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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe MERIT Act amends federal accreditation standards to require colleges and universities to stop giving preferential treatment in admissions based on an applicant's relationship to alumni or donors. This rule defines such favoritism as making an admissions decision where that relationship is the main deciding factor, though it allows institutions to consider demonstrated interest if criteria are clear and accessible to everyone. The bill also includes a specific exemption for faith-based schools to make admissions consistent with their religious values and requires the Department of Education to report on compliance efforts every two years. Additionally, the legislation directs the Department of Education to study how to collect data on the prevalence of legacy and donor admissions without creating a private database of personally identifiable information.
Maddy summaryThe Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes federal protections to ensure individuals can access assisted reproductive technology and intrauterine insemination without state-imposed restrictions, while also mandating that health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits program cover these services. The bill defines these procedures broadly to include treatments like egg and embryo freezing and requires coverage regardless of whether a patient has been diagnosed with infertility. It further directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide fertility preservation and reproductive assistance to uniformed service members and veterans, including funding for egg or sperm retrieval and storage. Additionally, the legislation grants federal courts the authority to challenge and block any state laws that limit access to these reproductive treatments or discriminate against providers and patients based on protected characteristics.
Maddy summaryThis bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Newton, New Jersey, to honor Anthony "Tony" J. Gallopo. The legislation requires all federal records, maps, and documents to reflect this new name, ensuring consistent identification of the facility. It does not alter the clinic's operations, funding, or services, but rather establishes a permanent commemorative designation.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that were not authorized by Congress. The bill is based on the constitutional finding that Congress holds the sole power to declare war and notes that no specific authorization exists for the current military operations in Iran. It mandates the withdrawal of troops while allowing the U.S. to continue defensive actions, intelligence sharing, and assistance to allies and citizens affected by the conflict. The measure applies to military engagements initiated since February 28, 2026, without explicit congressional approval.
Maddy summaryThe Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2026 restructures the United States immigration court system by creating a new, independent judicial branch under Article I of the Constitution, separate from the executive branch. This new system consists of three divisions: an appellate division with judges appointed by the President and Senate for 15-year terms, a trial division with judges appointed by the appellate division for 15-year terms, and an administrative division that manages operations and advises on court needs. The bill establishes specific qualifications for judges, sets their salaries at levels comparable to federal district court judges, and defines their powers to conduct hearings, issue rulings, and manage court resources. Additionally, the legislation transfers all existing immigration functions from the Department of Justice to this new court system while ensuring that pending cases continue without interruption.
Maddy summaryThe Digital Age Assurance Act of 2026 establishes a system where operating system providers must collect a user's date of birth and share only their age range with apps and websites using secure, privacy-preserving methods. This bill directly affects technology companies, internet service providers, and users by mandating that platforms verify a user's age bracket before allowing access to age-restricted content. Key provisions prohibit the sale of children's data, ban targeted advertising toward minors, and prevent companies from using age information for profiling or marketing purposes. Additionally, the law includes anti-competitive rules to ensure that third-party apps face the same age-related restrictions as those owned by the platform itself. Enforcement is handled by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, who can impose fines for violations.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands existing rules to prevent foreign nationals from influencing U.S. elections by tightening restrictions on domestic businesses that are owned or controlled by foreign interests. It requires companies with significant foreign ownership or control to file a sworn certification confirming they are not foreign entities before making any political contributions or spending money on election activities. Additionally, the law prohibits recipients of these funds from using them for further political spending unless they receive and verify the original certification, while also clarifying that these rules apply to state and local ballot measures as well as corporate political committees.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally recognizes the significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men in the United States. The document cites data showing that Black women earn roughly 65 cents for every dollar earned by white men and highlights how this disparity impacts their ability to support families and accumulate wealth. By referencing existing laws like the Equal Pay Act and the Civil Rights Act, the bill reaffirms Congress's support for equal pay for equal work without proposing new legislation or policy changes. Ultimately, the measure serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the economic challenges faced by Black women due to dual discrimination based on race and gender.
Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Senate Legal Counsel to file a lawsuit on behalf of the Senate to enforce the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the President from accepting gifts or payments from foreign governments without Congressional approval. The bill specifically targets alleged violations by President Donald J. Trump, citing instances such as accepting a refurbished aircraft from Qatar, cryptocurrency investments from foreign-linked entities, and real estate deals in various countries that generated income for the President and his family. By seeking a court injunction, the measure aims to stop the President from accepting these specific benefits unless Congress provides its consent.