Sen. Peter Welch

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of September 20 through September 26, 2026, as Telehealth Awareness Week to recognize the growing role of remote medical services in the United States. The bill highlights how telehealth helps patients access care despite workforce shortages, geographic distance, or mobility challenges, noting that a significant portion of Medicare beneficiaries now use these services. It urges stakeholders to raise public awareness about the benefits of telehealth and to highlight available resources for both providers and patients. Additionally, the resolution calls for the collection and analysis of data on telehealth impacts to promote continuous access across all communities.

Maddy summaryThe Protect College Sports Act of 2026 establishes new rules to protect student athletes and regulate college sports broadcasting by amending existing federal laws. It requires colleges and athletic associations to allow athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness without losing eligibility, while mandating that athletes disclose agreements worth more than $600 annually. The bill also introduces stricter health and safety standards, including independent medical authority for return-to-play decisions and expanded medical coverage for injuries sustained during competition. Additionally, it creates a new commission to study the future of college athletics and modifies broadcasting laws to ensure local market access for games and prevent large conferences from merging in ways that reduce the number of participating schools.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors the life, service, and legacy of Jon Llewellyn Kyl, a former U.S. Senator from Arizona who passed away at age 84. It details his career highlights, including his time in the House of Representatives, his long tenure in the Senate, and his work on issues such as water policy, national security, and crime victims' rights. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to share this tribute with the House of Representatives and Kyl's family, while also ordering the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect.

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.