Sen. Tim Sheehy

Maddy summaryThe Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act (S 1759) requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update regulations within one year of enactment to permit civil aircraft to fly supersonically (Mach >1) in U.S. airspace without causing sonic booms to reach the ground. This directly affects commercial aircraft manufacturers and airlines seeking to operate new supersonic passenger or cargo planes. The key provision eliminates the current need for special authorization by mandating FAA rules that ensure no ground-level sonic booms occur during flight. The bill focuses solely on enabling regulated supersonic flight operations, not on environmental impacts or economic outcomes.

Maddy summaryThe Expanding AI Voices Act directs the National Science Foundation to issue competitive grants aimed at broadening participation in artificial intelligence research, education, and workforce development. These funds are specifically targeted at institutions that are not among the top 100 in federal research spending, as well as minority-serving institutions and Tribal colleges, to help them build capacity and partnerships. Grant recipients may use the money to expand AI research programs, recruit faculty, create bridge programs for students, provide access to computing resources, and host workshops that promote safe and secure AI practices. The legislation also requires the NSF to consider geographic diversity and resource constraints when selecting applicants to ensure broad national participation.

Maddy summaryThe Artificial Intelligence Physical Systems Coordination Act of 2026 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create a working group of 12 to 20 experts from industry, academia, and civil society. This group will study how advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensors might affect the safety and security of physical systems, while developing voluntary best practices and research guidelines. The bill explicitly ensures that the group's work remains non-regulatory, protects private trade secrets, and imposes no new legal obligations on private companies. Within 540 days of enactment, the institute must publish a public report summarizing its findings and recommendations, with updates required every two years.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and modifies the American Battlefield Protection Program through 2035, extending funding deadlines and increasing grant percentages for battlefield preservation. It raises the maximum federal share for battlefield acquisition, interpretation, and restoration grants from 50% to 75% and sets a $2 million annual appropriation for these programs. The bill also mandates new studies to identify, assess, and propose preservation options for sites tied to the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and Mexican-American War (1846-1848), requiring consultation with states, tribes, and preservation groups. The studies must be completed within two years and reported to Congress, focusing on site significance, threats, and potential preservation strategies.

Maddy summaryS 3456, the Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act, creates a free annual pass for eligible law enforcement officers and firefighters to use at national parks and federal recreational lands. The bill directly affects active officers and firefighters employed by federal, state, local, or tribal governments who perform duties related to crime prevention/detection or fire suppression. It amends existing law to require the Secretary to provide these passes at no cost, after verifying eligibility through proof of employment. The key mechanism is expanding the current pass program to specifically include these public safety professionals under defined roles.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Olin Graham from South Carolina. It formally acknowledges his extensive career in the military, state government, and Congress, noting his service as a Senator and his roles as Chairman of the Judiciary and Budget committees. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and requests that this tribute be shared with the House of Representatives and Graham's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive sanctions framework targeting the Russian government and its affiliated entities in response to ongoing military actions. It authorizes the President to block assets, revoke visas, and prohibit financial transactions for Russian officials, military leaders, and foreign persons supporting Russia's defense industry or undermining Ukraine. The legislation also bans U.S. investments in Russian energy sectors, prohibits the purchase of Russian sovereign debt, and imposes high tariffs on Russian imports while restricting crude oil purchases by specific foreign nations. Additionally, the bill prevents Russian companies from listing on U.S. stock exchanges and includes mechanisms for terminating sanctions only if Russia signs a peace agreement accepted by Ukraine and ceases hostilities.

Maddy summaryThe Ban Birth Tourism Act of 2026 prohibits individuals from entering the United States if their main reason for travel is to have a child born there to gain U.S. citizenship. This law makes such travelers inadmissible upon arrival and subject to deportation if they are found to have entered the country specifically for this purpose. Officials determine whether someone is engaging in birth tourism by assessing if the person's primary goal is obtaining citizenship for a child or if they are likely to give birth within ten months of entry. The bill directly affects foreign nationals planning to visit the U.S. with the intent of using their child's birthplace to secure citizenship status.

Maddy summaryThe McCarty and Heideman Air Safety Enhancement Act directs the Federal Aviation Administration to review its policies on low-altitude airspace safety, specifically focusing on hazards created by temporary structures like slacklines and highlines. This review will involve consulting with various aviation stakeholders, including pilots, drone operators, and land management agencies, to assess current marking requirements and data accuracy. If the FAA finds that existing rules are insufficient, it must update regulations within a year to better identify these obstructions in flight planning tools and improve coordination with local authorities. Additionally, the agency is required to report its findings and any recommended policy changes to Congress within nine months of completing the review.

Maddy summaryThe Warriors to Workforce Act of 2026 increases the educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible veterans participating in apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs. Specifically, the bill raises the payment rate for the first year of such training from 80 percent to 100 percent of the applicable benefit amount. This change directly affects veterans who are enrolled in these specific workforce development pathways and aims to provide full funding for their initial training period. The legislation modifies existing federal law to adjust the financial support structure for these educational opportunities.