Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that distinguish firearm retailers from general merchandise or sporting goods stores. It directly affects firearm retailers (those selling guns or ammunition) and payment networks (such as Visa or Mastercard), ensuring their transactions are processed without special classification. Key provisions ban the use of discriminatory codes, establish an enforcement process through the Attorney General with complaint mechanisms, and preempt state or local laws on this issue. The bill does not change gun sales laws but alters how payment systems categorize firearm-related transactions. It explicitly states no private lawsuits can be filed under this law.
Sponsored bills
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions and published on December 30, 2024. The rule revises provisions regarding charges for insufficient funds in a customer’s bank account (i.e., overdrafts) at very large financial institutions. Under the rule, these institutions must (1) cap overdraft charges at $5; (2) with justification, cap charges at a higher amount; or (3) handle overdrafts as credit and comply with applicable Truth in Lending Act disclosure requirements.
Maddy summaryS 1696, the DRIVE Act, prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from creating rules requiring speed limiting devices on commercial trucks. It directly affects trucking companies, drivers, and manufacturers of commercial motor vehicles (like 18-wheelers) by blocking a specific regulation. The bill prevents the FMCSA from mandating that these vehicles be equipped with devices that limit their maximum speed. This is a procedural change that stops a potential future rule, not a current requirement.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to create a specific federal definition for "obscene" visual content, affecting how such material is regulated under federal law. It defines obscenity as visual depictions that (1) appeal to prurient interest, (2) depict sexual acts with intent to arouse, and (3) lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. The definition explicitly covers images, videos, and graphic files, referencing existing definitions of "sexual act" from Title 18. This change would standardize federal obscenity enforcement for visual media across state lines and in interstate communications.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a special review board to address career impacts on service members who requested religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine and remained in the military. The board will audit all such requests since 2020, assess whether promotions, assignments, or records were unfairly harmed, and order corrections like backdated promotions, restored pay, and expungement of negative records (e.g., reprimands or promotion denials). Service members directly affected are those who filed vaccine-related religious accommodation requests and stayed in service. The review must be completed within one year, with corrective actions finalized within 60 days of case reviews.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1612) prevents U.S. funding for United Nations agencies if Palestine gains any status beyond observer status. It amends existing laws to replace "full membership" with "any status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status" in U.S. funding rules for UN agencies. This would block U.S. financial support for UN bodies if Palestine achieves full membership or equivalent standing. The bill directly affects U.S. foreign aid policy toward UN agencies and Palestine's potential UN representation.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies and the U.S. Postal Service from deducting labor organization dues, fees, or political contributions from employee paychecks. It directly affects federal workers and postal employees by ensuring their union dues are not automatically withheld from their pay. The key provision amends existing laws (5 U.S.C. § 7115 and 39 U.S.C. § 1205) to explicitly ban these payroll deductions. The policy change ensures employees retain full control over how they pay union dues, without automatic payroll withholding.
Maddy summaryS 1589, the Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2025, updates U.S. immigration parole rules to allow temporary entry for specific groups under strict criteria. It permits parole for urgent humanitarian reasons (like life-threatening medical emergencies or family reunification) or significant public benefit (such as assisting law enforcement), but only on a case-by-case basis - not for entire groups. The bill specifically expands eligibility for military family members, Cuban nationals under historical migration agreements, and those needing urgent medical care or organ transplants. Parole lasts up to one year (with possible one-year extensions) and does not grant work authorization except for military families and Cuban nationals, while requiring detailed annual reporting to Congress.
Maddy summaryThe App Store Accountability Act requires major app stores (those with over 5 million U.S. users) to verify the age of new users and obtain parental consent for minors before they can download apps or make in-app purchases. App stores must clearly display age ratings, protect age verification data, and notify parents of significant changes to apps used by minors. App developers must verify user age through the app store's system, cannot enforce contracts against minors without parental consent, and must display age ratings in plain language. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these requirements, with states also having authority to take action in certain cases.
Maddy summaryThe Make Sense Not Cents Act (S 1554) would stop the U.S. Treasury from minting new 1-cent coins (pennies). It directly affects businesses and the public that handle physical currency, as it would eliminate the production of new pennies. Key provisions include prohibiting the minting of pennies and updating related laws (like those governing coin specifications and tax codes) to reflect this change. Importantly, the bill clarifies that existing 1-cent coins remain legal tender for all payments, regardless of when they were made. This is a policy change to the physical coinage system, not a shift in currency value or legal status.