Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

Maddy summaryThe Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends the federal terrorism insurance program through 2034, ensuring continued government support for insurance companies facing large losses from terrorist attacks. The bill also updates the schedule for recouping federal funds, shifting the timeline for when insurers must repay taxpayer money to later dates ranging from 2029 to 2036. These changes directly affect insurance carriers and policyholders by maintaining the program's availability for a longer period and adjusting the financial obligations tied to it.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the nation's population, jobs, and economic output while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to these areas, including pollution, sea-level changes, and harmful algal blooms, which have led to the loss of wetlands and degraded water quality. The resolution also commends the efforts of federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, in protecting and restoring estuary health.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to overturn a Department of Homeland Security rule that would have established fixed admission periods and specific extension procedures for nonimmigrant academic students, exchange visitors, and foreign media representatives. If enacted, the bill would prevent this immigration policy from taking effect by using the congressional review process outlined in federal law. The measure directly affects individuals entering the United States under these specific nonimmigrant visa categories by maintaining their current status rather than subjecting them to the new time limits proposed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges that supporting democratic actors within Russia aligns with U.S. national interests and commends Russian civil society and independent media for exposing government crimes. It directs the Department of State to renew and strengthen efforts, in coordination with the National Endowment for Democracy, to engage with and support pro-democracy Russian individuals and organizations. The bill also condemns the Russian government's crackdown on dissent and its war against Ukraine, while committing the U.S. Senate to standing with Russians who oppose the conflict and those living in exile.

Maddy summaryThe SECURE Grid Act requires states to include local distribution systems, which are electric utility infrastructure operating at 100 kilovolts or less, in their state energy security plans. This bill expands the scope of state plans to address physical threats like weather and attacks on local distribution systems, as well as cybersecurity risks and supply chain vulnerabilities for electricity equipment. States must also provide risk mitigation approaches to enhance reliability and resilience, and the act mandates a Government Accountability Office report by September 2030 to evaluate how these plans have improved risk management and recovery capabilities. The provisions expire on September 30, 2031, and require states to submit their plans without needing approval from the Secretary of Energy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2026 as National Voting Rights Month to highlight the importance of voting access and the history of voter suppression in the United States. The bill encourages Congress to pass legislation that strengthens protections under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 while opposing measures that could restrict voter eligibility. It also recommends that schools develop curricula on voting rights history and invites the government to fund public service announcements to remind citizens of election dates and registration deadlines.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends two existing public health programs focused on tick-borne diseases through 2030. It updates the funding timeline for national vector-borne disease centers and health department support from 2021-2025 to 2026-2030. The bill does not change program content or eligibility but ensures continued funding for efforts addressing tick-related illnesses. It directly affects public health agencies administering these programs, not specific individuals.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests that the Secretary of State submit a detailed report to congressional committees within 30 days regarding human rights practices in Israel, specifically focusing on the West Bank. The report must include all credible information on the killings of nine U.S. citizens by Israeli forces or settlers since January 2022, along with an assessment of ongoing investigations and potential accountability measures. Additionally, the resolution requires a description of the conditions and legal status of U.S. citizens currently held in Israeli prisons and an evaluation of the treatment of Palestinian children in military detention. The statement must also outline specific steps taken by the U.S. government to promote human rights observance and mitigate violence against both American and Palestinian residents in the region.

Maddy summaryThe End Trump's Tariff Tax Act terminates specific import duties imposed under recent trade investigations and repeals two statutory authorities used to impose tariffs for forced labor violations, balance-of-payments issues, and foreign discrimination. The bill requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner to automatically refund all duties collected during specified periods in 2026, along with interest, without requiring importers to submit formal requests or documentation. Importers who paid these tariffs will receive their money back, with small businesses prioritized for payment where practicable.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an independent expert panel within 60 days to review the agency’s Safety Management System (SMS) implementation. The panel will assess how well the FAA complies with its own safety policies, evaluates safety culture, and integrates SMS across all departments (like Air Traffic Organization and Aviation Safety Office), with a focus on four core components: safety policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion. The panel must submit findings and recommendations within 180 days, and the FAA must publish the report publicly, including any dissenting views from panel members. This is a procedural review of the FAA’s existing SMS, not a new safety rule, directly affecting the FAA and aviation stakeholders represented on the panel (e.g., airline pilots, controllers, and industry safety managers).