Maddy summaryThe Coast Guard Improvement Act of 2025 establishes a new civilian "Secretary of the Coast Guard" position, replacing the current Commandant as the top leader of the Coast Guard. This Secretary, appointed by the President with Senate approval, will directly report to the Secretary of Homeland Security and oversee all Coast Guard operations, including personnel, equipment, and administration. The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit a reorganization plan within 30 days to transfer responsibilities from the Commandant to the new Secretary, including specific changes to laws in Titles 10 and 14 of the U.S. Code. It also prohibits individuals who were recently active-duty military officers from serving in this role. The bill directly affects Coast Guard leadership structure and reporting lines within the Department of Homeland Security.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act redefines firearm classifications under federal law to remove certain restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. It eliminates special prohibitions for these weapons when used lawfully, preempts state taxes or registration requirements for them, and requires federal destruction of historical records related to these firearms. The bill directly affects owners of short-barreled rifles and shotguns, as well as state governments that previously imposed separate regulations. Key provisions include revising IRS definitions to exclude shotgun shells from "destructive devices," mandating record destruction within one year of enactment, and blocking state laws targeting these weapons in interstate commerce. These changes aim to standardize federal treatment while removing duplicative state-level barriers.
Maddy summarySRES 141 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing March 25, 2025, as the 204th anniversary of Greece's independence. It celebrates the historical and ongoing democratic partnership between Greece and the United States through historical references and current bilateral ties, including NATO membership and energy cooperation. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or obligations; it solely expresses the Senate's formal recognition of Greece's independence day and reaffirms shared democratic values. It directly affects no individuals or groups, serving only as a ceremonial gesture to honor the U.S.-Greece relationship.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows state and federal correctional facilities (like jails and prisons) to operate cellphone jamming systems to block wireless signals used for contraband devices or by incarcerated individuals. It restricts the FCC from preventing this use, but requires jamming systems to be limited to housing areas within the facility. Facilities must fund the systems entirely themselves (if state-run), consult local law enforcement before implementation, and notify the Bureau of Prisons about operations. The law specifically targets blocking signals to/from contraband devices or inmates, not general cellphone use.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the U.S. government from voting to allocate International Monetary Fund (IMF) funds (Special Drawing Rights) to member countries that: (1) committed genocide within the past decade, or (2) are designated as state sponsors of terrorism under specific U.S. laws (including those related to terrorism support and arms exports). It requires explicit congressional approval for any such allocation, blocking the President or U.S. agencies from authorizing these funds without Congress’s direct consent. The bill directly affects IMF member nations meeting these criteria, preventing U.S. financial support through IMF mechanisms. It creates a new requirement for congressional authorization, rather than changing existing terrorism or genocide designations.
Maddy summaryThe LEDGER Act (S 1160) requires the Treasury Department to create a system tracking every federal government disbursement within 180 days of enactment. It mandates that all departments, agencies, and offices across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches report spending details, including the availability period of each funding source. This affects all federal entities that receive or spend government funds by requiring granular tracking of where money comes from and how it’s used. The law aims to improve transparency in federal spending by making expenditure data systematically accessible.
Maddy summaryThe WATCH Act requires foreign laboratories receiving U.S. federal funding for animal research to undergo quarterly inspections to ensure compliance with U.S. animal welfare standards. It directly affects overseas labs conducting NIH-funded studies involving animals, mandating inspections of their animal care committees, treatment reviews, and record-keeping. Labs must maintain compliance, with public certificates of compliance issued after each inspection; persistent non-compliance may lead to funding suspension. The law takes effect 180 days after enactment, requiring coordination with foreign authorities while respecting their sovereignty.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Federal Reserve System from developing, testing, or issuing any central bank digital currency (CBDC) or similar digital assets. It bans the Federal Reserve from offering direct products/services to individuals, maintaining personal accounts, or issuing CBDCs either directly or through financial intermediaries. The bill also explicitly prevents the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Open Market Committee from using digital assets for monetary policy. It includes an exception for physical U.S. currency, preserving its privacy protections, and states Congress believes the Fed lacks authority to issue CBDCs without constitutional amendment.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. government spending in Gaza territory until the President certifies to Congress that funds won't benefit Hamas, designated terrorist groups, or entities controlled by them. It also blocks U.S. funds channeled through United Nations entities in Gaza unless the President certifies those entities aren't promoting anti-Israel or anti-Semitic content. The certification requirements apply to all federal funding, including aid delivered via international organizations. This directly affects U.S. foreign aid programs operating in Gaza by imposing new conditions before funds can be used.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day" to recognize the Osceola subspecies of wild turkey, which is native only to peninsular Florida. It highlights Florida's cultural and economic ties to wild turkey hunting, including the state's Wild Turkey Cost Share Program and the role of turkey hunting permits in funding conservation. The resolution is symbolic, not a law, and does not create new regulations or affect specific groups. It aims to promote awareness of the Osceola turkey's ecological significance and Florida's hunting traditions. The designation aligns with Florida's spring turkey hunting season opening dates.