Sen. Gary C. Peters

Maddy summaryThe Visionary Intersections Modernization Act amends federal transportation law to allow funds from the Surface Transportation Block Grant program to be used for building roundabouts. This change directly affects state and local governments that manage road infrastructure by adding a new eligible project type to their funding options. The bill does not mandate the construction of specific intersections but rather expands the categories of work that can receive federal financial support under existing grant programs.

Maddy summaryThe Regional Great Lakes Partnership Act of 2026 officially designates the Great Lakes Commission as a formal Regional Great Lakes Partnership. This change recognizes the commission, which is made up of representatives from eight states, as a key entity for coordinating regional efforts. The bill achieves this by adding a specific provision to existing federal law that acknowledges the commission's role. No new funding or operational changes are introduced; the act serves primarily to clarify the commission's official status within the federal framework.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes suicide as a serious public health issue and supports the designation of September 8, 2026, as "988 Day." The bill highlights the role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential support through phone, text, and chat services to individuals in crisis. It commends the lifeline's operations and encourages continued public education about its availability, particularly for high-risk groups. Additionally, the resolution supports federal, state, and local efforts to expand access to mental health services and crisis intervention programs across the country.

Maddy summaryThe American Music Tourism Act of 2025 directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to identify and promote U.S. locations and events related to music tourism for both domestic and international travelers. It adds specific requirements to prioritize music-related attractions (like venues, studios, museums, and festivals) in domestic travel campaigns and international marketing efforts for conferences, events, and cultural tourism. The bill also mandates annual reports to Congress on progress toward these tourism goals. This affects federal travel promotion agencies and indirectly supports music venues, festivals, and local tourism economies by integrating music tourism into official travel strategies.

Maddy summaryThe End Trump's Tariff Tax Act terminates specific import duties imposed under recent trade investigations and repeals two statutory authorities used to impose tariffs for forced labor violations, balance-of-payments issues, and foreign discrimination. The bill requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner to automatically refund all duties collected during specified periods in 2026, along with interest, without requiring importers to submit formal requests or documentation. Importers who paid these tariffs will receive their money back, with small businesses prioritized for payment where practicable.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution supports designating the week from September 11 to September 17, 2026, as "Patriot Week" to honor American history and foundational values. The bill encourages citizens, educational institutions, and government agencies at all levels to participate in activities that promote the study of U.S. history, founding documents, and national symbols. It also acknowledges the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks while emphasizing the importance of renewing civic engagement with the nation's core principles each year.

Maddy summaryS 2542, the Federal Building Threat Notification Act, requires the Federal Protective Service to create emergency communication guidance for federal building tenants within one year of enactment. This guidance must include protocols for notifying tenants about violent threats (like active shooters, weapons, or terrorism) within 150 feet of a building and provide safety instructions during immediate threats. The bill mandates that each protected federal building appoint a security official to implement the guidance and conduct regular crisis response testing. It directly affects all federal agencies occupying buildings protected by the Federal Protective Service, ensuring they receive timely threat notifications and safety protocols. The Director must submit a 10-page report to Congress on the implemented protocols within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 15-member Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee within the Commerce Department to advise on U.S. commercial space activities. The committee, made up of industry experts (not federal employees), will provide recommendations to the Secretary and Congress on issues affecting private space businesses, including international obligations, export controls, spectrum access, and preventing space contamination. It will review best practices for protecting celestial bodies and Earth's environment from commercial space operations. The committee will serve for 10 years, ending 180 days after its creation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 7, 2026, as National Lighthouse Day to honor the 237th anniversary of the 1789 Lighthouse Act and the 250th anniversary of the United States. The bill encourages lighthouse grounds to open to the public and calls on Americans to celebrate maritime heritage through ceremonies, site visits, and support for preservation efforts. It serves as a commemorative measure to recognize the historical significance of lighthouses and the keepers who maintained them, without altering any laws or funding.

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.