Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal child pornography laws to strengthen protections against the sexual exploitation of minors. It requires that laws against importing or depicting children in sexually explicit material apply even when the child did not participate in the conduct, as long as the person intentionally included the child in the image. The changes update legal definitions to ensure that individuals who knowingly place minors in explicit visual depictions face criminal penalties regardless of the minor's actual involvement. These provisions directly affect law enforcement, prosecutors, and individuals involved in the production or distribution of such material. The bill focuses on closing legal gaps in how child exploitation cases are defined and prosecuted under existing federal statutes.
Sponsored bills
Livestock Consolidation Research Act of 2026 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Economic Research Service (ERS) to publish a report on consolidation and concentration in the livestock industry (i.e., beef, dairy, pork, and poultry production, including broilers, eggs, and turkeys). ERS must publish the report within one year of the Census of Agriculture being made publicly available. As background, USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts the census every five years. NASS released the 2022 census in 2024. The ERS report must include (1) information on changes in the size and location of ranches, farms, processing facilities, and packers throughout the United States; and (2) the impact of these changes on farmers, ranchers, and downstream consumers.
Maddy summaryS 921, titled "Tyler’s Law," requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to study how often hospital emergency departments test for fentanyl during overdose cases, along with the costs, benefits, privacy impacts, and effects on patient-clinician relationships. The study must examine current testing frequency, associated costs, and how fentanyl testing might influence patient privacy and care. Within six months of completing the study, the Secretary must issue guidance on whether hospitals should routinely test for fentanyl, how to inform clinicians about testing protocols, and how such testing might affect future overdose risks and health outcomes. This bill directly affects hospitals with emergency departments and patients experiencing overdoses, but it does not mandate testing - it only mandates a study and subsequent guidance.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 21, 2026, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the contributions of women in the agricultural sector. The bill directly affects women working in farming, research, education, and related industries by formally acknowledging their roles as producers, leaders, and mentors. It highlights that women represent over one-third of U.S. agricultural producers and generated $222 billion in agricultural sales in 2022. The designation encourages citizens to celebrate and support women in agriculture during National Ag Week, which coincides with the date. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change that alters laws or programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026, would require manufacturers and wholesalers of fertilizer to report weekly price and quantity data to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The reporting would apply to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and fertilizer products sold in the United States, with separate data categories for domestic and foreign companies. Cooperatives and non-manufacturer retailers would be exempt from mandatory reporting but could choose to report voluntarily. The collected information would be published weekly on a public dashboard to help farmers and market participants make more informed marketing decisions and promote competition in the fertilizer industry.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public colleges and universities receiving federal funding from denying religious student groups access to campus facilities or official recognition solely because of their religious beliefs, practices, or standards. It directly affects public higher education institutions and religious student organizations seeking equal treatment alongside secular groups. The key mechanism requires institutions to provide religious groups with the same rights, benefits, and privileges - such as meeting space, event scheduling, and official status - as non-religious student organizations. This policy change ensures religious groups cannot be discriminated against in campus activities through the threat of withheld federal funding.
Maddy summaryThe Healthy Moms and Babies Act (S 2289) aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by strengthening Medicaid and CHIP programs. It requires states to report on maternal health quality measures, establishes a new "maternity health home" option for coordinated care during pregnancy and postpartum, and mandates studies on reducing cesarean sections and expanding doula services under Medicaid. The bill also requires states to collect data on social determinants of health affecting pregnant and postpartum women and provides guidance for reducing maternal mortality and severe morbidity. These provisions directly affect pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid, healthcare providers, and state Medicaid programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act) requires health insurance plans to cover medically necessary treatments for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. It mandates coverage for reconstructive services, dental/orthodontic care, and related treatments during the course of medical treatment, while excluding purely cosmetic procedures not medically necessary. Plans may apply cost-sharing requirements similar to those for other medical services but must provide notice about these coverage requirements to participants by January 1, 2026. The bill also directs a study on provider network adequacy and cost impacts related to these coverage requirements, to be completed by December 2027.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Secretary of State to work with the Secretary of Defense and submit a report to Congress within 180 days on emerging threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The report will examine military, cyber, and political dangers from countries like Russia, Belarus, China, and Iran, while also assessing current U.S. and NATO security presence in the region. It includes recommendations for improving defense cooperation, cybersecurity, and democratic resilience in the Baltic states, and highlights opportunities to strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships. The legislation reflects Congress's view that supporting these NATO allies aligns with U.S. national security interests.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Stop Insider Trading Act, would restrict Members of Congress and their spouses and dependents from purchasing stocks in publicly traded companies. It requires these individuals to provide advance public notice at least seven days before selling any covered investments, with the notice filed with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. The law includes exceptions for certain occupational transactions and reinvested dividends, and establishes penalties including fees and mandatory sales for violations.