Sen. Steve Daines

Maddy summaryThe America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033, increasing its annual funding from $1.9 billion to $2 billion. It requires that projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund must secure at least 15% of their costs from public donations, which will be solicited through public awareness campaigns, donation locations at recreation sites, and during the purchase of recreation passes. The bill also mandates new reporting requirements for deferred maintenance and disposal of assets no longer serving public interest, while ensuring donations are credited to the Fund and allocated to specific projects.

Maddy summaryThe Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by immediately dismissing any lawsuits currently pending against them that allege harm caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of their products. The bill defines these protected cases as those where the injury resulted from a third party's illegal actions rather than a defect in the product itself, while explicitly excluding claims involving negligent entrustment, specific federal violations, or design defects. To enforce these protections, the law allows defendants to remove such cases from state courts to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately. Additionally, the legislation preempts state and local laws that attempt to hold these companies liable for product misuse and provides for attorney's fees for defendants who successfully assert their immunity.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the penalties for unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information to strengthen protections for individuals whose tax data is compromised. It raises maximum criminal fines for such violations from $5,000 to $250,000 and extends potential prison sentences from five to seven years. The legislation also introduces a new felony charge specifically for IRS contractors who willfully fail to maintain security safeguards, imposing fines of up to $500,000 or 25 percent of their total contract value with the IRS. Additionally, civil damages for unauthorized disclosures are increased from $1,000 to $5,000, and the bill requires the IRS to notify taxpayers promptly when they are criminally charged for leaking their tax return information.

Maddy summaryThe FLOWS Act (S 3518) streamlines processes for hydropower operations and creates a new licensing path for small-scale micro hydrokinetic projects. It allows hydropower licensees to make non-substantial alterations and routine maintenance without prior Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval, while requiring notice and maintaining FERC's safety oversight authority. For micro hydrokinetic projects (max 5 megawatts, no water impoundment), it establishes an expedited 1-year licensing process with specific deadlines for notifications and applications, and requires FERC to create regulations within 180 days. FERC must also report on environmental, economic, and energy impacts after five years or once 50 projects are operational.

Maddy summaryS 3500, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to submit annual reports to Congress on stalled hydropower licensing processes. The bill directly affects hydropower applicants - including companies, tribes, states, and municipalities - who have notified FERC of intent to apply for a new, subsequent, or original license but haven't received a license within 3 years. Each report must detail specific status updates for each delayed application, including docket numbers, application filing status, anticipated issuance dates, upcoming meetings, and actions taken by involved parties. The reports must break down information by license type (new, subsequent, or original) to provide clear transparency into licensing delays.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets annual targets for wildfire prevention treatments on federal lands, requiring the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to increase mechanical thinning and prescribed burning acreage each year (with goals increasing 20% in 2027-2028 and 40% in 2029+). It mandates detailed public reporting on treatment progress, challenges, effectiveness, and cost data, while streamlining environmental reviews for hazard tree removal. The bill also revises vegetation management rules near power lines, creates a public-private technology pilot program for wildfire prevention tools, and repeals outdated reporting requirements. These provisions directly affect federal land managers, electric utility companies, and private entities participating in the technology pilot program.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.

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.