Maddy summaryThe Good Government Act of 2025 requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to divest or place in qualified blind trusts any "covered financial instruments" they own during their term in office. Covered financial instruments include investments in securities, commodities, and similar instruments through derivatives, but exclude diversified mutual funds, ETFs, Treasury securities, and government retirement plans. Current Members must comply within 120 days of enactment (with possible 45-day extensions up to 180 days total), while new Members must comply within 120 days of taking office. The bill establishes annual reporting requirements, civil penalties equal to monthly pay for non-compliance, and mandates a GAO audit after two years to assess compliance with these provisions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allows Members of Congress to use space within Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to meet with veterans who are their constituents. It requires VA and General Services to identify available spaces that are visible, accessible during normal hours, and rented at rates comparable to nearby commercial space. The bill strictly prohibits political campaigning, recording veterans without consent, or using facilities during election periods, while ensuring meetings don't disrupt VA operations. It directly affects Members of Congress and the veterans they represent in their districts.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new safety standards to protect wildland firefighters from harmful smoke exposure. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture (and the Secretary of the Interior for their firefighters) to develop and provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment when smoke levels exceed current safety limits, within one year of the bill's enactment. Firefighters and supporting staff must use this equipment in high-exposure situations, with standards periodically reviewed and updated based on the latest guidelines. The bill also authorizes funding to cover the costs of implementing these safety measures for wildland firefighting personnel.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3179, the "Halo Act") makes it a federal crime to approach within 25 feet of a Federal immigration enforcement officer after being verbally warned not to, if the person intends to impede the officer's work, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. The law defines "harass" as causing substantial emotional distress with no legitimate purpose and specifies that the warning must be given by the officer. Violators face fines, up to 5 years in prison, or both. It directly affects individuals who interfere with immigration enforcement activities, not the officers themselves.
Maddy summaryThe SROS Act (S 3189) excludes retirement income from gross income for eligible school resource officers during their employment. It applies to individuals who retired from military or law enforcement roles, cleared required background checks, and comply with state peace officer training standards. The bill creates a tax exclusion for retirement payments received while working as a school resource officer, with an additional lifetime exemption for those serving 10+ years in that role. Law enforcement agencies must report employment start/end dates to the IRS, and the changes take effect for taxable years after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3163) requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense, by March 1, 2026, to coordinate with the Secretary of State to establish a joint program with Taiwan’s military officials. The program aims to enable co-development and co-production of uncrewed systems (like drones) and counter-uncrewed systems (to counter drones) for both U.S. and Taiwan forces, operating within the Taiwan Relations Act framework. It mandates annual reports to Congress through 2029 detailing engagement progress, activities, and efforts to finalize key defense trade agreements (e.g., reciprocal procurement, security of supply, and cyber agreements). The bill directly affects the U.S. Department of Defense, Taiwan’s military, and Congress through reporting requirements. It does not authorize funding but outlines procedural steps for collaboration.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows federal prosecutors to directly charge juveniles aged 16 or older with specific violent crimes in federal court, bypassing the usual process requiring the Attorney General to file a transfer motion. It directly affects juveniles aged 16+ accused of five serious offenses: murder, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, armed robbery, or aggravated sexual assault involving a firearm. The key mechanism removes the mandatory transfer step for these cases, enabling immediate federal prosecution. The bill targets only the most severe crimes listed under federal law, not all juvenile offenses.
Maddy summarySRES 482 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 3-7, 2025, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges veteran-owned small businesses, which employ nearly 3.3 million people and generate over $952 billion in annual sales. The resolution expresses support for these businesses and appreciation for veterans' entrepreneurship, while highlighting the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s annual observance of this week. It has no direct impact on regulations, funding, or veteran business operations.
Maddy summaryThe SAFE KIDS Act voids surrogacy contracts between U.S. surrogates and foreign nationals from designated "entities of concern" (like sanctioned countries), with limited exceptions for married U.S. couples. It criminalizes surrogacy brokers who facilitate such contracts, imposing fines or up to one year in prison. If a contract is voided, custody decisions for the child are determined by state courts based on the child's best interests, not the invalid agreement. The law directly affects U.S. surrogates, foreign nationals seeking surrogacy, and surrogacy brokers, targeting exploitation and potential trafficking risks.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that critical firearm-related operations continue during government shutdowns by designating them as "excepted" under federal law. It specifically covers the FBI's background check system (NICS), ATF enforcement programs, Commerce Department firearm export licensing, and State Department defense trade controls. These functions would remain operational even if most government services halt, directly affecting firearm background checks and export licensing processes. The policy change prevents temporary disruptions to gun sales and international firearm transactions during shutdowns.