Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summaryThe Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2026 expands the ability of companies to discuss potential stock sales with investors before officially registering the offering. It allows all issuers, not just emerging growth companies, to use confidential "testing the waters" communications and submit draft registration statements for private review by the Securities and Exchange Commission. These draft submissions must be made at least 15 days before a public road show or the requested filing date, after which the documents become public. The bill also requires the Commission to report to Congress before implementing any additional rules for non-emerging growth companies regarding these new submission processes.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting American Consumers Act establishes a minimum funding level for the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to ensure it has sufficient resources to operate. Specifically, the bill mandates that the federal government must transfer at least 12 percent of the Federal Reserve System's total operating expenses to the Bureau each fiscal year. This provision directly affects the Bureau's budget and its ability to enforce financial regulations on lenders and other entities that impact consumers. By setting a fixed floor for funding, the legislation aims to prevent the Bureau's budget from being reduced below this threshold in future years.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally acknowledges the importance of saving lives and reducing gun violence as the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026. It does not change any laws but instead expresses Congress's commitment to public safety and honors those affected by gun violence. The document highlights support for community-based violence intervention, improved law enforcement data collection, and expanded victim services. By recognizing these issues, the resolution aims to encourage continued efforts to protect communities and strengthen public safety nationwide.

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 summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Senate's commitment to reducing traffic fatalities to zero by the year 2050. It calls on Congress and the Department of Transportation to collaborate on implementing proven safety measures, such as improving data collection, prioritizing countermeasures, and addressing disparities in transportation safety. The document also encourages the use of the term "crash" instead of "accident" to better describe traffic incidents. As a non-binding expression of sense, the bill does not create new laws but serves as a formal statement of policy goals for federal agencies.

Maddy summaryThe Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to improve the reappointment process for career members who retire or leave the service. Under the new rules, former career members have a five-year window to request reappointment, and the Department of State must approve and process these requests within 180 days. Additionally, the law requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress detailing how many individuals were recalled, their previous and current ranks, and their positions. These changes directly affect retired Foreign Service officers by providing a clearer path to return to their roles while increasing transparency through mandatory reporting.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 establishes new federal protections for individuals experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other gender-based violence by mandating that employers provide up to 40 work days of leave per year, including at least 10 paid days, to address these incidents. This legislation also prohibits employers and insurers from discriminating against victims or retaliating against them for seeking leave, requesting workplace safety accommodations, or filing related claims, while ensuring that any information about the abuse remains strictly confidential. Additionally, the bill expands access to unemployment compensation for those who leave their jobs due to violence, strengthens insurance rules to prevent denial of coverage based on victim status, and authorizes funding for public education campaigns and workplace resource centers to support survivors.

Maddy summaryThe Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act creates a new funding program to hire more counselors, psychologists, and social workers for schools with high numbers of low-income students. These funds are distributed to states, which then award subgrants to local school districts to help them reach recommended staffing ratios of 250 students per counselor, 500 per psychologist, and 250 per social worker. To qualify for the money, states must match the federal grant with their own funds and submit detailed plans showing how they will prioritize high-need schools. The bill also requires regular reporting on how many mental health staff are hired and the current student-to-staff ratios in participating schools.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed on or after the date the law takes effect. It directly affects individuals currently facing or serving federal death sentences by requiring that all such cases be resentenced to a penalty other than death. This legislation removes the death penalty as a sentencing option for federal offenses and mandates a review for those already sentenced to die before the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the corporate tax rate on stock buybacks to 25 percent for large oil and gas companies that meet specific revenue and operational criteria. It targets corporations with an average annual gross receipt of at least $1 billion that are primarily engaged in producing, refining, processing, transporting, or distributing oil or natural gas. The higher tax rate applies only to stock repurchases made after the bill is enacted and before gasoline prices fall below $2.937 per gallon for five consecutive weeks. If gasoline prices drop below this threshold, the special tax provision ceases to apply, and companies may claim a partial reduction in their tax liability based on the duration of the high-price period.