Sen. Deb Fischer

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the fourth anniversary of the 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned the previous federal right to abortion. The document expresses the Senate's support for state authority to regulate abortion and acknowledges the work of pregnancy centers that assist expectant mothers. It formally declares the Senate's commitment to protecting unborn life and supporting families, while noting the ongoing policy challenges related to abortion access. As a symbolic measure, the bill does not create new laws or alter existing regulations but serves to record the Senate's stance on the issue.

Maddy summaryThe Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes Congress to award a gold medal to individuals who fought for or with the United States in the Pacific theater during World War II and were taken as prisoners of war. This recognition specifically honors those who participated in the defense of Bataan and Corregidor, including Filipino soldiers and civilians who served alongside American forces, as well as nurses and other personnel who endured the Bataan Death March and subsequent imprisonment. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the medal, which will be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for display, while also permitting the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

Maddy summaryThe Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of gold medals to the four crew members of the Artemis II Mission to recognize their historic contributions to space exploration. This legislation directs the U.S. Treasury to strike these medals, which must depict the mission's crew, and allows the mint to sell duplicate bronze versions to cover production costs. The bill highlights the mission's significance as the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since 1972 and notes the diverse achievements of the astronauts, including the first woman and first person of color to travel around the Moon. By designating these awards as national medals, the act formally honors the crew's role in advancing human spaceflight capabilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to modernize the federal Broadband Funding Map, which tracks where broadband infrastructure funding is deployed. It mandates a notice of inquiry within 270 days to evaluate the map's data quality, public usability, and update timelines, and to consider expanding data categories. A separate GAO study (due within 180 days) will assess how well federal agencies maintain the map, coordinate data sharing, and whether improved use could save taxpayer money. The bill directly affects agencies receiving or managing broadband funding, including the FCC, NTIA, USDA, and others. It focuses on improving data transparency and efficiency in federal broadband spending, not on changing funding eligibility or amounts.

Maddy summaryThe PFAS Alternatives Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create grant programs that help develop and train firefighters on using protective gear free from PFAS chemicals. Under this law, eligible nonprofit and educational organizations can receive funding to research next-generation turnout gear that maintains safety standards without relying on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The legislation allocates up to $25 million between 2027 and 2031 for research grants and $2 million between 2028 and 2032 for training initiatives, ensuring that new gear designs are tested and that first responders learn proper care and decontamination methods. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a progress report to Congress within two years of enactment to track the implementation of these safety improvements.

Maddy summaryThe CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2026 permanently extends a program allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept donated facilities and improvements for its buildings. This legislation also authorizes the department to accept donations for construction services, minor construction projects, and nonrecurring maintenance work related to existing or new facilities. To qualify, donations must align with identified capital needs and come from eligible entities, while donors must sign formal agreements that ensure compliance with laws and codes without increasing federal project costs. The bill streamlines requirements for these contributions by simplifying agreements for services and targeted contributions that do not involve transferring real property ownership. Additionally, the department will separately track these donations in its annual reports to maintain transparency.

Maddy summaryThe Tribal Conservation Priorities Inclusion Act amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to formally include tribal lands alongside state and local areas in federal conservation programs. Specifically, it updates provisions for environmental quality incentives, conservation stewardship, stewardship contracts, and critical conservation areas to ensure tribal regions are eligible for these initiatives. By adding the phrase "or on tribal land" to existing definitions, the bill ensures that tribal territories are treated with the same priority as other regions when determining conservation needs and funding. This legislative change directly affects Indian Tribes by expanding their access to federal resources aimed at protecting natural resources.

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 summaryThe Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2026 creates a new funding program to support junior and community colleges in expanding their agriculture and natural resources programs. The bill authorizes $20 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for competitive grants that colleges can use to improve workforce training, education, research, and outreach. Eligible institutions may use these funds to purchase equipment, hire faculty, develop apprenticeships, and offer courses in farm business management. The legislation also allows colleges to apply for a special designation as a center of excellence to demonstrate best practices and provide regional leadership.

Maddy summaryThe FENCE Act allows farmers and ranchers receiving emergency conservation funding to use new or emerging fencing technologies when repairing or replacing existing fences. This provision applies specifically to the emergency conservation program established under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. The key requirement is that adopting these modern technologies must not increase the overall cost of the repair or replacement project. By including this option, the bill aims to help landowners upgrade their infrastructure without additional financial burden during emergency conservation efforts.