Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act) requires health insurance plans to cover medically necessary treatments for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. It mandates coverage for reconstructive services, dental/orthodontic care, and related treatments during the course of medical treatment, while excluding purely cosmetic procedures not medically necessary. Plans may apply cost-sharing requirements similar to those for other medical services but must provide notice about these coverage requirements to participants by January 1, 2026. The bill also directs a study on provider network adequacy and cost impacts related to these coverage requirements, to be completed by December 2027.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Stop Insider Trading Act, would restrict Members of Congress and their spouses and dependents from purchasing stocks in publicly traded companies. It requires these individuals to provide advance public notice at least seven days before selling any covered investments, with the notice filed with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. The law includes exceptions for certain occupational transactions and reinvested dividends, and establishes penalties including fees and mandatory sales for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies and recipients of taxpayer money to clearly state the percentage and dollar amount of federal funding used for any project in public communications like press releases and bid solicitations. It applies to all programs, projects, or activities supported by federal funds, with the exception of very short messages under 280 characters. The law also mandates annual compliance reviews by the Office of Management and Budget and establishes a public reporting system for anonymous complaints about noncompliance. These requirements aim to increase transparency about how taxpayer dollars are allocated across government initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends a provision in the U.S. Code regarding national cemetery interments, specifically changing the legal definition used to determine who is barred from burial. It updates references from "tier III sex offender" under outdated law (34 U.S.C. § 20901) to the current definition (34 U.S.C. § 20911) for the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This change directly affects individuals classified as tier III sex offenders under current law, altering the criteria applied when reviewing burial eligibility in national cemeteries. The bill makes a technical correction to align the cemetery policy with the existing sex offender registration statute, with no broader changes to cemetery access or policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Purple Heart veterans who served after September 11, 2001, to transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to family members. Specifically, veterans can transfer up to 36 months of benefits to eligible dependents (like spouses or children) without affecting their own remaining benefits. It sets rules for when dependents can use transferred benefits - children must complete high school or turn 18 first, and benefits expire by age 26 unless used for caregiving or due to school closures. The bill also ensures transferred benefits aren’t treated as marital property and includes special provisions for caregivers of injured veterans or emergency school closures.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026, amends existing federal agricultural law to establish specific research and extension grant priorities for land-grant universities. It directs funding toward four main areas: advanced mechanized harvesting technologies, particularly for specialty crops; artificial intelligence applications in agriculture to improve specialty crop production; methods for managing and eradicating invasive plant and animal species; and aquaculture techniques for valuable aquatic species. The legislation allows the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize grants in these areas when awarding funding to land-grant institutions for research and extension projects.
Maddy summaryThis bill would require the U.S. Secretary of State to annually report on whether the Polisario Front, a group involved in the Western Sahara conflict, has received military support from Iranian-linked terrorist organizations. If such cooperation is confirmed, the President would designate the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization and impose financial sanctions that block its assets and prohibit U.S. transactions with it. The legislation defines specific types of military support that would trigger sanctions, including weapons, drones, and intelligence sharing. It applies to the Polisario Front and any successor organizations, while defining Iranian-affiliated terrorist groups as those officially designated by the U.S. government.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates American Dream Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help eligible U.S. citizens save for purchasing a first home. The accounts allow contributions up to $7,500 annually (or $10,000 for those aged 35 or older) with tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals when used to buy a first home, subject to a $500,000 lifetime limit on qualified distributions. Funds must be kept in a bank or qualified trustee, cannot be invested in life insurance, and cannot be commingled with other property. Withdrawals for purposes other than qualified first-time home purchases are subject to income tax and a 10% penalty. The bill also establishes rules for rollovers between accounts, reporting requirements, and penalties for excess contributions or prohibited transactions.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Federal Taxpayer Funds Protection and Clawback Act, aims to improve oversight and accountability for federal funds distributed through state block grants and other pass-through mechanisms. It directly affects states, local governments, and organizations that receive federal funding by requiring them to comply with stricter rules regarding inspections, audits, and record-keeping. Key provisions include expanding the definition of claims under the False Claims Act to cover funds passed through intermediaries, mandating that states temporarily return disputed federal funds within 180 days of a legal challenge, and establishing automatic penalties for violations of immigration laws or other federal requirements. The bill also gives federal agencies clearer authority to withhold payments, suspend awards, or terminate funding when recipients fail to meet compliance standards.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 6, 2026, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day" to recognize the value of speech and debate programs in schools. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages educational institutions, businesses, and communities to celebrate and promote these programs. The resolution highlights how speech and debate education develops communication, critical thinking, and civic skills for students. It directly affects schools, teachers, and students participating in these programs by raising awareness of their importance. The Senate formally designates the date and urges nationwide participation in honoring this educational focus.