Sen. Richard J. Durbin

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution requests that the Secretary of State submit a detailed report to congressional committees within 30 days regarding human rights practices in Israel, specifically focusing on the West Bank. The report must include all credible information on the killings of nine U.S. citizens by Israeli forces or settlers since January 2022, along with an assessment of ongoing investigations and potential accountability measures. Additionally, the resolution requires a description of the conditions and legal status of U.S. citizens currently held in Israeli prisons and an evaluation of the treatment of Palestinian children in military detention. The statement must also outline specific steps taken by the U.S. government to promote human rights observance and mitigate violence against both American and Palestinian residents in the region.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 13 through September 19, 2026, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week" to recognize the contributions of these professionals. The bill highlights how community schools and their coordinators help improve student attendance, academic performance, and access to health services while reducing achievement gaps. It encourages students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to participate in events that celebrate the work of community school coordinators across the United States.

Maddy summaryThe Ending Presidential Corruption in Banking Act prohibits federal banking regulators from approving new charters, licenses, or deposit insurance for banks where high-ranking government officials hold a controlling interest. The bill defines covered persons to include the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, senior executive branch appointees, and their immediate family members, banning them from owning more than 10 percent of a bank's voting securities or serving as senior executives. It requires regulators to terminate existing banking charters and licenses for institutions that received approval after January 20, 2025, while such officials maintained control. Additionally, the law makes it unlawful for the President, Vice President, or their spouses and children to hold any controlling influence over a bank, mandating immediate termination of those banks' federal privileges if compliance is not achieved within 30 days of inauguration.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 1300 East Northwest Highway in Palatine, Illinois, as the "Bernie Bluestein Post Office Building." It updates all federal references to this specific location to reflect the new name, ensuring consistency in official documents and records. The bill has no substantive policy changes beyond this naming designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the United States Postal Service facility at 14855 South Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, Illinois, as the "Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr. Post Office Building." It changes all official references to this specific postal facility to reflect the new name. The bill does not alter any postal services, funding, or operations - only the facility's official designation. This is a ceremonial naming action honoring Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez Jr.

Maddy summaryThe Diversity Jurisdiction Inflation Adjustment Act updates the minimum monetary threshold required for federal courts to hear cases based on diversity of citizenship. It raises the current limit of $75,000 to $150,000 and establishes a mechanism to automatically adjust this amount every ten years starting in 2030 based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts will calculate these adjustments and publish them annually, ensuring the threshold keeps pace with inflation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a plaintiff recovers less than the required amount, the court may deny or impose costs on them. This legislation directly affects individuals and businesses seeking to file civil lawsuits in federal court by changing the financial requirements for jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the debt thresholds for qualifying for certain bankruptcy protections under U.S. law. It increases the small business bankruptcy limit (Chapter 11) from $750,000 to $7.5 million in total debts, allowing more small business owners to file. For consumer bankruptcy (Chapter 13), it raises the individual debt limit from $1 million to $2.75 million (or $2.75 million for a couple), excluding stockbrokers and commodity brokers. The changes apply to cases filed after the bill's enactment, directly affecting small business owners and consumers with higher debt levels who previously couldn't qualify.

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.

National Plan for Epilepsy Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035. Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments. Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts. Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends the Chicago Cubs baseball team as it marks its 150th anniversary on August 29, 2026. The measure highlights the franchise's long history, including its founding in 1876, numerous World Series championships, and the careers of legendary players and broadcasters associated with the team. It also acknowledges the team's community contributions, such as millions of fans attending games and over $51 million in charitable donations to youth sports. As a ceremonial document, the bill does not create new laws or alter existing policies but serves to recognize the team's achievements and cultural impact.