Sen. Shelley Moore Capito

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes suicide as a serious public health issue in the United States and supports designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month. It cites data indicating that suicide is a leading cause of death for young adults and veterans, with rates rising significantly over the past two decades. The bill declares suicide prevention a national priority while acknowledging that different communities may require varied approaches to address the issue. Additionally, it urges increased access to mental health services and substance-use disorder treatments to help reduce stigma and improve support for at-risk individuals.

Maddy summaryThe Protect College Sports Act of 2026 establishes new rules to protect student athletes and regulate college sports broadcasting by amending existing federal laws. It requires colleges and athletic associations to allow athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness without losing eligibility, while mandating that athletes disclose agreements worth more than $600 annually. The bill also introduces stricter health and safety standards, including independent medical authority for return-to-play decisions and expanded medical coverage for injuries sustained during competition. Additionally, it creates a new commission to study the future of college athletics and modifies broadcasting laws to ensure local market access for games and prevent large conferences from merging in ways that reduce the number of participating schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates a specific playground in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as the "Hearts of Gold Playground: In Honor of West Virginia Children and Families Impacted by Childhood Cancer." It directly honors local children and families affected by childhood cancer by renaming the primary playground in the Grandview area (south of the amphitheater). The bill updates all official references in federal records to reflect this new name, with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes. As a commemorative measure, it does not alter park operations or create new programs.

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 supports designating September 18, 2026, as National Concussion Awareness Day to highlight the health risks associated with mild traumatic brain injuries. It cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the high number of sports-related concussions and long-term effects on individuals of all ages. The measure encourages federal, state, and local policymakers to collaborate on raising public awareness and improving the diagnosis and management of these injuries. Additionally, it calls for further research and prevention efforts to reduce the adverse health impacts of concussions.

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 Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.

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 summaryThis bill directs the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study for establishing Washington's Trail - 1753 as a National Historic Trail. The proposed trail would follow the historic route taken by George Washington in 1753, stretching approximately 500 miles from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Fort LeBoeuf in Pennsylvania. By amending the National Trails System Act, the legislation authorizes an official evaluation to determine if the trail meets the criteria for designation. This process involves assessing the trail's historical significance and potential for public access without yet committing to its final creation.