Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summaryThe Millionaires Surtax Act introduces a new 10% tax on the portion of an individual's income that exceeds $2 million. This surcharge applies to high-income taxpayers starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, but the threshold is lowered to $1 million for those filing separately. The law includes specific adjustments for nonresident aliens, citizens living abroad, and charitable trusts, while explicitly excluding this new tax from calculations for other federal credits.

Maddy summaryThe Stop CHEATERS Act directs the Internal Revenue Service to increase its enforcement efforts against high-income individuals and large corporations while also expanding taxpayer support services. To achieve this, the bill appropriates billions of dollars over several years to fund IRS investigations, hire additional staff, purchase vehicles, and modernize outdated technology systems. Additionally, the legislation requires the IRS Commissioner to submit regular reports to Congress detailing plans to shift auditing resources toward wealthy taxpayers and analyzing collection gaps across different income levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act," repeals two sections of the Internal Revenue Code. It eliminates Section 25F, which provides a tax credit for contributions made to scholarship granting organizations. Additionally, the bill repeals Section 139K, which allows certain educational assistance to be excluded from an individual's gross income. These changes primarily affect taxpayers who currently claim these credits or exclusions, and organizations involved in scholarship grants or providing educational assistance. The amendments generally take effect for taxable years ending after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to prohibit a specific foreign military sale of defense articles and services to Israel. The bill directly affects the proposed transaction involving 12,000 BLU-110A/B bomb bodies and related support services. It uses the congressional review process under the Arms Export Control Act to disapprove the sale without requiring new legislation. The measure would prevent the sale if passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThe SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 ensures that revenue from the 9/11 Security Fee (paid by airline passengers) is used exclusively for aviation security, ending its diversion to other government purposes by 2027. It creates two dedicated funds: the Aviation Security Capital Fund (receiving $250 million annually through 2025, then $500 million annually starting in 2026) for general security improvements, and the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (receiving $250 million annually starting in 2026) specifically for security screening technology like baggage scanners and exit lanes. The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to collect sufficient fees to fund these amounts and allows retroactive grants for security technology projects implemented since 2023. This directly affects TSA operations, airports, and passenger fees, with no new taxes or fees imposed.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Iran that occurred without a formal declaration of war or specific statutory authorization. The bill is based on Congress's constitutional authority to declare war and cites statements from current administration officials who have referred to the conflict as a war. While ordering troop withdrawal, the resolution allows the U.S. to continue defending against attacks, sharing intelligence, assisting allies, and evacuating American citizens. The measure applies expedited legislative procedures and does not prevent future military action if Congress provides explicit authorization.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that lack explicit congressional authorization. The bill asserts that Congress has not declared war on Iran or passed a specific authorization for military force, yet U.S. forces have conducted sustained offensive operations against Iranian military targets. While mandating the withdrawal of offensive forces, the measure allows the U.S. to continue defensive actions against attacks on American personnel, conduct intelligence gathering, and assist partner nations in intercepting retaliatory attacks. The legislation invokes expedited congressional procedures to ensure prompt consideration of the resolution.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2026 as National Native Plant Month to raise awareness about the importance of indigenous plant species in the United States. The bill directly affects environmental advocates, land managers, and the general public by encouraging recognition of native plants' ecological benefits, such as supporting wildlife habitats and improving soil and water quality. It formally acknowledges that native plants are better adapted to local conditions and play a critical role in ecosystem resilience compared to non-native species. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the value of preserving native plant diversity.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block a proposed sale of specific defense equipment and services from the United States to the United Arab Emirates. The bill directly affects the UAE government by prohibiting the transfer of 1,500 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, 2,400 JDAM guidance sets, and various related support items, software, and training materials. It operates by exercising Congress's authority under the Arms Export Control Act to disapprove foreign military sales that have been submitted for review. If passed, the sale of these listed defense articles and services would be prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new annual wealth tax on individuals with net assets exceeding $50 million, effective in 2027, targeting ultra-wealthy taxpayers by taxing the total value of their taxable assets rather than income. The tax uses a tiered structure with a 0% bracket up to $50 million, a 2% rate between $50 million and $1 billion, and a 3% or 6% rate on assets above $1 billion, with the higher rate applying if a universal health insurance program is enacted. It includes special rules for married couples filing jointly, trusts, and non-resident aliens, while also adding stricter information reporting requirements and increased IRS funding for enforcement.