Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. military action against Venezuela without specific new congressional authorization. It blocks funding for Defense Department operations involving "hostilities" (defined as any use of lethal force by U.S. forces) except under two conditions: a new law passed after this bill's enactment, or a congressional authorization meeting War Powers Resolution standards. Key exceptions allow self-defense, protection of U.S. personnel, lawful counternarcotics operations, and humanitarian aid. The bill does not override the War Powers Resolution but requires stricter authorization for military engagement with Venezuela.

Right to Read Act of 2025 This bill expands access to school libraries and literacy skills support for elementary and secondary school students. It also outlines certain constitutional rights and liability protections related to school libraries. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 (1) the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program, which provides grants to ensure high-quality instruction and effective strategies in reading and writing for children through 12th grade; and (2) the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, which provides grants to support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities. Additionally, the bill allows Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants to be used to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools in recruiting, hiring, and retaining state-certified school librarians. Further, the bill authorizes states and LEAs to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants for programs and activities that promote the development of digital literacy and information literacy skills. The Department of Education (ED) must direct the National Center for Education Statistics to biennially collect data on school libraries. ED must require an assurance from each state and LEA receiving certain funds confirming that it will (1) protect the First Amendment rights of students in school libraries, and (2) provide equal protection in the conduct of school libraries in compliance with the requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment and nondiscrimination laws. The bill also provides liability protection to teachers, school librarians, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff for actions that conform with state or local policies regarding the right to read.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 525) condemns the Iranian government's ongoing, state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority, citing decades of systemic abuses including executions, job dismissals, education bans, and property confiscations. It references UN reports and Human Rights Watch findings documenting Iran's violation of international human rights treaties, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release imprisoned Baha'is, end discriminatory policies restricting their education and employment, and cease hate propaganda, while urging the U.S. President and Secretary of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for these abuses.

Maddy summarySRES 518 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating October 2025 as "National Principals Month" to honor elementary, middle, and high school principals across the United States. It recognizes principals' roles as educational leaders, community builders, and key contributors to school improvement efforts, as highlighted by educational associations. Introduced by Senators Smith, Collins, King, Van Hollen, Hirono, and Durbin, the resolution has no legal effect but aims to raise awareness of principals' contributions to K-12 education. As a non-binding resolution, it focuses solely on symbolic recognition without implementing new policies or requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for temporary immigration judges who handle cases while permanent judges are appointed. It allows the Attorney General to appoint former immigration judges, Board members, or attorneys with 10+ years of immigration law experience for up to 6-month terms (renewable for a maximum of 4 terms, or 24 months total). Temporary judges must complete 8 weeks of initial training plus weekly 1-day sessions unless recently retired (within 2 years), and their work is overseen by the Chief Immigration Judge. The law emphasizes that temporary judges should not replace permanent judges and requires them to have deep expertise in U.S. immigration law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 24) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, signed on December 14, 1995, which ended the Bosnian War. It recognizes the accords' role in halting conflict, ending ethnic cleansing, and establishing peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while highlighting Dayton, Ohio's historical role in hosting the negotiations. The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty, EU/NATO partnership, and constitutional reforms, but contains no new laws or direct impacts on any group. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not alter policy or affect any individuals or entities.

Maddy summarySRES 521 is a Senate resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on November 29, 2025. It recognizes IDEA’s historical impact, including establishing the right to free public education for children with disabilities and ending widespread exclusion from schools. The resolution does not create new policies or affect any group through legislative action - it solely honors IDEA’s legacy, its role in transforming educational access, and the contributions of educators and families. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect on funding, services, or policy changes.

Maddy summaryS 3302, the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025, requires drug manufacturers developing cancer treatments to conduct pediatric-focused research for certain drugs targeting pediatric cancer mechanisms. It amends FDA drug approval processes to mandate molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations for drugs with new active ingredients or specific approved combinations, ensuring studies address dosing, safety, and efficacy for children. The bill also extends priority review vouchers (which expedite FDA reviews) for rare pediatric disease treatments until 2030 and mandates GAO studies to evaluate how effectively these incentives spur new pediatric cancer drug development. These changes apply to new drug applications submitted three years after the law's enactment, with reports due to Congress at 6, 8, and 10 years.

Maddy summaryThe Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 would maintain existing protections for designated roadless areas within the National Forest System by prohibiting new road construction, reconstruction, or logging in those areas. It directly affects National Forest lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, where the Roadless Rule already restricts such activities. The bill’s key mechanism requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enforce these current restrictions without adding new limitations. This policy change preserves existing protections for watersheds, wildlife habitats, recreation opportunities, and culturally significant sites within these roadless areas.

Maddy summarySRES 513 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating November 22, 2025, as National Adoption Day and all of November 2025 as National Adoption Month. It aims to promote public awareness of adoption, particularly for children in foster care awaiting permanent families, and encourages Americans to support adoption efforts. The resolution directly affects the public, adoption agencies, and foster care systems by formally recognizing these dates for nationwide awareness campaigns. It does not create new laws or policies but seeks to highlight existing adoption opportunities and the need for stable homes for children.