Laken Riley Act This act requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer, or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person. The act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. Under this act, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of the above crimes. The act also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody; failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 40) commemorates January 27, 2025 - the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by Allied Forces - and designates it as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It calls on all U.S. citizens to remember the 1.1 million victims murdered at Auschwitz during the Holocaust, honor Holocaust survivors, and commit to combating antisemitism and promoting tolerance. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any group but formally recognizes historical events and urges continued education about the Holocaust's lessons.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses Congress's sense that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies - organizations providing life, health, and accident benefits to members - have historically and continue to deliver significant community benefits through charitable programs, volunteer efforts, and mutual aid. It highlights their role in addressing unmet community needs, supporting financial security for members, and contributing an estimated $3.8 billion annually in social value. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code is essential to sustaining these services. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new law but formally recognizes these societies' contributions.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes U.S. tax law by removing abortion expenses from the list of medical costs taxpayers can deduct. It specifically states that amounts paid for abortions cannot be counted toward medical expense deductions on federal tax returns, affecting individuals who pay for abortions and might have claimed them as deductible medical expenses. Exceptions apply for abortions needed to treat life-endangering physical conditions related to pregnancy, or in cases of rape or incest, as certified by a physician. The law would take effect for tax years beginning after its enactment. This is a tax policy change, not a restriction on abortion access.
Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act This bill prohibits the provision of funding for purposes outside the United States to certain foreign or domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish or develop items intended to procure abortions, or provide financial support for an entity that conducts such activities.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts health savings accounts (HSAs), Archer MSAs, health flexible spending accounts, and health reimbursement arrangements from covering most abortion expenses. It allows exceptions only for abortions resulting from rape or incest, or when a pregnancy poses a life-endangering risk to the woman (as certified by a physician). The law amends tax code provisions to exclude non-exempt abortion costs from being treated as qualified medical expenses for tax purposes. These changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, directly affecting individuals using these specific tax-advantaged health accounts.
Maddy summaryThis bill declares parental authority over a child's education, upbringing, and health care as a fundamental constitutional right. It requires government agencies at all levels to demonstrate a compelling interest and use the least restrictive means before interfering with these parental decisions - defining a "substantial burden" as actions like withholding benefits or imposing penalties that constrain parental choices. Exceptions apply only when parental decisions risk serious physical harm or end a child's life. The law applies to all federal and state government actions affecting these rights, adding parental claims to existing legal frameworks like the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act This bill creates new federal crimes related to the performance of an abortion on an unborn child who has Down syndrome. It subjects a violator to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. It also authorizes civil remedies, including damages and injunctive relief. A woman who undergoes such an abortion may not be prosecuted or held civilly liable.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding (directly or indirectly) for colleges and universities that host or are affiliated with campus health clinics providing abortion drugs or abortions to students or staff. Institutions must submit annual reports certifying no such services are offered to remain eligible for federal funds. The law also prevents states from penalizing schools for complying with this funding restriction. It specifically defines "abortion drugs" and "school-based service sites" (excluding hospitals) to clarify coverage.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends immigration law to make non-citizens subject to deportation if convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder while they were performing official duties, due to their duties, or because of their status. It defines "assault" under local law and expands "law enforcement officer" to include those preventing, investigating, or prosecuting crimes. The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to annually report the number of such deportations to Congress and the public. The policy directly affects non-citizens convicted of qualifying assaults against covered personnel, with no new enforcement mechanisms beyond existing deportation procedures.