Maddy summaryThe Background Check Expansion Act requires most private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals to go through a licensed dealer, who must conduct a background check as if the dealer were selling the firearm. Exceptions include transfers between close family members (like parents and children), law enforcement, temporary safety-related transfers (e.g., preventing domestic violence), and transfers for hunting or target shooting with specific safeguards. Licensed dealers must provide a notice about the background check requirement and have the buyer sign a certification form. The bill does not create a national gun registry and preserves states' authority to enact stricter firearm laws. It takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 3209, the NOPAIN for Veterans Act, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include non-opioid pain medications in its national formulary for veterans. The bill defines "non-opioid pain management drugs" as FDA-approved treatments for acute pain that don't use opioid receptors. The VA must add these drugs within one year of FDA approval or eligibility for payment under federal health programs, whichever comes first. This policy change directly affects veterans receiving VA pain management care by expanding access to non-opioid options, while prohibiting use of the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to implement this provision.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to identify and report long-term budget savings from preventive health care measures in proposed legislation. If the CBO determines that a bill would reduce future federal spending through preventive health interventions (like evidence-based screenings or wellness programs), it must include those savings in its budget estimates. The bill defines "preventive health care" broadly as actions focused on preventing disease through proven, evidence-based methods. These savings estimates would be supplementary only and could not be used to meet budget enforcement rules under current law. The bill directly affects how federal budget analysts and lawmakers evaluate the fiscal impact of health-related legislation.
Maddy summarySRES 501 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 2025 as National Native American Heritage Month. It encourages the American public to observe the month through programs and activities that celebrate Native American cultural contributions, heritage, and history. The resolution does not create new legal obligations or funding, serving solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of Native American communities' enduring impact on U.S. society.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 500) is a symbolic Senate gesture recognizing the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for its 100th anniversary. It formally commends ASHA's work over a century in advancing the fields of audiology and speech-language pathology, supporting people with communication disorders, and promoting accessible care. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it solely serves to honor ASHA's mission and impact. It directly affects ASHA and its 241,000+ members, affiliates, and the millions of individuals they serve.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to create an exception preventing lawsuits against the President (or someone who becomes President while a case is pending) for any tort claim, regardless of when the incident occurred. It directly affects the President and future presidential candidates who might face civil lawsuits during their presidency. The key provision adds a new exception to federal law, blocking all such claims from proceeding in court. This is a procedural change to existing tort law, not a new policy affecting the general public. The bill would apply to any pending or future lawsuits against the President.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3196) gives most Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees the right to have a representative (like a union member or chosen person) present during any VA examination that might lead to disciplinary action, if the employee requests it. It directly affects VA workers in covered positions, excluding senior executives, certain appointed staff, and political appointees. The key provision requires the VA Secretary to provide this representation opportunity during such examinations, using the employee’s work time if needed. The bill aims to ensure VA employees have support during potentially disciplinary proceedings.
Maddy summaryThe Stop Ballroom Bribery Act restricts donations for specific properties tied to the President or Vice President, including White House grounds, Number One Observatory Circle, and monuments honoring them. It prohibits donations from individuals or entities involved in government litigation, seeking contracts/grants, lobbying the executive branch, or pursuing pardons or appointments. The bill requires prior approval from the National Park Service and Office of Government Ethics, mandates disclosure of meetings with officials, and bans donor recognition or anonymous contributions. It also imposes a two-year lobbying cooling-off period for donors and sets civil/criminal penalties for violations, including fines and disgorgement of benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3195) repeals a specific section (Section 213) from the 2026 appropriations law and restores an older provision (Section 10 of the 2005 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act) as if the repealed section had never existed. It directly affects how legislative branch funding is administered, correcting a technical error in the appropriations process. The bill makes no new policy changes but restores the original funding mechanism that was inadvertently altered by the 2026 law. It is purely procedural, with no direct impact on public programs or citizens' daily lives.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides federal workers and certain contractors with temporary mortgage payment relief during government shutdowns. It allows covered individuals (federal employees and supporting contractors) to request a 90-day pause on payments for federally-backed mortgages (like FHA, VA, or USDA loans) during a funding lapse and the following 180 days. Servicers must grant this forbearance without charging extra interest, fees, or requiring lump-sum payments later. The bill also requires credit reporting as current during the pause and mandates agencies to notify workers about this right. It does not forgive mortgage debt but temporarily pauses payments during covered shutdown periods.