Sen. Charles E. Schumer

Maddy summaryS 3838, the Venezuela Oil Proceeds Transparency Act, requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit the U.S.-Venezuela energy deal announced January 6, 2026, within 30 days of the bill's enactment. The audit will examine how the Departments of State, Energy, and Treasury, along with contractors, implement the deal - including the handling of oil sale proceeds in U.S.-controlled accounts. The GAO must provide an interim briefing within 30 days of completing the audit and submit a final report to Congress within 90 days, detailing findings, risks of fraud or abuse, and recommendations. This bill directly affects federal agencies managing the energy deal and aims to ensure transparency in how oil revenue is distributed. It does not alter the energy deal itself but mandates independent oversight of its financial operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a formal process for selecting and evaluating a fiscal agent managing the Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program. It requires the Steering Committee and EPA Administrator to jointly select a qualified entity (e.g., nonprofit or commission) to handle program finances and administration, with assessments every five years to determine if a new agent is needed through competitive selection. The new fiscal agent must be headquartered in the Lake Champlain drainage basin, or in New York/Vermont if no local entity qualifies, ensuring local oversight. The bill also adds provisions allowing the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to collaborate on Lake Champlain fisheries work, including research and invasive species management.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Presidential Embezzlement Act (S 3817) would impose a 100% tax on damages received by the President, Vice President, certain high-level executive officials (level I of the Executive Schedule), and members of Congress from civil lawsuits they file against the United States. The tax applies to the total damages received during the period the individual held a covered position, including settlements or judgments. This would be implemented by adding a new tax provision to the Internal Revenue Code, treating such damages as fully taxable income without deductions.

Maddy summaryS 3815, titled "Virginia's Law" (though it amends federal law), creates new civil lawsuits for victims of sexual abuse and trafficking crimes. It allows victims to sue perpetrators or those who financially benefit from the crimes in federal court, with key changes including a 10-year statute of limitations (extending to age 18 for minors) and eliminating time limits for certain trafficking offenses (sections 1589-1591). The bill also includes a one-year "look-back" period after enactment, permitting victims to file previously barred cases. This applies to federal crimes under titles 18 (sexual abuse) and 18 (trafficking), directly affecting victims seeking civil remedies.

Maddy summarySRES 597 is a Senate resolution authorizing the U.S. Senate to initiate or join a federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice for failing to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act (Public Law 119-38), which required the complete release of all Epstein-related documents by December 19, 2025. The resolution directs the Senate Majority Leader to file the lawsuit to compel the DOJ to release unredacted documents meeting the Act's requirements, covering legal costs from Senate appropriations. This action follows the DOJ's release of only about 12,000 documents (less than 1% of files) by the deadline, along with misrepresentations about the volume and completeness of the release.

Maddy summaryThe Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2026 establishes requirements for selling non-performing single-family mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The bill mandates that loss mitigation options be exhausted before sale, requires 90 days written notice to borrowers, and prioritizes government, nonprofit, and Tribal organizations for purchasing these loans. It requires 75% of properties acquired through foreclosure to be sold to owner-occupants, donated to nonprofits, or rented at affordable rates (not exceeding 30% of income) to tenants earning no more than 100% of area median income for a 10-year period. The bill also mandates detailed data reporting on loan sales and performance, including demographic information to monitor fair lending practices.

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 summaryThis bill reauthorizes funding for the West Valley Demonstration Project, a nuclear waste cleanup initiative in New York. It increases annual funding from $75 million (2020-2026) to $150 million for fiscal years 2027 through 2037. The key provision directly affects the project's operations by doubling its annual budget for the next decade. This change ensures continued cleanup efforts at the West Valley site without altering the project's core purpose or scope.

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The joint resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack.

Maddy summaryThe "No Political Enemies Act" (S 3646) prohibits federal officials from taking enforcement actions against individuals or groups that are substantially motivated by their constitutionally protected speech, such as criticism of government policies. It creates legal defenses for those targeted, requiring courts to dismiss enforcement actions if proven to be politically motivated, and establishes new remedies including the ability to seek injunctions and sue for damages. The bill also requires the Justice Department to report quarterly to Congress on sensitive investigations and prohibits using government funds for politically motivated enforcement actions. This legislation directly affects federal enforcement agencies, officials, and anyone engaging in protected speech who might face government action.