Sen. Mike Rounds

Maddy summaryThe Advancing American Quantum Leadership Act of 2026 updates the Export-Import Bank Act to broaden its scope regarding quantum technology. Specifically, it changes the language to include "Quantum information science and technology" alongside existing categories, ensuring these fields are covered under the bank's export financing programs. This legislative change directly affects the Export-Import Bank by aligning its statutory authority with the full range of quantum innovations. The bill aims to facilitate financial support for exports related to this expanding technological sector without altering other operational rules.

Maddy summaryThe America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033, increasing its annual funding from $1.9 billion to $2 billion. It requires that projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund must secure at least 15% of their costs from public donations, which will be solicited through public awareness campaigns, donation locations at recreation sites, and during the purchase of recreation passes. The bill also mandates new reporting requirements for deferred maintenance and disposal of assets no longer serving public interest, while ensuring donations are credited to the Fund and allocated to specific projects.

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.

Maddy summaryThe Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act expands legal protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers by immediately dismissing any lawsuits currently pending against them that allege harm caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of their products. The bill defines these protected cases as those where the injury resulted from a third party's illegal actions rather than a defect in the product itself, while explicitly excluding claims involving negligent entrustment, specific federal violations, or design defects. To enforce these protections, the law allows defendants to remove such cases from state courts to federal court and grants them the right to appeal dismissal orders immediately. Additionally, the legislation preempts state and local laws that attempt to hold these companies liable for product misuse and provides for attorney's fees for defendants who successfully assert their immunity.

Maddy summaryThe Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to create a centralized online platform called the Web of Biological Data to help researchers access and analyze biological information using advanced tools like artificial intelligence. This system will serve as a single entry point for various biological datasets, particularly those funded by the federal government, while implementing tiered security measures to protect sensitive data and restrict access to certain foreign nations. The bill establishes a phased rollout plan that includes an initial testing phase within two years and a full expansion within five years, supported by an advisory board comprising representatives from industry, academia, and other federal agencies. Funding is authorized to support the development, maintenance, and expansion of the platform, with requirements for regular reports on progress and cybersecurity assessments.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a feasibility study to assess constructing a regional water supply project for municipal, rural, and industrial use across South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The study, to be conducted by the Secretary of the Interior in partnership with the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, must follow federal reclamation standards and is limited to a $10 million federal cost (capping at 50% of total study expenses). The study must be completed within 10 years of the bill's enactment. It directly affects communities in the four specified states that could potentially benefit from the project if the study concludes it is feasible.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed water supply project in Western South Dakota, which would deliver municipal, rural, and industrial water from the Missouri River. The study, to be carried out with a Western South Dakota nonprofit water system (Western Dakota Regional Water System, Inc.), must evaluate project viability, recommend whether construction should proceed, and determine the non-Federal cost share (minimum 25%). It requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress and the public, including cost analyses based on local financial capacity. The study is authorized with $10 million in federal funding, capped at 50% of costs, and expires 10 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating July 2026 as National Sarcoma Awareness Month. It aims to raise public awareness about sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting bones and connective tissues, and to encourage people to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. The bill highlights that sarcoma is often misdiagnosed and affects hundreds of thousands of individuals in the United States. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate intends to focus attention on the disease and its various subtypes.

Maddy summaryThe Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act establishes a joint working group between the United States and Ukraine to explore co-developing, co-producing, and acquiring specific low-cost, expendable unmanned systems. This group, co-chaired by senior U.S. defense officials and including Ukrainian military representatives, will analyze combat lessons from Ukraine to identify promising drone technologies and create frameworks for sharing data and intellectual property. The legislation mandates regular reports to Congress on progress, supply chain assessments, and potential legal barriers to accelerating the production and fielding of these systems in the U.S.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.