Sen. John Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis resolution would withhold Senators' pay during any government shutdown (defined as a lapse in federal funding for agencies or departments) and release it once the shutdown ends. It applies automatically to all Senators and takes effect after the 2026 election. The resolution does not alter government funding levels but ties Senators' compensation to the resolution of shutdowns.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2026 mandates that private health plans, including those under Medicare, ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code, cover specific insulin products starting in 2027 without applying deductibles. For these covered insulins, the law limits patient out-of-pocket costs to the lesser of $35 per 30-day supply or 25% of the negotiated price, while also counting these payments toward annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. The legislation defines "selected insulin products" to include at least one dosage form of each type available, such as rapid-acting or long-acting varieties, but does not require coverage for insulins outside this selection. Additionally, the bill establishes a program to reimburse healthcare providers and pharmacies up to $35 for insulin dispensed to uninsured individuals, ensuring they do not hold the patients liable for the cost.

Maddy summaryThe VICTIM Act of 2026 establishes a federal grant program to help local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies improve their clearance rates for homicides and firearm-related violent crimes. Funds awarded to eligible entities can be used to hire and train investigators, upgrade forensic technology, implement evidence-based investigative strategies, and provide support services for victims and their families. The legislation also mandates strict oversight measures, requiring grant recipients to submit annual reports on their progress and undergo regular audits to ensure funds are not misused. Additionally, the act sets aside specific portions of the funding to guarantee that rural and Tribal law enforcement agencies receive a share of the available resources.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows hydropower project license holders to request up to 6 additional years to begin construction on projects that received licenses before March 13, 2020. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) may grant extensions in two-year increments, but the total extension cannot exceed six years. For licenses expiring after December 31, 2023, FERC can reinstate them to immediately apply the extension.

Maddy summaryThe PRESS Act amends federal law to make it illegal to manufacture or distribute specific equipment used to produce drugs if the seller knows it will be used for unlawful importation into the United States. This legislation targets items such as tableting machines, encapsulating machines, and gelatin capsules, extending criminal liability to manufacturers and distributors involved in the supply chain for illegal drug production. Violators of these provisions face potential fines and prison sentences ranging from ten to twenty years, depending on the type of chemical involved and the quantity of equipment. Additionally, the bill requires the United States Sentencing Commission to update federal sentencing guidelines to align with these new penalties.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prevents the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from finalizing or enforcing a specific proposed rule regarding heat injury prevention in workplaces. This legislation directly affects the Department of Labor and businesses by blocking the implementation of detailed requirements such as mandatory rest breaks and written safety plans. The bill argues that these specific rules are too burdensome and fail to account for unique industry and geographic conditions. By stopping this rule, the act leaves the proposed heat safety standards in a suspended state without changing existing regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement an automated system for most VA service phone lines by one year after enactment. The system must inform callers of their expected wait time and offer a callback if the wait exceeds 10 minutes. The VA Secretary must also issue guidance aimed at reducing the average caller wait time to 10 minutes or less. It directly affects veterans calling VA customer service lines (excluding the specific veterans hotline and emergency department lines).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing U.S. laws to require only foreign-owned companies registered in the United States to report beneficial ownership information, while exempting domestic U.S. entities from these filing requirements. Under the new rules, foreign corporations must disclose details about their owners, but any beneficial owners who are U.S. persons will not be required to provide this data. Additionally, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is directed to delete all previously collected ownership information related to U.S. persons while retaining records for non-U.S. individuals. The legislation effectively narrows the scope of the current reporting system to focus exclusively on foreign entities operating within the United States.