Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryThe Strategic Subsea Cables Act of 2026 aims to protect critical subsea fiber-optic cables that form the backbone of global internet infrastructure. It requires the U.S. government to increase engagement in international bodies like the International Cable Protection Committee, establish an interagency committee for coordination, and impose sanctions on foreign entities damaging cables. The bill mandates annual reports on Chinese and Russian cable activities, strengthens information sharing between government and private cable owners, and creates new reporting requirements for U.S. agencies. These provisions directly affect U.S. government agencies, private cable companies, and foreign entities that might threaten cable security. The act focuses on enhancing the security, resilience, and protection of subsea cable networks that are vital for global communications.

Maddy summaryThe SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act of 2026 imposes sanctions on vessels and foreign entities supporting Russia's shadow fleet - vessels used to circumvent sanctions on Russian oil exports. It targets foreign vessels engaging in unsafe maritime behavior, lacking proper insurance, or evading the crude oil price cap, as well as foreign persons facilitating such activities through ship-to-ship transfers, insurance, or port services. The bill requires sanctions on port terminals in China or India accepting oil from sanctioned vessels and establishes a public database of vessels suspected of sabotage activities. It also creates reporting requirements and a strategy to counter China's role in evading sanctions on Russian energy products.

This resolution supports the designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer and recognizes the critical role of women in agriculture. The resolution also encourages citizens to celebrate the impact these women have on the food systems and agricultural workforce of the United States by encouraging and empowering women to pursue careers in agriculture and cultivate leadership opportunities.

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE America Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, and requires photo identification to vote, in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill (1) provides for a private right of action for certain violations, and (2) establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses. Individuals voting in federal elections must present an eligible photo identification document. An individual who votes by absentee ballot must submit a copy of their identification document with both the request for, and the submission of, the absentee ballot.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Senate to provide advice and consent for any international climate agreement that involves legally binding domestic emissions reductions (like the Paris Agreement), treating such agreements as treaties under the Constitution. It directly affects the executive branch and federal agencies by blocking the use of federal funds to implement or comply with these agreements unless Senate approval is first obtained. The key mechanism is changing the process for entering climate agreements from executive action to a formal treaty ratification process. This would prevent the U.S. government from joining or rejoining international climate deals without Senate confirmation. The bill does not alter the content of climate agreements but changes how they are approved and funded.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of January 25-31, 2026, as "National School Choice Week" to recognize educational options for K-12 students. It encourages parents to learn about school choices and urges the public to host events raising awareness about diverse education environments, including public schools, charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is a ceremonial designation acknowledging existing annual events celebrating educational choice.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2026 prohibits the FDA from approving new abortion drugs or granting investigational exemptions for them. It requires existing approved abortion drugs to be dispensed only in-person by certified healthcare providers in clinics or hospitals (not pharmacies), mandates providers to verify pregnancy duration and handle complications, and enforces strict adverse event reporting to the FDA. The bill directly affects healthcare providers prescribing abortion drugs, patients seeking these medications, and the FDA’s regulatory authority over such drugs. Key provisions include banning use after 70 days gestation, requiring provider certification for specific medical capabilities, and mandating documentation of risks to patients.

Maddy summarySRES 585 is a commemorative resolution honoring Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator from Colorado and the first Native American to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. It recognizes his military service, Olympic judo career, legislative work (including authoring the National Museum of the American Indian Act), and advocacy for tribal communities. The resolution has no policy impact - it formally expresses the Senate’s respect for his legacy, requests transmission to his family, and directs a moment of silence. It directly affects Campbell’s legacy and family, not any current policy or population. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with legislative provisions.)

Maddy summaryS 3650, the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, requires physicians performing abortions on minors traveling across state lines to provide 24 hours of "actual notice" (in person or in writing) to a parent before the procedure, or "constructive notice" (via certified mail) if actual notice isn't possible. The bill directly affects minors under 18 (not emancipated), their parents, and physicians in states where the minor resides but the abortion is performed. Key exceptions include life-threatening medical emergencies, court waivers for parental notification, documented child abuse, or when a parent accompanies the minor. Violations could lead to fines or imprisonment for those transporting minors to bypass parental involvement laws or physicians failing to comply with notification rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the National School Lunch Program to allow schools participating in the program to serve whole milk as an option to students, in addition to reduced-fat and fat-free milk. It permits schools to offer whole milk (organic or non-organic), reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free milk, as well as lactose-free milk and nutritionally equivalent nondairy beverages that meet specific nutritional standards. The bill clarifies that milk fat in whole milk should not be counted as saturated fat for compliance with meal nutrition standards. Additionally, it requires schools to include food allergy information in training for food service personnel. These changes directly affect schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and the students who eat school meals.