Sen. Richard Blumenthal

Maddy summaryThe Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act designates the fight against the invasive spotted lanternfly as a top research priority for federal agricultural programs. It authorizes the issuance of grants to develop and share new tools and treatments aimed at controlling this pest. Additionally, the bill extends the funding period for these high-priority agricultural research initiatives from 2023 to 2028.

Maddy summaryThe Restoring Justice for Workers Act prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign agreements that force them to resolve disputes through individual arbitration rather than in court or as part of a group. It bans retaliation against employees who refuse to arbitrate and mandates that any post-dispute arbitration agreements be truly voluntary, requiring plain language explanations, a 45-day waiting period, and written consent. The bill also amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it illegal for employers to enter into or enforce contracts that prevent workers from joining together to file joint or class-action lawsuits regarding workplace rights. These changes apply to all workers, including independent contractors, and take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to officially reject a rule proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the Child Care and Development Fund. If passed, the measure would prevent the new regulations from taking effect, thereby maintaining the previous rules governing how federal child care funds are administered. The bill directly impacts families and organizations that rely on CCDF subsidies for child care assistance by blocking the specific administrative changes outlined in the disputed rule. By exercising its authority under the Congressional Review Act, Congress aims to ensure the proposed flexibility measures do not alter the current structure of child care funding.

Maddy summaryThe Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026 directs the Food and Drug Administration to update federal food labeling rules to provide clearer nutritional and ingredient information for consumers. Key provisions require front-of-package icons to highlight high levels of added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat, mandate specific disclosures for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and yogurt, and restrict the use of terms like "natural" and "non-ultraprocessed" unless they are clearly defined. The bill also introduces new requirements for online food sales, ensuring that detailed nutrition facts and ingredient lists are available before purchase, while expanding allergen labeling to include gluten-containing grains and updating definitions for artificial ingredients. Manufacturers will be required to submit label data to a public database, and the law sets a three-year timeline for these new regulations to take effect.

Maddy summaryThe Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes federal funding for nursing education programs through 2030, increasing annual appropriations to support nurse training and workforce development. It expands grant eligibility to include nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, nurse anesthesia, and clinical nurse specialist programs, while requiring funds to cover clinical education costs like preceptor fees. The bill directs grants toward technology such as simulation labs, telehealth, and virtual training to modernize nursing education, and mandates partnerships with healthcare facilities to create clinical training opportunities. Additionally, it updates program requirements to include support for survivors of sexual assault and focuses on increasing nursing faculty and student enrollment to address nationwide nursing shortages.

Maddy summaryThe National Quantum Readiness Act of 2026 directs federal agencies to advance quantum technology development and secure domestic supply chains. It requires the Department of Defense to select three next-generation quantum sensor projects for deployment by 2028. Additionally, multiple agencies must create a plan to partner with the private sector on developing quantum components and address market barriers. The bill also mandates steps to improve access to domestic foundry resources and strengthen the supply chain for quantum information science.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Independence Day to honor the 1865 announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Texas and the Southwestern States. The bill serves as a formal recognition of this historical event and does not create new laws or change federal holidays. It aims to support nationwide celebrations and encourage learning about the history of slavery and emancipation in the United States.

Maddy summaryThe Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support Iranian citizens' access to information and human rights by expanding U.S. government efforts to promote internet freedom in Iran. The bill requires the State Department to coordinate internet freedom initiatives, develop technologies to circumvent internet blackouts (including satellite internet and mesh networks), and increase funding for programs that provide Iranians with tools to access open internet services. It also establishes procedures for identifying and sanctioning individuals who support the Iranian regime's human rights abuses. The legislation directly affects U.S. government agencies, Iranian citizens seeking to access information, and organizations working to support internet freedom in Iran.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Passport Act to allow qualified public libraries to collect and keep passport application fees. Specifically, it authorizes nonprofit or charitable public libraries (that meet State Department regulations) to serve as passport acceptance facilities and retain the standard execution fee. Existing libraries that previously processed passport applications automatically gain this authority within 30 days of the bill's enactment. The change updates the Passport Act to explicitly include such libraries as authorized entities alongside government offices and the U.S. Postal Service.

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.