Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution recognizes the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their right to live in their own homes and communities. It calls on the Department of Justice to rescind a recent opinion that the Senate views as undermining the legal requirement to provide community-based services instead of institutional care. The document also urges various federal agencies to improve funding for home and community-based services, increase accessible housing and transportation, and promote competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Additionally, the resolution pledges bipartisan efforts to address barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, including those of color, and opposes cuts to the Medicaid program that could limit access to essential support services.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe SHIELD Our Elections Act introduces new legal tools to protect election integrity by allowing individuals to file civil lawsuits against those who harass or intimidate voters at polling places. It extends the time limit for prosecuting election-related crimes to nine years and establishes strict rules preventing the seizure of ballots and voting equipment until all legal challenges are resolved. Additionally, the bill creates a federal grant program to help states implement systems that track and notify voters about the status of their mail-in and absentee ballots. These provisions aim to provide clearer legal recourse for election interference, ensure longer accountability periods for offenders, and increase transparency in the ballot counting process.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal code of conduct for all federal judges and specifically requires the Supreme Court to create its own set of ethical rules for justices. It creates a new position called Ethics Investigations Counsel to enforce these rules, investigate potential violations, and publish annual public reports on the findings. Additionally, the legislation mandates that Supreme Court justices publicly explain their reasons for disqualifying themselves or denying requests for disqualification in any case.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the United States Postal Service to continue selling the Alzheimer's semipostal stamp for an additional six years. The proceeds from these sales will be transferred to the National Institutes of Health at least twice a year to support medical research on Alzheimer's disease. By extending the sale period, the legislation ensures that the public has more time to purchase the stamp and contribute to funding for this specific health research initiative.
Maddy summaryThe Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes federal protections to ensure individuals can access assisted reproductive technology and intrauterine insemination without state-imposed restrictions, while also mandating that health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits program cover these services. The bill defines these procedures broadly to include treatments like egg and embryo freezing and requires coverage regardless of whether a patient has been diagnosed with infertility. It further directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide fertility preservation and reproductive assistance to uniformed service members and veterans, including funding for egg or sperm retrieval and storage. Additionally, the legislation grants federal courts the authority to challenge and block any state laws that limit access to these reproductive treatments or discriminate against providers and patients based on protected characteristics.
Maddy summaryThe Children's Safe Welcome Act of 2026 establishes comprehensive standards for the treatment, care, and placement of noncitizen children in immigration custody, primarily affecting the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. Key provisions include a prohibition on separating children from their parents or guardians unless there is clear and convincing evidence of an imminent threat, alongside requirements for rapid family reunification and the elimination of family detention facilities. The bill mandates that children be housed in state-licensed facilities that provide trauma-informed care, adequate medical and educational services, and access to legal representation, while also phasing out large congregate care settings in favor of family-based placements. Furthermore, it creates an independent Office of the Ombudsperson to monitor compliance, investigates age assessments that ban invasive medical procedures, and enforces strict data privacy rules to prevent information from custody cases from being used in immigration removal proceedings.
Maddy summaryThe Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to improve how it shares information with emergency managers during disasters. Within 180 days of passing, the FCC must review and update its procedures for notifying states, local governments, and public safety officials when its reporting system is activated. The bill also requires the FCC to create plain-language educational materials within a year to help these officials understand how to access communication status reports and coordinate with service providers. Additionally, the FCC is tasked with evaluating how to better serve as a central contact point for officials seeking communication updates during emergencies. Throughout these efforts, the law explicitly states that no new mandatory reporting rules will be imposed on communications service providers.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally recognizes the significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men in the United States. The document cites data showing that Black women earn roughly 65 cents for every dollar earned by white men and highlights how this disparity impacts their ability to support families and accumulate wealth. By referencing existing laws like the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act, the bill reaffirms Congress's support for equal pay for equal work without proposing new legislation or policy changes. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the economic challenges faced by Black women due to dual discrimination based on race and gender.
Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Senate Legal Counsel to file a lawsuit on behalf of the Senate to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the President from accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments without Congressional approval. The bill specifically targets alleged violations by President Donald J. Trump, citing instances such as accepting a refurbished aircraft from Qatar, cryptocurrency investments from foreign-linked entities, and real estate deals in various countries that generated income for the President and his family. By seeking a court injunction, the measure aims to stop the President from accepting these specific benefits unless Congress provides its consent.
Maddy summaryThe CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act amends federal law to explicitly include Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations in public health security programs previously reserved for states and localities. It authorizes $750 million annually from 2027 to 2029 for cooperative agreements with these tribal entities to enhance their ability to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. The bill removes matching fund requirements for tribal recipients and mandates that the CDC consult with tribes on program design, rule modifications, and waivers to ensure effective implementation. Additionally, it requires the CDC to conduct a review and submit a detailed report to Congress on how the program serves tribal communities and any infrastructure limitations encountered.