Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the funding authorization for the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act from 2026 to 2031, ensuring continued financial support for research into treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It requires the Food and Drug Administration to review clinical trial data more rigorously by assessing patient enrollment numbers and requesting interim results from drug manufacturers before renewing research grants. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that clinical trials in phase 3 include combined phase 2/3 studies and planned trials that have not yet started enrolling participants. The bill also mandates the FDA to publish a report within a year of enactment detailing its progress on rare neurodegenerative disease action plans and how it coordinates with broader disease communities. Finally, it adjusts the timeline for a Government Accountability Office report to cover a five-year period instead of four.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program to improve processing of claims for officers injured or killed in the line of duty. It establishes clear timelines for the Bureau to notify claimants about missing information (90 days) and make determinations (270 days), with automatic interim benefits issued if deadlines aren't met. The bill requires regular outreach to public safety officers and underserved agencies, mandates annual audits of backlogged claims, and strengthens subpoena authority to obtain necessary information. It also creates a pathway for expedited processing when claims are approved by the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund or World Trade Center Health Program. The bill does not change benefit amounts but aims to make the claims process more efficient and transparent for public safety officers and their families.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends two existing public health programs focused on tick-borne diseases through 2030. It updates the funding timeline for national vector-borne disease centers and health department support from 2021-2025 to 2026-2030. The bill does not change program content or eligibility but ensures continued funding for efforts addressing tick-related illnesses. It directly affects public health agencies administering these programs, not specific individuals.

Maddy summaryThe Assuring the Future of Tibet Act of 2026 directs the U.S. government to treat the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and to actively support their right to self-determination. The bill requires the Secretary of State to engage with Tibetan leadership at senior diplomatic levels, extend appropriate courtesies to their officials, and advocate for the administration’s observer status within the United Nations and other international bodies. Additionally, it mandates that the President use U.S. influence at the UN to support these efforts and requires the Department of State to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the implementation of these diplomatic initiatives for ten years.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that were not authorized by Congress. The bill relies on the War Powers Resolution, asserting that military action in Iran began without a formal declaration of war or specific statutory approval and has exceeded the legal time limits for such engagement. While ordering a removal of troops, the measure allows the United States to continue defending against attacks on its own personnel, conducting intelligence activities, and providing defensive support to partner nations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union and recognizes the resilience of the Ukrainian people in pursuing sovereignty and democracy. The text affirms U.S. support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, specifically rejecting the annexation of Crimea, while condemning Russia’s 2022 military invasion. It encourages the U.S. government to provide strong security guarantees to facilitate a lasting peace agreement and to integrate lessons from Ukraine’s defense innovations into American military readiness. Additionally, the resolution urges Ukraine to continue implementing reforms related to anti-corruption measures, free markets, and the rule of law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of August 22 through August 30, 2026, as "National Park Week." It directly affects the public by encouraging responsible visits and support for the National Park System, which includes parks, battlefields, and historical sites located across the United States and its territories. The measure serves as a formal declaration to highlight the parks' role in recreation, education, and economic activity without altering any laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThe TABOO Act requires all individuals serving as special envoys or representatives to foreign governments to comply with standard federal ethics rules, including financial disclosure and conflict-of-interest laws, regardless of whether they are paid or working in a volunteer capacity. Individuals in these roles must confirm within 30 days that they have no financial interests in the countries they represent, or place existing interests in blind trusts, and agree to avoid new such interests for one year after leaving their position. Federal agencies must submit quarterly lists of these officials to Congress, detailing their duties and the foreign entities they engage with. Violations can result in criminal penalties, loss of government support services, suspension from duties, and delays in the confirmation process for future nominees.

Maddy summaryThe Strengthening Coast Guard Communities Act of 2026 transfers specific intergovernmental support agreement authorities from the Secretary of Defense to the Commandant of the Coast Guard. This change allows the Commandant to directly manage agreements that provide services and infrastructure support to Coast Guard communities, rather than requiring approval through the Department of Defense. To ensure transparency, the bill requires the Commandant to notify the relevant Senate and House committees in writing within 60 days of exercising this new authority.

Maddy summaryThe Protect American Values Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce a specific Department of Homeland Security rule regarding the "Public Charge" ground of inadmissibility. This legislation directly affects immigrants and their families by preventing the government from using financial resources to carry out policies that could restrict access to essential services like food, medical care, and housing. The bill includes a statement of congressional intent arguing that the targeted rule would harm community health, increase poverty, and circumvent established immigration laws. By blocking funding for this specific regulatory action, the act aims to maintain current eligibility standards for public assistance without altering the underlying statutory framework.