Sen. Mark R. Warner

Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act This bill repeals certain restrictions under Medicare and Medicaid that prohibit the approval of nurse-aide training and competency evaluation programs in skilled nursing facilities that have been subject to specified regulatory actions (e.g., civil penalties) for substandard quality of care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must still disapprove such programs for up to two years; however, the CMS must rescind the disapproval upon completion of corrective action and may require additional oversight of the program for purposes of rescission. The bill also allows Medicaid and Medicare providers (e.g., skilled nursing facilities) to access, through the National Practitioner Data Bank, disciplinary information for affiliated physicians and other health care practitioners, as reported by state licensing authorities.

This act extends the authorities of Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until June 12, 2026. Title VII of FISA generally addresses electronic surveillance and other methods of acquiring foreign intelligence information that are directed at targets outside the United States. Title VII includes surveillance under Section 702, which concerns acquiring communications of non-U.S. persons believed to be outside the United States to obtain foreign intelligence information. Information about U.S. persons may incidentally be acquired by this type of surveillance and subsequently queried (searched) under certain circumstances. For additional information see CRS In Focus, IF11451 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) ; and CRS Report, R48592 FISA Section 702 and the 2024 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act .

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.

Clinical Trial Modernization Act This bill authorizes a grant program and provides certain exemptions to support the participation of individuals in clinical trials. Specifically, the bill authorizes a grant program to support outreach, education, and recruitment efforts for clinical trials that may benefit certain underrepresented populations or communities in need, such as rural or tribal areas. The bill also exempts from anti-kickback laws for federal health care programs (1) remuneration that is offered to cover participants' expenses to participate in clinical trials, (2) the provision of free digital health technologies to support participation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials, and (3) payment for participants' cost-sharing obligations in relation to clinical trials. Finally, the bill exempts up to $2,000 in remuneration that is received for participating in a clinical trial from income tax.

Maddy summaryThe Puppy Protection Act of 2026 amends the Animal Welfare Act to impose stricter housing and care standards on dog dealers. It requires dealers to provide dogs with solid flooring, sufficient indoor space based on size, and temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill also mandates daily nutritious food, unrestricted outdoor exercise for most dogs over 12 weeks, and at least 30 minutes of daily social interaction with humans. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for breeding, such as limiting the number of litters a female dog can produce and requiring health screenings before breeding. These new requirements must be implemented through final regulations issued by the Secretary within 18 months of the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of April 20 through April 24, 2026, as "National Home Visiting Week" to highlight the importance of home visiting programs for families. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the work of over 20,000 home visitors who support parents and children across the United States. By formally acknowledging these efforts, the Senate aims to raise awareness about how such programs help strengthen family relationships and promote healthy child development.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act, aims to overturn a specific executive order by repealing it and prohibiting the use of federal funds to implement similar directives in the future. It directly affects the United States Postal Service, various federal agencies, and state election officials by restricting their ability to regulate mail-in ballots or create national citizenship lists for voting purposes. Key provisions ban federal agencies from sharing voter registration data, compel the Postal Service to continue delivering state-issued mail ballots without interference, and forbid the use of taxpayer money to enforce rules that would require states to adopt specific citizenship verification methods. The legislation seeks to preserve the current system where states manage their own election administration while the Postal Service delivers ballots, citing historical precedents and the high volume of mail-in voting used by Americans.

Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act This bill includes hot rotisserie chicken as an eligible food to purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Maddy summaryThe Drug Deal Disclosure Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services to publicly release specific records regarding agreements between the federal government and major drug manufacturers starting in 2025. This law mandates the disclosure of contracts that include provisions such as reduced drug prices based on international rates, direct-to-consumer sales discounts, duty exemptions, and special treatment for Medicare programs. While the bill allows for the redaction of confidential pricing details, it prohibits withholding information based on political sensitivity or reputational harm and requires a detailed justification for any redactions. Additionally, the act mandates reports to Congress and independent analysis from the Congressional Budget Office and the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the economic and budgetary impacts of these agreements.

Maddy summaryThis federal legislation amends United States gun laws to restrict firearm sales, transfers, and possession, directly affecting individuals, licensed dealers, and law enforcement agencies. It introduces limits on handgun purchases, bans the sale of undetectable "ghost guns," and defines specific firearms as assault weapons that minors cannot possess. The bill establishes a national framework for extreme risk protection orders, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals posing a danger to themselves or others, and mandates firearm surrender for those subject to domestic violence restraining orders. Additional provisions require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours, prohibit leaving loaded guns accessible to children, and ban firearm possession in certain higher education and mental health facility zones. The act authorizes federal grants to states and local governments to help implement these safety measures and train law enforcement officers.