Sen. Edward J. Markey

Maddy summarySRES 870 is a congressional resolution that officially recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, 2026. The bill highlights the demographic, economic, and military contributions of Latino Americans, noting their significant role in population growth, workforce participation, and national defense. It urges the public to observe the holiday with programs that celebrate the heritage and culture of Latinos in the United States.

Maddy summaryThe FAIR Fees Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Transportation to issue regulations within 270 days that prohibit airlines from charging fees for flight changes, cancellations, baggage, seat selection, or priority boarding if those charges are unreasonable or disproportionate to the actual costs incurred. The bill directs regulators to evaluate specific factors, such as the ability to resell seats and electronic processing costs, when determining if a fee is justified. It also mandates that parents traveling with children age 13 or younger be allowed to sit next to them without paying an extra charge. Airlines holding federal certificates for passenger transport would be subject to these new standards, which must be reviewed and updated at least every three years.

Maddy summaryThe Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act requires airlines and ticket agents to provide full cash refunds when a flight is cancelled, significantly delayed, or changed if the passenger declines rebooking or other compensation. A significant delay is defined as arriving at least three hours late on domestic flights or six hours late on international flights. Airlines must issue these refunds within seven business days for credit card purchases and twenty days for other payment methods, while passengers who cancel their own tickets at least 48 hours before departure are also entitled to a full refund within 30 days. The bill allows carriers to offer vouchers or credits as an alternative only if they clearly disclose the passenger's right to choose cash instead and ensure the voucher never expires. Violations of these requirements subject airlines and ticket agents to civil penalties, with specific rules applying to larger carriers based on annual operating revenue thresholds that are adjusted for inflation starting in 2028.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 20, 2026, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day to honor the service of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in the U.S. Armed Forces. The text acknowledges historical discrimination, including the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and bans on transgender service, which resulted in thousands of discharges and denied benefits. It urges the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to end the current ban on transgender military service and restore access to gender-affirming health care for veterans and active duty personnel. Additionally, the resolution calls for these agencies to improve outreach so that individuals discharged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity can receive the benefits they are owed.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution condemns China for the arbitrary detention of American citizens, specifically highlighting the cases of seismologist Dr. Youlin Chen and think tank director Min Zin. It urges the U.S. government to prioritize securing their release and calls on the Secretary of State to use all available diplomatic tools to negotiate the freedom of detained Americans. The bill recommends raising the travel advisory level for China from Level 2 to Level 3 and adding a specific warning indicator regarding wrongful detention risks. Additionally, it suggests reviewing whether China should be formally designated as a state sponsor of wrongful detention under existing federal law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the nation's population, jobs, and economic output while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to these areas, including pollution, sea-level changes, and harmful algal blooms, which have led to the loss of wetlands and degraded water quality. The resolution also commends the efforts of federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, in protecting and restoring estuary health.

Maddy summaryThe Stop the Wait Act of 2026 eliminates the five-month waiting period required before individuals can receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, with a phased reduction starting in 2026 and full elimination by 2031. The bill directly affects people who are newly disabled and seeking federal financial support by allowing them to access these payments immediately upon approval rather than after a delay. Additionally, the legislation provides immediate Medicare coverage for eligible individuals under age 65 who lack other health insurance during this transition period. This change ensures that those without minimum essential coverage can enroll in Medicare Part A from the first month of their disability entitlement instead of waiting twenty-four months.