Sen. Peter Welch

Maddy summaryThe PBM Price Transparency and Accountability Act requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to be more transparent about drug pricing and ensure accurate payments to pharmacies. It establishes national average drug acquisition cost benchmarks for Medicaid, prohibits PBMs from keeping excessive profits through "spread pricing," and mandates detailed reporting of drug pricing, rebates, and fees. The bill affects Medicaid programs, Medicare Part D plans, and the PBMs that negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurers. It includes enforcement mechanisms like civil penalties for non-compliance and requires PBMs to report detailed pricing information to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryS 3347, the Flight Delay and Cancellation Compensation Act, requires airlines to provide $750 in cash compensation, free rebooking, meals, and for overnight delays, lodging and transportation when flights are delayed or canceled due to the airline's fault. The bill mandates the Transportation Secretary to form a committee within 90 days - including airline, airport, and consumer representatives - to develop recommendations for these standards, including aligning with international rules like Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations. An interim rule implementing these requirements will take effect two years after enactment, mandating the compensation and services for affected passengers. This legislation standardizes passenger protections across U.S. airlines to align with global practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. military action against Venezuela without specific new congressional authorization. It blocks funding for Defense Department operations involving "hostilities" (defined as any use of lethal force by U.S. forces) except under two conditions: a new law passed after this bill's enactment, or a congressional authorization meeting War Powers Resolution standards. Key exceptions allow self-defense, protection of U.S. personnel, lawful counternarcotics operations, and humanitarian aid. The bill does not override the War Powers Resolution but requires stricter authorization for military engagement with Venezuela.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Social Security lump sum death payment amount from a formula based on the deceased's benefit to a fixed $2,900. The payment will automatically increase each year starting in 2026 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring it keeps pace with inflation. It directly affects survivors who receive the lump sum death payment following a Social Security recipient's death. The change applies to deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2026, replacing the previous "three times" calculation method.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 525) condemns the Iranian government's ongoing, state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority, citing decades of systemic abuses including executions, job dismissals, education bans, and property confiscations. It references UN reports and Human Rights Watch findings documenting Iran's violation of international human rights treaties, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release imprisoned Baha'is, end discriminatory policies restricting their education and employment, and cease hate propaganda, while urging the U.S. President and Secretary of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for these abuses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for temporary immigration judges who handle cases while permanent judges are appointed. It allows the Attorney General to appoint former immigration judges, Board members, or attorneys with 10+ years of immigration law experience for up to 6-month terms (renewable for a maximum of 4 terms, or 24 months total). Temporary judges must complete 8 weeks of initial training plus weekly 1-day sessions unless recently retired (within 2 years), and their work is overseen by the Chief Immigration Judge. The law emphasizes that temporary judges should not replace permanent judges and requires them to have deep expertise in U.S. immigration law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 24) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, signed on December 14, 1995, which ended the Bosnian War. It recognizes the accords' role in halting conflict, ending ethnic cleansing, and establishing peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while highlighting Dayton, Ohio's historical role in hosting the negotiations. The resolution reaffirms U.S. support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty, EU/NATO partnership, and constitutional reforms, but contains no new laws or direct impacts on any group. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not alter policy or affect any individuals or entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $2,000 annual tax credit for adult children who live with and provide care to aging relatives meeting specific criteria. To qualify, the caregiver must be at least 18 (or 16 if legally emancipated), live with the relative for 6+ months, and provide 10+ hours/week of care, verified by a healthcare provider. The care recipient must be age 55+, unable to perform 1 activity of daily living and 3 instrumental activities (like meal prep or managing finances) without substantial help, requiring care for at least 180 days. The credit phases out for single filers earning over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers) and cannot be claimed alongside the existing child care credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes procedural rules for Inspector General (IG) investigations within the Department of Justice (DOJ). It removes specific language that previously restricted IG access to certain allegations involving DOJ personnel, streamlining the investigation process. The key change eliminates an exception clause in existing law, allowing IGs to investigate all DOJ personnel allegations without that prior limitation. This affects how DOJ investigations are conducted but does not create new policies or change substantive rights. (Procedural bill; summary focuses on specific legal reorganization.)

Maddy summaryThe Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 would maintain existing protections for designated roadless areas within the National Forest System by prohibiting new road construction, reconstruction, or logging in those areas. It directly affects National Forest lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, where the Roadless Rule already restricts such activities. The bill’s key mechanism requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enforce these current restrictions without adding new limitations. This policy change preserves existing protections for watersheds, wildlife habitats, recreation opportunities, and culturally significant sites within these roadless areas.