Sen. Roger Marshall

Maddy summaryS 2129 (SAFE Tax Filing Act of 2025) allows certain victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment to file taxes as "single" instead of married. It applies to individuals living apart from their spouse at year-end, who are survivors of domestic abuse (defined broadly to include physical, psychological, or economic abuse) or spousal abandonment (where reasonable efforts to locate the spouse fail), and who indicate this on their tax return. Tax preparers must verify eligibility for this election under new requirements. The change only affects the individual’s filing status, not their spouse’s, and applies to taxable years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Budget Reform Act of 2025 would shift the federal budget process from annual to biennial cycles, requiring the President to submit a two-year budget starting in 2027. It mandates zero-based budgeting for federal agencies, requiring them to justify all spending as if it were new with three funding alternatives for each program. The bill also requires the Congressional Budget Office to publish its models and data used in cost estimates, and changes Senate rules to require a two-thirds vote to waive budget-related points of order. These changes would affect federal agencies, congressional committees, and the overall budget process, with implementation beginning for the 2028 budget cycle.

Maddy summarySRES 280 is a ceremonial Senate resolution celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, established on June 14, 1775. It specifically honors soldiers and veterans from Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, Kansas, recognizing their historical contributions to the Army's mission. The resolution expresses the Senate's gratitude for their service and calls for public recognition of the Army's enduring legacy, with no binding policy changes or new obligations. As a non-binding resolution, it serves only to commemorate the milestone.

Maddy summarySRES 279 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating June 2025 as "Great Outdoors Month" to recognize the importance of outdoor recreation. It encourages all U.S. residents to responsibly participate in outdoor activities during June 2025 and year-round, referencing economic data showing outdoor recreation contributed $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is purely a commemorative designation with no direct policy impact on specific groups or programs. It follows prior Senate resolutions about outdoor recreation but has no enforcement mechanism.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would authorize Congress to pass laws prohibiting the physical desecration of the U.S. flag. If ratified, it would change the Constitution to give Congress explicit power to criminalize acts like burning, trampling, or defacing the flag. The amendment directly affects individuals who engage in such physical acts toward the flag, as it would enable federal legislation targeting these specific behaviors. The bill does not create new laws but would permit Congress to do so under this constitutional change. It is a procedural proposal seeking constitutional amendment, not an immediate legislative act.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 274), not a law with policy changes. It commends federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for their work combating drug trafficking and agroterrorism, citing specific recent operations in Kansas as examples. The resolution expresses gratitude for their efforts to protect public health, communities, and food security, but does not create new laws, funding, or requirements. It serves solely as a formal expression of appreciation with no binding effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new provision to federal law increasing penalties for using open flames or incendiary devices (including burning the U.S. flag) while committing certain federal crimes like property damage or public endangerment. It mandates an additional minimum 1-year prison term for offenders who intentionally use fire-starting methods during these crimes, beyond any existing penalties. The law specifically targets flag burning only when connected to other criminal acts involving property or public safety risks, not standalone flag desecration. It explicitly excludes First Amendment-protected expressive conduct not involving criminal acts or threats to public safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employers with pension plans to transfer surplus health funds from retiree health accounts to support active employee benefits. Specifically, it permits pension plans to move "excess health assets" (defined as funds exceeding 125% of retiree benefit liabilities) to active employee plans without triggering tax penalties or violating pension rules. Employers must follow strict annual transfer limits and ensure active employee benefits aren't reduced for five years after the transfer. The law also enables transferring surplus assets from defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans under similar safeguards.

Maddy summaryThe TERMS Act (S 2010) requires online service providers (like social media platforms, apps, and websites requiring user accounts) to clearly disclose their acceptable use policies and provide advance written notice before restricting user accounts. Specifically, providers must explain prohibited actions, enforcement methods, appeal options, and how outside activities (e.g., social media posts) might lead to account restrictions. They must also publish annual reports detailing how many users were restricted, by what policy violation, and how many appeals succeeded. These requirements aim to increase transparency for users and promote informed choices about online services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the EPA Administrator to coordinate with the USDA Secretary on pesticide regulations. It mandates that EPA publish economic analyses of costs to growers and other affected entities when implementing pesticide risk mitigation measures. The law also requires EPA to share and consider USDA's agronomic data and information about alternative pesticides during registration reviews. These coordination rules apply to pesticide decisions affecting growers, state agencies, and pesticide companies, with specific protocols for Endangered Species Act consultations. The bill establishes formal processes for data sharing and joint decision-making between EPA and USDA.