Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThe Davis-Bacon Repeal Act would eliminate federal wage requirements that currently mandate contractors on government-funded construction projects pay workers at least the prevailing local wage rate. By repealing the relevant section of the U.S. Code, the bill removes the legal basis for these minimum wage standards on future contracts. The law includes a transition period that protects existing contracts and those with outstanding bids for 30 days after enactment, ensuring no immediate disruption to ongoing projects. This change would directly affect construction firms and workers involved in federally funded building work by removing the obligation to adhere to specific local wage floors.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act, prohibits federal government employees and military personnel from receiving pension benefits if they are convicted of specific sex crimes. The law amends existing federal statutes to ensure that anyone convicted of offenses such as rape, child molestation, or sexual exploitation after the bill's enactment will have their annuities and retired pay forfeited. These penalties apply to crimes committed on or after the date the law is passed, covering both federal offenses and state crimes that would be considered federal sex offenses if committed in federal territory. The legislation also includes technical updates to related sections of the U.S. Code to ensure the forfeiture rules are consistently applied across different retirement systems.

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 Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act removes existing trade barriers on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco. It eliminates specific duties and countervailing orders previously applied to these goods, allowing them to enter the U.S. without extra fees. Additionally, the bill requires the government to refund any cash deposits that importers made while these restrictions were in place. This legislation directly affects American farmers by potentially reducing the cost of fertilizer and impacts importers by changing how they pay for these agricultural supplies.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting American Taxpayers Act aims to reduce government waste and fraud by requiring stricter oversight of federal programs and extending legal deadlines for prosecuting pandemic-related violations. It mandates that child care payments be based on recorded attendance rather than enrollment alone and requires agencies to report when health care spending or provider numbers spike by more than 100 percent in specific areas. The bill also prohibits small businesses from receiving federal loans or grants if an owner or key employee has been convicted of financial misconduct, while simultaneously banning foreign entities controlled by agents from certain listed countries from receiving U.S. financial assistance. Additionally, the legislation seeks to increase transparency by requiring agencies to publicly report on improper payments and other transaction agreements, and it expands whistleblower protections for employees of defense and non-defense contractors who report waste or misconduct.

Maddy summaryThe HERO Child Care for Military Families Act aims to improve child care availability and workforce stability for military families by expanding eligibility for military child development centers and introducing new hiring and benefit structures. Key provisions allow the Department of Defense to hire national service volunteers as child care employees and establish a preclearance program that conducts background checks and health screenings on potential hires regardless of whether a job opening currently exists. The bill also authorizes job-sharing arrangements where two part-time employees share one full-time position to reduce vacancies and offers limited benefits, such as commissary access and tuition assistance, to help recruit and retain staff. To better track progress, the legislation requires the creation of a unified data system to monitor child care capacity and waitlists, along with specific reports on how child care availability impacts military readiness and family retention.

Maddy summaryThe Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act amends the SBIR and STTR programs to enhance security reviews of small business concerns receiving federal research funding. It requires agencies to assess security risks related to foreign entities by checking against specific government lists, including those related to Chinese military-industrial complex companies. The bill creates a new "strategic breakthrough" funding mechanism for high-potential small businesses with specific requirements like prior awards and matching funds. It also reduces administrative burdens by setting limits on the number of proposals small businesses can submit and improves data collection about program awards. The bill extends the SBIR and STTR programs through fiscal year 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new defense cooperation initiative between the United States and countries that have normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. The program aims to strengthen military partnerships by focusing on specific capabilities such as air defense systems, missile defense, intelligence sharing, and joint military exercises. The Secretary of Defense must develop a strategy for the initiative and submit a funding report to Congress within 60 days of the bill's enactment. While the bill encourages participating nations to contribute matching funds, it does not mandate this requirement. The initiative operates under existing U.S. defense authorities and seeks to deter regional threats while enhancing long-term security cooperation.

Maddy summaryThe STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act expands the scope of Medicaid fraud investigations by directing state Medicaid fraud control units to examine not just providers but also individuals who apply for or receive benefits. This change requires states to investigate and prosecute fraudulent activities involving both healthcare providers and beneficiaries seeking or receiving Medicaid coverage. The bill amends existing federal law to explicitly include individuals in the definition of entities subject to fraud control unit oversight. These provisions take effect 180 days after the law is enacted, giving states time to adjust their investigation procedures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the contributions of women in the agricultural sector. The bill directly affects women working in farming, research, education, and related industries by formally acknowledging their roles as producers, leaders, and mentors. It highlights that women represent over one-third of U.S. agricultural producers and generated $222 billion in agricultural sales in 2022. The designation encourages citizens to celebrate and support women in agriculture during National Ag Week, which coincides with the date. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change that alters laws or programs.