Maddy summaryThe DRIVE Across America Act of 2026 establishes the Cleaner TRAILS Initiative to promote zero-emission vehicles and fueling infrastructure on National Forest and National Park lands. This program requires the Forest Service and National Park Service to develop a strategy for installing charging stations, purchasing electric vehicles for their fleets, and offering shuttle services that run on clean energy. The bill also directs the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation to expand electric vehicle charging access near airports and tourist destinations, while authorizing $1 billion in federal funding between 2027 and 2031 to support these efforts. Additionally, the legislation mandates that agreements for transportation services on federal lands give priority to providers using zero-emission vehicles and requires regular reporting to Congress on progress and spending.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Clean Transportation Jobs and Development Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to expand funding and oversight for battery manufacturing, critical mineral processing, and advanced vehicle technologies through 2031. A primary provision increases the authorized budget for battery processing grants to $6 billion for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, while also requiring applicants to include specific workforce safety and fire prevention plans. The bill establishes a new Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation to coordinate supply chain resilience and manages multiple research programs focused on extreme-fast charging, vehicle safety, and heavy-duty commercial vehicle electrification. Additionally, the legislation authorizes over $3 billion in total funding for these research and development activities across five fiscal years to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.
Maddy summaryThe Cleaner Transportation Access for All Act extends federal tax credits for purchasing clean vehicles and installing charging equipment through 2031, while also allowing a higher credit amount for home charging installations. It establishes a new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to coordinate federal efforts on electric vehicle infrastructure and creates an Electric Vehicle Commission to study industry needs and safety issues. The legislation authorizes billions in funding to expand charging networks, with specific requirements that states prioritize underserved communities and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Additionally, the bill mandates that electric vehicle charging stations be permitted on public curbsides and expands access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes for clean vehicles.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children's Day to honor the sacrifices and hardships faced by children of fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations; instead, it serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the Senate and encourages the public to observe this day in support of these families. By establishing this specific date, the measure aims to raise awareness about the legacy carried by children who lost a parent in military service.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal laws to ensure that members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force cannot be excluded from jobs or assignments based on their gender. It requires the Department of Defense to establish occupational standards using scientifically rigorous methods that evaluate technical, tactical, cognitive, and physical abilities without gender bias. Additionally, the legislation mandates annual reports to Congress detailing any involuntary reclassifications or separations and requires a detailed review of the operational effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps ground combat units. These changes are scheduled to take effect on September 30, 2026, with the first required report due the following year.
Maddy summaryThe Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026 aims to improve safety and professional opportunities for boxers by modifying the existing Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996. It creates a new category for "unified boxing organizations," which are private leagues or associations that manage title belts and rankings, allowing them to operate under a specific alternative compliance system. Under this system, these organizations must provide enhanced medical care, including additional ambulances and ringside physicians, and require more rigorous physical exams for older boxers. The bill also mandates minimum payments of $200 per round, limits contract lengths to six years, and establishes a comprehensive anti-doping program with random testing. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits unified boxing organizations from having financial interests in the management of the boxers they promote and requires strict rules against insider betting.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a streamlined process for transferring specific U.S. military supplies, such as artillery shells and rocket munitions, to Ukraine without requiring the usual case-by-case approval from Congress. It allows these items to be sold to designated allied nations like NATO members, Australia, Japan, and others, who can then transfer them directly to the Ukrainian government. To ensure control, the law requires Ukraine to promise in writing that it will not send these weapons to other countries without U.S. permission and must take physical possession of the items by December 31, 2030, a deadline that can be extended annually as long as Russia continues its invasion.
Maddy summarySRES 608 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing the Senate's position that President should not grant Ghislaine Maxwell a pardon or other clemency. It directly addresses the President’s authority regarding clemency for Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to sexually exploit minors. The resolution cites her 20-year prison sentence for crimes including trafficking minors and enabling abuse, stating that granting clemency would undermine justice for victims. As a sense-of-the-Senate resolution, it has no legal effect but formally opposes clemency for Maxwell’s crimes.
Maddy summaryThe Wildfire Air Quality Sensor Expansion Act of 2026 directs the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants and loans to help local air pollution control agencies purchase and operate portable air sensors in rural and remote areas. These low-cost devices are intended to measure smoke pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone in locations where traditional monitoring equipment is scarce, thereby improving the accuracy of air quality data for communities affected by wildfires. To ensure success, the bill also authorizes funding for technical assistance to help agencies install and maintain these sensors, while requiring that the data collected be shared with the EPA to update public air quality maps. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually through 2032 for grants and provides additional unspecified funding for loan programs and technical support, with a specific focus on expanding coverage to Indian tribes and areas lacking existing monitoring infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThe Expanded Consular Fellows Act of 2026 aims to address staffing shortages at U.S. embassies and consulates by allowing the Department of State to hire more temporary workers for consular roles. Specifically, the bill amends existing laws to permit these limited non-career appointments to last up to eight years, an increase from the previous five-year limit, and adds a new option for two-year appointments. These changes are intended to help manage the growing volume of visa applications and security checks required for upcoming major international events, such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. By expanding the ability to recruit temporary staff, the legislation seeks to reduce recruitment delays and ensure that consular services can continue to operate efficiently for Americans abroad and international travelers.