Sen. John Hoeven

Maddy summaryThe BINS Act of 2026 expands the types of agricultural storage facilities eligible for federal loans under the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program. Specifically, it amends existing laws to include fertilizer storage infrastructure, such as dry bins, liquid tanks, and equipment for handling anhydrous ammonia. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture to update its regulations within 180 days to cover essential components like foundations, electrical systems, and plumbing needed for fertilizer storage. This change directly affects farmers and agribusinesses by broadening their access to financing for building and maintaining fertilizer storage facilities.

Maddy summaryThe SCALE Act of 2026 creates a new grant program to help states and eligible Indian tribes improve soil health and wildlife habitat on agricultural lands. Between fiscal years 2027 and 2031, the Department of Agriculture will provide up to $10 million annually to recipients that meet specific performance standards, with a total funding pool of $250 million. To receive these funds, applicants must submit a plan detailing their goals and agree to match federal dollars with their own state or tribal funds, unless they cannot provide the full match. The law also sets strict rules on how the money can be spent, limiting administrative costs and prohibiting conditions that would force changes to existing local programs. Recipients must submit annual audit results and could be disqualified from future funding if they fail to comply with the grant terms.

Maddy summaryThe America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033, increasing its annual funding from $1.9 billion to $2 billion. It requires that projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund must secure at least 15% of their costs from public donations, which will be solicited through public awareness campaigns, donation locations at recreation sites, and during the purchase of recreation passes. The bill also mandates new reporting requirements for deferred maintenance and disposal of assets no longer serving public interest, while ensuring donations are credited to the Fund and allocated to specific projects.

Maddy summaryThe FDPIR Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2026 allows Indian Tribes to take over the management of the federal food distribution program on their reservations. Under this bill, the Secretary of Agriculture must enter into self-determination contracts with Tribal organizations upon the Tribe's request. These contracts would operate under the same rules as other self-governance agreements, with the Bureau of Indian Affairs providing technical support to both the Department of Agriculture and the Tribes involved.

First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026, authorizes additional funding for water supply projects in North Dakota, including those for Tribal, municipal, rural, and industrial communities. It allocates specific amounts to complete several infrastructure projects, such as the Northwest Area Water Supply Biota Water Treatment Plant, the McClusky Canal, and various rural water distribution systems on Indian reservations. The legislation also establishes a mechanism to transfer funds between projects with a 50 percent increase limit per project and requires final engineering reports to be completed within two years of enactment. Additionally, the bill updates cost indexing provisions to adjust funding amounts based on construction cost fluctuations and modifies a natural resources trust fund to include new project categories.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses support for designating June 2026 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. The bill aims to raise public awareness about post-traumatic stress among military members, veterans, and their families while working to reduce the stigma often associated with the condition. By highlighting the importance of education and treatment, the resolution encourages government agencies and the medical community to continue their efforts in addressing the mental health challenges faced by those who have served.

Maddy summaryThe Postal Delivery Accountability Act requires the United States Postal Service to review and implement specific recommendations from its own Inspector General regarding undelivered and partially delivered mail routes. The law mandates that the Postal Service complete these changes within one year of the bill's enactment. This legislation directly affects mail delivery operations by addressing gaps identified in a 2022 report on delivery route performance.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.