorized scope, replacing outdated references to "physician" with "physician or other eligible provider" throughout the relevant sections. The changes ensure injured federal workers can receive care from these providers without requiring a physician referral, streamlining access to treatment. The Secretary of Labor must finalize implementing regulations within six months of the bill's enactment.