Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the FAA to create and maintain a public website listing medications approved for use by pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation trainees seeking medical certification. The list must include all approved prescription and over-the-counter medications, indicate required duty limitations for certain drugs, flag medications the FAA prohibits ("Do Not Issue"), and provide clear guidance for medical providers. The FAA must develop this list with input from aviation experts, training institutions, and union representatives, and update it annually to reflect current medical standards. This directly affects aviation medical applicants by making medication safety information transparent and accessible at the time of certification.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update regulations to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek and disclose mental health care without fear of losing their medical certification. It mandates an annual review of the "special issuance" process (for medical certification) to consider new treatments, improve examiner training, and reduce backlogs, while allocating $15 million annually (2026-2029) to recruit more medical examiners and provide mental health training. Additionally, it funds a $1.5 million annual public campaign to destigmatize mental health care in aviation, improve trust with workers, and make resources easily accessible at aviation medical offices and training facilities. The FAA must consult with industry stakeholders and report progress to Congress on implementation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors the life, service, and legacy of Jon Llewellyn Kyl, a former U.S. Senator from Arizona who passed away at age 84. It details his career highlights, including his time in the House of Representatives, his long tenure in the Senate, and his work on issues such as water policy, national security, and crime victims' rights. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to share this tribute with the House of Representatives and Kyl's family, while also ordering the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of September 27 through October 3, 2026, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious instruction in civic and moral development. The bill highlights historical perspectives and legal precedents that support the right to religious education, including the use of sectarian schools and released time programs for public school students. It calls on all states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate individuals who wish to leave public school attendance to attend religious classes.

Maddy summaryThe Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the federal terrorism insurance program through 2034, ensuring continued government support for insurance companies facing large losses from terrorist attacks. The bill also updates the schedule for recouping federal funds, shifting the timeline for when insurers must repay taxpayer money to later dates ranging from 2029 to 2036. These changes directly affect insurance carriers and policyholders by maintaining the program's availability for a longer period and adjusting the financial obligations tied to it.

Maddy summaryThe Urban Canal Modernization Act establishes a new category called "urban canal of concern" for canals that, if failed, could endanger more than 100 people in populated areas. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to fund necessary emergency repairs and maintenance on these canals, with 35% of costs covered as a non-repayable grant and the remaining 65% provided as a repayable advance to the canal's operating entity. The bill modifies existing federal law to clarify funding mechanisms and ensures these advances count as non-Federal funds for cost-sharing requirements. This policy directly affects federal agencies and the entities operating urban canals, prioritizing infrastructure safety in densely populated areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to allow the use of specific federal funds for rehabilitating, reconstructing, or replacing dams built under the 1894 Carey Act. It directly affects dams developed under the Carey Act (which governs irrigation projects in arid western states) and the federal budget allocated for infrastructure projects. The key provision authorizes the Secretary to use funds from section 40901(2)(B) for these dams after confirming they meet eligibility criteria and funding remains available. The change adjusts existing funding rules to expand coverage to additional Carey Act dams without creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to formally disclaim any federal interest in approximately 15.12 acres of land in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The land was originally platted under a specific section of the Revised Statutes and is identified on a map dated December 22, 1893. The action excludes any portion of the property that falls within the boundaries of the Kootenai Indian Reservation. The Secretary must issue this recordable disclaimer within 90 days of the bill's enactment to facilitate the transfer of ownership.

Maddy summaryThe Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act amends the Federal Power Act to modify how federal licenses for hydropower projects are issued. It requires project operators to reasonably mitigate direct adverse effects on Indian reservations and fish populations before a license is granted. These changes aim to ensure that environmental and tribal concerns are addressed as specific conditions within the licensing process. The bill directly affects hydropower developers and the agencies responsible for reviewing and issuing federal project licenses.