Sen. James C. Justice

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes suicide as a serious public health issue in the United States and supports designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month. It cites data indicating that suicide is a leading cause of death for young adults and veterans, with rates rising significantly over the past two decades. The bill declares suicide prevention a national priority while acknowledging that different communities may require varied approaches to address the issue. Additionally, it urges increased access to mental health services and substance-use disorder treatments to help reduce stigma and improve support for at-risk individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates a specific playground in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as the "Hearts of Gold Playground: In Honor of West Virginia Children and Families Impacted by Childhood Cancer." It directly honors local children and families affected by childhood cancer by renaming the primary playground in the Grandview area (south of the amphitheater). The bill updates all official references in federal records to reflect this new name, with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes. As a commemorative measure, it does not alter park operations or create new programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors the life, service, and legacy of Jon Llewellyn Kyl, a former U.S. Senator from Arizona who passed away at age 84. It details his career highlights, including his time in the House of Representatives, his long tenure in the Senate, and his work on issues such as water policy, national security, and crime victims' rights. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to share this tribute with the House of Representatives and Kyl's family, while also ordering the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of September 27 through October 3, 2026, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious instruction in civic and moral development. The bill highlights historical perspectives and legal precedents that support the right to religious education, including the use of sectarian schools and released time programs for public school students. It calls on all states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate individuals who wish to leave public school attendance to attend religious classes.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the pay grade for federal railroad safety inspectors by one level on the government's General Schedule. It directly affects these employees by increasing their base salary through a reclassification of their positions from GS-12 to GS-13 and from GS-13 to GS-14. The legislation requires the Office of Personnel Management and the Secretary of Transportation to update official job descriptions and grade standards within 180 days of the law's enactment to reflect these changes.

Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. The bill recognizes her significant contributions to American music, as well as her extensive philanthropy in areas such as childhood literacy, education, healthcare, disaster relief, and wildlife conservation. It specifically highlights her establishment of Dollywood, The Dollywood Foundation, and the Imagination Library program, which provided free books to millions of children. The resolution also acknowledges her financial support for medical research and her efforts to aid families affected by natural disasters in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study for establishing Washington's Trail - 1753 as a National Historic Trail. The proposed trail would follow the historic route taken by George Washington in 1753, stretching approximately 500 miles from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Fort LeBoeuf in Pennsylvania. By amending the National Trails System Act, the legislation authorizes an official evaluation to determine if the trail meets the criteria for designation. This process involves assessing the trail's historical significance and potential for public access without yet committing to its final creation.

Maddy summaryThe Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act establishes a federal program to provide grants and technical assistance to small electric utilities, including rural cooperatives, municipally owned systems, and smaller investor-owned companies. The program aims to help these entities deploy advanced cybersecurity technologies and participate in threat information sharing networks to better protect against cyberattacks. Funding is prioritized for utilities with limited security resources or those operating critical infrastructure that supports the national power grid. The bill authorizes $250 million in appropriations over five years, from fiscal year 2027 through 2031, and exempts shared cybersecurity information from public disclosure under freedom of information laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District to include additional counties in both Virginia and West Virginia, allowing the area to be managed as a partnership between federal and state entities. It establishes a specific funding stream of $1.25 million annually for management and park maintenance, while also authorizing $2.5 million per year from 2027 to 2033 for acquiring new land and providing technical assistance to partners. The legislation ensures that the district remains eligible for National Heritage Area grants and exempts it from certain funding formulas used for other national heritage sites. Finally, it requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a report to Congress within two years suggesting how this partnership model could be applied to other locations in the National Park System.