Sen. John Kennedy

Maddy summarySRES 493 is a Senate resolution proposing that Senators forfeit daily pay during any government shutdown. If a shutdown occurs on any day during a pay period, the Senate Secretary would withhold pay equal to one day’s salary for each full 24-hour period the shutdown lasts, reducing the Senator’s total paycheck for that period. The rule applies only to shutdowns occurring after the November 2026 general election, with a temporary escrow provision for shutdowns before that date. This resolution directly affects all Senators’ pay during shutdowns but does not change their base salary or apply to other federal employees. It is a procedural measure, not a binding law, pending Senate approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill automatically extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) beyond its September 30, 2023, expiration date until the end of the fiscal year following the "terminal fiscal year" (the year when the program would otherwise end), unless Congress passes new legislation. It directly affects NFIP operations, allowing the Administrator to continue issuing policies, renewing coverage, paying claims, and managing the program without new congressional action during the extension period. Key provisions ensure all funding levels, contract terms, and operational rules remain unchanged from the day before expiration. The extension applies only to core NFIP functions - not to temporary programs like pilot projects or studies that have specific statutory end dates. This prevents abrupt program termination while maintaining current policy terms for flood insurance holders.

Maddy summaryS 3129, the Preventing Foreign Interference in American Elections Act, expands restrictions on foreign contributions to U.S. elections by banning foreign entities from funding specific voter engagement activities like voter registration, ballot collection, and get-out-the-vote efforts. It directly affects foreign individuals, organizations, and political committees that might fund such activities, while clarifying that state/local ballot initiatives and referendums are covered under election definitions. Key mechanisms include prohibiting "indirect contributions" (where funds are routed through intermediaries) and requiring certifications under penalty of perjury to confirm compliance with the ban. The bill also adds enforcement provisions to limit investigations to necessary facts and strengthens penalties for violating donor privacy rules for tax-exempt organizations. These changes aim to close loopholes that could allow foreign interference in election processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal law to add a new "ideological motive" factor for applying the death penalty in certain violent crimes. It defines violence targeting individuals due to their political or religious beliefs, affiliations, or expressions as grounds for capital punishment eligibility under existing federal statutes. The bill requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to update guidelines to reflect this change. It directly affects federal defendants convicted of violent crimes meeting this specific definition, not state-level cases or non-violent offenses.

Maddy summarySRES 482 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 3-7, 2025, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges veteran-owned small businesses, which employ nearly 3.3 million people and generate over $952 billion in annual sales. The resolution expresses support for these businesses and appreciation for veterans' entrepreneurship, while highlighting the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s annual observance of this week. It has no direct impact on regulations, funding, or veteran business operations.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE KIDS Act voids surrogacy contracts between U.S. surrogates and foreign nationals from designated "entities of concern" (like sanctioned countries), with limited exceptions for married U.S. couples. It criminalizes surrogacy brokers who facilitate such contracts, imposing fines or up to one year in prison. If a contract is voided, custody decisions for the child are determined by state courts based on the child's best interests, not the invalid agreement. The law directly affects U.S. surrogates, foreign nationals seeking surrogacy, and surrogacy brokers, targeting exploitation and potential trafficking risks.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 69 (SJRES 69) seeks to disapprove a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule titled "Record of Decision for the Barred Owl Management Strategy" in Washington, Oregon, and California. The rule, issued in September 2024, outlines a plan to manage barred owl populations to protect endangered spotted owls by controlling their numbers in the region. Under the Congressional Review Act, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, voiding its implementation. This directly affects the federal agency's ability to carry out the barred owl management strategy in the three states.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures military pay continues during budget gaps by temporarily appropriating Treasury funds for fiscal year 2026. It directly affects active-duty and reserve service members who perform active duty or training when regular appropriations haven't been enacted. The key provision authorizes using existing Treasury money to cover pay and allowances until Congress passes a full or continuing appropriation for military funding. It is a procedural measure to prevent pay delays during government funding lapses.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures federal employees, including contractors and active-duty military personnel, continue receiving regular pay during government funding gaps. It automatically appropriates funds for agencies when regular annual or continuing appropriations are not in place, covering standard pay, benefits, and allowances. These funds remain available until Congress passes full-year funding or a continuing resolution that explicitly excludes such payments. The bill applies retroactively from September 30, 2025, to address past payment disruptions.

Maddy summaryS 3057, the "Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act," requires Congress to withhold pay from its members during government shutdowns. Specifically, if a shutdown occurs during a pay period, the payroll office would reduce each member's pay by the daily rate multiplied by the number of shutdown days in that period. This applies to all Senators and Representatives (as defined by law) and takes effect starting after the November 2026 election. For shutdowns before that date, pay would be withheld and held in escrow until the 2026 effective date, ensuring no violation of the 27th Amendment. The bill does not change current pay but links compensation directly to the duration of federal shutdowns.