Maddy summaryThe Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act empowers federal agencies to temporarily pause, condition, or segment payments when there is a significant risk of fraud or financial loss to the government. This authority is triggered by specific fraud-risk indicators, notifications from state or local officials, or orders from the Treasury Department based on its Do Not Pay system. Agencies must notify payees within two days of a pause, outline the review process, and issue a final decision within 30 days, though they may allow routine portions of a payment to proceed while holding anomalous amounts. The bill also provides legal protections for government officials acting in good faith and requires the Treasury to submit annual reports on the number of paused payments and the savings generated.
Sponsored bills
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 Ending Double Dealing Act of 2026 prohibits the Department of Defense from contracting with consultancies that currently work for foreign adversaries or have done so within the last five years. This rule directly affects companies providing mission support services to the military, requiring them to disclose any existing or recent financial ties to designated hostile nations and entities. To comply, firms must certify that they are not receiving funds from or working with these adversarial groups, and failure to disclose such relationships can result in contract termination and a five-year ban on future government work. The law also mandates that the Defense Secretary issue specific policies and update acquisition regulations within the first year to enforce these new restrictions.
Maddy summaryThe OASIS Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Defense to assess current air and missile defense systems used by the United States and its allies in the Middle East and to submit a report detailing their effectiveness and production capabilities. Following this assessment, the Defense Department must create a strategy to cooperate with foreign partners on acquiring and producing these defense systems to better protect regional assets. The bill also establishes a new working group to facilitate regular information sharing and best practice exchanges among the United States and its allies regarding missile defense operations. Additionally, the legislation mandates annual reports on the progress of these collaborative efforts and identifies gaps in current defense capabilities to guide future requirements.
Maddy summaryThe Upward Mobility Act of 2026 would establish a 5-year pilot program allowing up to 5 states to consolidate multiple antipoverty programs (including nutrition assistance, housing subsidies, child care, and employment services) into a single grant. The program aims to reduce "benefit cliffs" by limiting how much direct assistance benefits decrease as people earn more, measured by a "Marginal Effective Tax Rate." States would apply for the program, and the Secretary would approve based on how well the plan would improve employment outcomes and reduce reliance on benefits. The pilot would require states to measure specific outcomes like employment rates, earnings, and reduction in per-capita direct assistance to determine effectiveness.
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.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally designates May 2026 as Renewable Fuels Month to honor the contributions of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel. The bill highlights how these fuels support rural economies, create jobs, and reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. It also notes the environmental benefits, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality, without imposing any new laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to create a program called the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Initiative to improve childcare availability, quality, and affordability in rural areas. Starting in fiscal year 2027, the initiative will prioritize loans and grants for projects that support childcare services, including those run by licensed providers, schools, or Head Start programs. Funding will be distributed across rural regions to ensure a balanced geographical impact, and the Secretary must conduct an evaluation and submit a report on the program's outcomes within four years of enactment.
Maddy summaryThe Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 makes the E-Verify employment eligibility verification system permanent and mandatory for all employers in the United States, including those who hire, recruit, or refer individuals for jobs. The bill requires employers to use the system within a phased timeline based on company size, ranging from six months for large businesses with 10,000 or more employees to 18 months for smaller businesses with fewer than 20 employees, while exempting agricultural labor verification until 18 months after enactment. Key provisions include increased civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance, the ability for the government to debar repeat violators from federal contracts, and a requirement that states sharing driver's license data with the system remain eligible for certain federal funding. Additionally, the act establishes a self-check feature for individuals to verify their own status, expands data sharing between federal and state agencies to prevent fraud, and creates a good-faith defense for employers who rely on the system's results.