Sen. Alan Armstrong

Maddy summaryThe Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 automatically provides federal funding for government programs if Congress fails to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. This mechanism supplies money for 14-day periods that can be extended as long as the shutdown continues, ensuring essential services like food assistance and loan programs keep running without interruption. To prevent political games during these shutdowns, the bill restricts official travel for government officials and limits what Congress can debate or vote on, except for passing a new budget or addressing the national debt limit.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of John Seymour, a late U.S. Senator from California, by formally acknowledging his public service and contributions. The document details his career highlights, including his roles as Mayor of Anaheim, his work in securing the relocation of the Los Angeles Rams, and his legislative achievements such as passing a major transportation bill. It also lists his committee assignments and advocacy for issues like special education, women's rights, and environmental protection. Finally, the resolution requests that the Senate Secretary communicate this tribute to the House of Representatives and send a copy to Seymour's family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially congratulates the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team for winning the 2026 NCAA Championship, marking their eighth national title in program history. The document recognizes the team's achievements, including their individual national titles and their consistent performance in recent years. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of the team's success and dedication to the sport.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.

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 CDL Act requires federally recognized driver's licenses to explicitly state whether the holder is a U.S. citizen or not. This rule applies to all new state-issued licenses and identification cards starting 60 days after the law is enacted. Additionally, the bill sets stricter standards for commercial driver's licenses by mandating that states verify a driver is a U.S. national, a permanent resident, or a specific type of nonimmigrant visa holder before issuing a federally recognized license. These changes directly affect state motor vehicle agencies and individuals seeking or holding driver's licenses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses profound sorrow and deep regret at the passing of Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris. It commemorates his life, detailing his military service, martial arts career, acting roles, charitable work, and impact on popular culture, and requests that the resolution be communicated to the House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies when franchisors can be held legally responsible for franchisee employees' pay and working conditions under federal labor laws. It specifies that franchisors are only joint employers if they exercise "substantial direct and immediate control" over essential employment terms like wages, hours, hiring, or discipline - excluding routine brand standards or training. The law explicitly states that franchisors do not become joint employers for actions like setting operating hours, minimum staffing levels, or offering brand guidelines. This directly affects franchisors, franchisees, and their employees by reducing legal uncertainty in the $825 billion franchise sector.

Maddy summaryThe ePermit Act requires federal agencies to adopt standardized digital systems for environmental reviews and authorizations, creating a unified online portal for project sponsors to submit documents, track progress, and access real-time data. It mandates data standards for consistent information sharing, automated tools for screening projects and managing public comments, and a deadline for full implementation by December 2027. The bill directly affects federal agencies (like the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers), project developers seeking permits, and the public by replacing fragmented paper-based processes with a transparent, digital platform. Key provisions include requiring agencies to report on current systems within 90 days, implement minimum functional tools within 180 days, and prioritize vendor-neutral interoperability to reduce delays and redundancy.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Department of the Interior to provide funding, contracts, and technical assistance to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for buffalo restoration and management on tribal lands. It requires the Department to consult with tribes on buffalo-related initiatives and allows tribes to receive surplus buffalo from federal land without cost. The law supports tribes in using buffalo for cultural preservation, subsistence, and economic development through programs like meat processing and habitat management. It explicitly protects tribal treaty rights and mandates that all actions align with tribal laws and management plans.