Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill prevents U.S. federal courts from issuing orders (such as injunctions, stays, or declarations) that stop enforcement of laws against people or entities not directly involved in a lawsuit (non-parties). It requires that such orders only apply if a non-party is represented through a party acting under standard legal rules. The law applies to all federal courts, including those in U.S. territories, and modifies related procedures for temporary restraining orders and declaratory judgments to enforce this restriction. Its core change limits court authority to affect non-parties regarding statutes, regulations, or government actions.
Maddy summaryS 1169, the "Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act," prohibits states and local governments from imposing excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearm parts during interstate or foreign commerce. This directly affects firearm manufacturers and dealers who sell across state lines, preventing them from facing state-level taxes on those transactions. The bill explicitly states it does not change the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, which allows separate federal excise taxes on firearms for conservation funding. The key provision is a blanket ban on state taxes for interstate firearm sales, aiming to standardize tax treatment across state lines.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Medicare rules to prevent private health insurance plans from discriminating against patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who need dialysis. It specifically prohibits plans from: (1) treating dialysis differently than other medical services in coverage or benefits, and (2) shifting the primary responsibility for covering dialysis costs to Medicare. The law clarifies that plans cannot limit dialysis coverage or network access based on ESRD diagnosis, while still allowing plans to choose which dialysis providers they include in their networks. It directly affects ESRD patients and private health insurance plans, ensuring dialysis is covered comparably to other essential medical services under the plan.
Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act redefines firearm classifications under federal law to remove certain restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. It eliminates special prohibitions for these weapons when used lawfully, preempts state taxes or registration requirements for them, and requires federal destruction of historical records related to these firearms. The bill directly affects owners of short-barreled rifles and shotguns, as well as state governments that previously imposed separate regulations. Key provisions include revising IRS definitions to exclude shotgun shells from "destructive devices," mandating record destruction within one year of enactment, and blocking state laws targeting these weapons in interstate commerce. These changes aim to standardize federal treatment while removing duplicative state-level barriers.
Maddy summarySRES 142 is a Senate resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. It highlights specific achievements, including over 4,400 women serving in the military as of 2025, more than 11,600 women owning businesses as of 2024, and historical roles in fields like science, medicine, and cultural preservation. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but publicly honors these women’s contributions to communities, tribal sovereignty, and U.S. history without mandating policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires VA medical centers to designate at least one patient advocate specifically for veterans receiving care through community clinics or the community care network in rural or highly rural areas. It mandates that these advocates report to the medical center director and track issues like care coordination delays, resolution times, and complaints. Annual reports will be submitted to Congress and VA leadership, detailing de-identified data on common problems and how they’re resolved. The changes directly affect rural veterans using VA community-based care and aim to improve their access to advocacy support outside VA medical centers.
Maddy summaryThe Working Families Flexibility Act of 2025 allows private sector employees to earn time off instead of cash for overtime hours, at a rate of 1.5 hours of time off for every hour of overtime worked. To qualify, employees must have worked at least 1,000 hours for their employer in the prior 12 months, and agreements for time off must be voluntary, in writing, and not tied to employment conditions. Employers must pay cash for unused time off by January 31 each year (or another agreed 12-month period), with a cap of 160 hours of accrued time. The bill excludes public employees, includes enforcement provisions for violations, and expires 5 years after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Federal Reserve System from developing, testing, or issuing any central bank digital currency (CBDC) or similar digital assets. It bans the Federal Reserve from offering direct products/services to individuals, maintaining personal accounts, or issuing CBDCs either directly or through financial intermediaries. The bill also explicitly prevents the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Open Market Committee from using digital assets for monetary policy. It includes an exception for physical U.S. currency, preserving its privacy protections, and states Congress believes the Fed lacks authority to issue CBDCs without constitutional amendment.