Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryThe Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2026 amends the Export-Import Bank Act to allow federal financing for nuclear reprocessing facilities when authorized under existing atomic energy agreements. It expands the scope of the Program on China and Transformational Exports to explicitly include civil nuclear energy technologies, materials, services, and related infrastructure. Additionally, the bill raises the cap on excess lending authority by $50 billion for this specific program and increases the default rate threshold from 2 percent to 4 percent before mandatory monitoring actions are triggered.

Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act (S 1748) requires major social media platforms, online video games, and other "covered platforms" to implement specific safety features for minors (under 17). These features include default privacy settings that limit harmful design features like infinite scrolling and auto-play, parental controls for managing minors' accounts, and restrictions on advertising illegal products to minors. The bill also mandates annual transparency reports about how platforms are used by minors and requires platforms to provide clear notices about their content algorithms. It creates a Kids Online Safety Council to advise Congress on online safety issues for children. The law applies to platforms with more than 10 million monthly users in the U.S. and takes effect 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI), a non-profit organization founded in 1926 to set safety and reliability standards for firearms and ammunition. The bill does not create new laws or change regulations; instead, it formally acknowledges SAAMI's century-long work in developing technical guidelines that ensure different gun and ammo brands work safely together. By recognizing the institute's role in promoting public safety and responsible industry practices, the resolution serves as a tribute to its contributions rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors small businesses that manufacture firearms and accessories, acknowledging their role in the U.S. economy and recreational traditions. It highlights how these companies support hundreds of thousands of jobs and anchor rural communities while facilitating access to shooting sports like hunting and target practice. The bill formally recognizes August 2026 as National Shooting Sports Month to celebrate these activities. As a symbolic measure, it does not change any laws or regulations but serves to express appreciation for the industry.

Maddy summaryThe Title IX Clarification Act of 2026 amends the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education to explicitly define "sex" based on biological characteristics. Specifically, it states that sex refers to an individual's biologically determined status as male or female. The bill further defines "female" as someone with a reproductive system that produces ova and "male" as someone with a reproductive system that produces sperm, regardless of congenital anomalies or accidents. These definitions apply to all education programs receiving federal financial assistance starting on the date the law is enacted.

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 summaryThe PEACE in Sudan Act establishes a comprehensive framework to address the ongoing conflict in Sudan by mandating detailed reports on foreign involvement, human rights violations, and the financial assets of armed groups. It requires the Secretary of State to develop a diplomatic strategy to end the war, assess potential terrorist designations for certain actors, and impose sanctions on individuals and entities supporting the conflict or obstructing peace efforts. The legislation also restricts U.S. foreign assistance to Sudan, prohibiting funding for government institutions or debt relief unless a national security waiver is granted, while allowing exceptions for lifesaving humanitarian aid. Additionally, the bill extends the tenure of the Special Envoy for Sudan and directs the U.S. to coordinate with international partners to enforce an arms embargo and hold perpetrators of atrocities accountable.

Maddy summaryThe UNLOCK AUKUS Act amends federal export control laws to allow the transfer of specific defense articles and services to partners under the AUKUS security pact. By modifying the Arms Export Control Act, the bill removes certain restrictions that previously limited what technology and equipment could be shared with these allied nations. This change directly impacts the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense, enabling them to facilitate the collaboration required for next-generation nuclear-powered submarine programs. The legislation does not alter the core requirements for these transfers but adjusts the regulatory framework to support the partnership's goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the funding and authorization for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom through September 2028. It directly affects the Commission, which monitors religious freedom violations worldwide and advises the U.S. government on related policies. The legislation amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to update the authorization period from the original 2025-2026 timeframe to 2026-2028. This procedural change ensures the Commission can continue its operations without interruption during the extended period.

Maddy summaryThe CLEAR LABELS Act (S 3788) requires drug manufacturers, packers, and distributors to label finished drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients with specific supply chain information. This includes the name, location, and unique facility ID of the original manufacturer for both active ingredients and finished products, either directly on labels or via QR codes/link to an electronic portal. The bill directly affects drug companies and distributors by mandating clearer labeling to trace products through the supply chain. It also exempts compliant drugs from separate customs country-of-origin marking requirements. These changes aim to improve transparency for consumers and regulators about drug origins.