Sen. Dan Sullivan

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. (including domestically manufactured, imported, or shipped vehicles) to include AM radio as standard equipment, meaning it must be built into the vehicle at no extra cost to buyers. It mandates that manufacturers install AM radio receivers that can access both traditional and digital AM broadcast stations, with compliance deadlines set 2-4 years after the rule is issued. During a transition period before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for AM access. The bill also prohibits states from creating their own requirements about AM radio access in vehicles, aiming to ensure consistent emergency alert capabilities through AM radio in cars.

Maddy summaryThis bill protects public safety workers (law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) from retaliation by their employers for speaking out on certain workplace issues. It allows covered employees to sue their employer if they face termination or other negative job actions for expressing personal opinions about public safety service delivery, pay/benefits, working conditions (like equipment), policies, or even political/religious views. However, the protection does not cover speech made while on duty, advocacy of violence, discrimination, leaking personal information about individuals, or threatening to withhold essential services. The law explicitly states it does not replace existing federal or state civil rights lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for telehealth services by removing geographic restrictions that previously limited where patients could receive telehealth care. It allows more healthcare providers to offer telehealth services, including expanding eligibility for practitioners and removing the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health. The bill also includes specific provisions for Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, and Native American health facilities to better integrate telehealth into their services. Additionally, it establishes program integrity measures to address billing patterns and requires the posting of telehealth service data to improve transparency and quality measurement. These changes aim to make telehealth more accessible for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in rural areas and for underserved populations.

Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents U.S. federal courts from issuing orders (such as injunctions, stays, or declarations) that stop enforcement of laws against people or entities not directly involved in a lawsuit (non-parties). It requires that such orders only apply if a non-party is represented through a party acting under standard legal rules. The law applies to all federal courts, including those in U.S. territories, and modifies related procedures for temporary restraining orders and declaratory judgments to enforce this restriction. Its core change limits court authority to affect non-parties regarding statutes, regulations, or government actions.

Maddy summaryS 1217 expands credit access under the Farm Credit Act to businesses that provide services directly supporting fishing operations. It amends the Farm Credit Act to include "persons furnishing to producers or harvesters of aquatic products services directly related to their operating needs" as eligible for credit from Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations. This change specifically affects service providers (like equipment suppliers or processors) supporting commercial fishing businesses, not the fishermen or harvesters themselves, by adding them to existing credit eligibility criteria.

Maddy summarySRES 147 is a Senate resolution expressing the chamber's position that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) should remain an independent federal agency and not face privatization. It does not create new laws but urges Congress to take action to protect USPS’s current status as a self-sustaining, constitutionally mandated entity serving all communities. The resolution cites USPS’s role in supporting a $1.9 trillion mailing industry, employing over 7.9 million Americans, and maintaining universal service - including critical rural access - without taxpayer subsidies. It emphasizes that privatization could raise prices, reduce services, and harm e-commerce and national infrastructure. The resolution is non-binding and solely reflects the Senate’s expressed view on preserving USPS’s public mission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to exclude certain loan repayment assistance from taxable income for veterinary students participating in qualifying programs. It specifically expands the exclusion to cover assistance provided under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 and similar state programs designed to increase veterinary access in rural areas. Veterinary students who receive this assistance through these designated programs will not owe income tax on the funds. The change applies to assistance received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025 This bill establishes a new investment tax credit in the amount of 30% of the basis of any hydropower improvement property. The bill defines hydropower improvement property as property that adds or improves fish passage at a qualified dam; maintains or improves the quality of the water retained or released by a qualified dam; promotes downstream sediment transport and habitat maintenance; upgrades, repairs, or reconstructs a qualified dam to meet safety and security standards; improves public uses of, and access to, public waterways impacted by a qualified dam; removes an obsolete river obstruction; or places into service an approved remote dam. Further, written approval for hydropower improvement property must be obtained from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state or local officials prior to January 1, 2035. The bill also allows an election to claim the investment tax credit for qualified progress expenses for some types of hydropower improvement property in advance of such property being placed into service. Any investment tax credit amount claimed for qualified progress expenses reduces the amount of the investment tax credit that may be claimed once the hydropower improvement property is placed into service.  The bill authorizes certain entities, including tax-exempt and governmental entities, to treat the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property as a payment of tax and receive a refund of any overpayment (also known as elective pay).  Finally, the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property may be transferred (i.e., sold).