Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThe Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 restricts the importation, sale, and use of connected vehicles and related technology from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to protect national security. Starting in 2027, the bill generally bans these vehicles if they originate from or are controlled by these countries, with separate restrictions on software and hardware taking effect in 2030. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to issue specific exemptions for items that do not pose a security risk and must publish a list of approved products. The law also requires companies to submit declarations confirming their vehicles comply with the rules and imposes heavy fines for violations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 20, 2026, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day to honor the service of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in the U.S. Armed Forces. The text acknowledges historical discrimination, including the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and bans on transgender service, which resulted in thousands of discharges and denied benefits. It urges the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to end the current ban on transgender military service and restore access to gender-affirming health care for veterans and active duty personnel. Additionally, the resolution calls for these agencies to improve outreach so that individuals discharged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity can receive the benefits they are owed.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the nation's population, jobs, and economic output while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to these areas, including pollution, sea-level changes, and harmful algal blooms, which have led to the loss of wetlands and degraded water quality. The resolution also commends the efforts of federal, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, in protecting and restoring estuary health.

Maddy summaryThe Wildland Firefighter Health and Safety Act establishes a dedicated federal program to improve the long-term health outcomes of wildland firefighters by addressing occupational exposures to smoke, hazardous chemicals, and heat. The bill creates an interagency Task Force and an Advisory Panel to develop a comprehensive health strategy, while also mandating that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration issue new standards requiring respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and decontamination procedures. It provides federal employees with paid duty time for personal hygiene and gear cleaning after shifts and requires the installation of decontamination infrastructure at fire stations. Additionally, the legislation creates a specialized unit within the Department of Labor to process workers' compensation claims for firefighters and authorizes over $49 million annually in appropriations for these initiatives through fiscal year 2032.

Maddy summaryThe Diversify Act amends the TEACH Grants program to double the maximum grant amount from $4,000 to $8,000 per year and increases the total debt conversion penalty for failing to complete service requirements from $16,000 to $32,000. The bill expands eligibility by allowing recipients to fulfill their teaching service obligations in high-need early childhood education programs, not just traditional K-12 schools. Additionally, it prohibits the government from imposing monetary penalties for refusing to complete service and requires the Secretary of Education to issue an electronic certificate upon completion. Finally, the act exempts these grants from automatic federal spending cuts known as sequestration.

Maddy summaryThe Urban Canal Modernization Act establishes a new category called "urban canal of concern" for canals that, if failed, could endanger more than 100 people in populated areas. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to fund necessary emergency repairs and maintenance on these canals, with 35% of costs covered as a non-repayable grant and the remaining 65% provided as a repayable advance to the canal's operating entity. The bill modifies existing federal law to clarify funding mechanisms and ensures these advances count as non-Federal funds for cost-sharing requirements. This policy directly affects federal agencies and the entities operating urban canals, prioritizing infrastructure safety in densely populated areas.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to prohibit a proposed sale of military equipment to the Saudi Arabian government. The specific items targeted for disapproval include over 10,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition guidance kits and more than 10,000 general purpose bombs, along with associated support services and spare parts. If enacted, this measure would block the transfer of these defense articles under the Arms Export Control Act.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution supports designating September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day to recognize families affected by stillbirths and promote preventive measures. It cites high annual stillbirth rates in the United States and notes that racial disparities place certain communities at greater risk. The text requests that the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide awareness programs and highlights the 2024 Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act as a foundation for federal resources and research.