Sen. Roger F. Wicker

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 PLAN for Broadband Act requires federal agencies to create a coordinated strategy to streamline broadband programs across government, aiming to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency in deploying high-speed internet. It mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to develop a National Strategy within one year of enactment, followed by an Implementation Plan within 120 days, that identifies gaps in current programs and establishes common goals for agencies like the FCC, USDA, and Department of Transportation. The strategy must use the Deployment Locations Map to track broadband coverage, prevent funding for already-served areas, and establish common data standards for reporting on broadband projects. The bill also sets a $5 million minimum project cost threshold for certain broadband infrastructure and requires agencies to track processing times for applications to reduce delays.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of John Seymour, a late U.S. Senator from California, by formally acknowledging his public service and contributions. The document details his career highlights, including his roles as Mayor of Anaheim, his work in securing the relocation of the Los Angeles Rams, and his legislative achievements such as passing a major transportation bill. It also lists his committee assignments and advocacy for issues like special education, women's rights, and environmental protection. Finally, the resolution requests that the Senate Secretary communicate this tribute to the House of Representatives and send a copy to Seymour's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, updates federal definitions to classify nursing degrees at the master's or doctoral level as professional degrees. By amending the Higher Education Act, it explicitly lists nursing programs such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) alongside other established professions like medicine and law. This change requires nursing degrees to meet specific criteria, including completion of academic requirements for professional practice and demonstration of skills beyond a standard bachelor's degree. The primary effect is to formally recognize nursing as a professional field within federal higher education regulations, which may influence how nursing programs are funded or categorized.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally supports the goals of National Hospital Week, which is observed annually from May 10 to May 16, 2026. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of hospitals and healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, and support staff, who provide essential services to millions of Americans. It highlights the diverse roles of various hospital types, such as critical access facilities in rural areas, teaching hospitals, psychiatric centers, and VA medical centers. The resolution encourages the public to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities to demonstrate appreciation for the healthcare system.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 10 through May 16, 2026, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers across the United States. The measure formally recognizes the service and sacrifices of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers, including those who have died in the line of duty during 2025 and early 2026. By invoking existing federal authority, the bill encourages the public and government agencies to observe this week by acknowledging the essential mission of police work and supporting officer safety. The resolution also expresses condolences to the families of officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirms support for communities served by law enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program by renaming the existing IDEAS Program and directing the Secretary of State to expand access to international study opportunities. The legislation creates a competitive grant system for colleges and universities to support students, with a specific focus on increasing participation among low-income students, students of color, and those attending minority-serving institutions. To achieve its goals, the program prioritizes funding for initiatives that include world language learning, safety measures, and study in developing nations, aiming to reach one million undergraduate students annually within ten years. Institutions receiving grants must submit detailed plans outlining how they will use the funds and demonstrate a commitment to sustaining these programs over time.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System through 2030, updating the 2009 law to replace "Council" with "Committee" (specifically the Ocean Policy Committee) throughout. It expands the system's scope to include meteorological observations and data management systems, requiring collaboration between regional observing systems and federal agencies. The bill authorizes $56 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2030, mandating at least 7.5% of funds support existing regional coastal observing systems. It directly affects federal agencies, regional observing networks, and coastal states by updating governance and funding mechanisms for ocean and weather data collection.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Senate's view that the United States should prioritize countering the People's Republic of China as its main strategic competitor. The document outlines specific policy directions, including strengthening military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, protecting American economic interests from Chinese trade practices, and leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. It also calls for maintaining strong alliances with nations such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, while supporting democratic values and human rights globally.