Sen. Jon Husted

Maddy summaryThe America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033, increasing its annual funding from $1.9 billion to $2 billion. It requires that projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund must secure at least 15% of their costs from public donations, which will be solicited through public awareness campaigns, donation locations at recreation sites, and during the purchase of recreation passes. The bill also mandates new reporting requirements for deferred maintenance and disposal of assets no longer serving public interest, while ensuring donations are credited to the Fund and allocated to specific projects.

Maddy summaryThe INVEST Act requires federal agencies to identify and sell their holdings of private company stocks and equity interests within eight years. These assets include common stock, partnership interests, and special shares that grant extra control or voting power. Any money received from these sales must be sent to the Treasury to help reduce the national debt. This law applies to all federal agencies that currently own or acquire such investments in for-profit businesses.

Maddy summaryThe Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2026 creates a new funding program to support junior and community colleges in expanding their agriculture and natural resources programs. The bill authorizes $20 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for competitive grants that colleges can use to improve workforce training, education, research, and outreach. Eligible institutions may use these funds to purchase equipment, hire faculty, develop apprenticeships, and offer courses in farm business management. The legislation also allows colleges to apply for a special designation as a center of excellence to demonstrate best practices and provide regional leadership.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to correct burial markers for American-Jewish servicemembers who died in World War I or II and were mistakenly buried under Latin crosses (a Christian symbol) in overseas U.S. military cemeteries. The American Battle Monuments Commission will run this 10-year program, authorizing $500,000 annually to contract with qualified nonprofit organizations to identify affected veterans and contact their families. It directly affects Jewish veterans buried overseas with incorrect markers and their descendants, ensuring their religious heritage is properly recognized. The program requires nonprofits to verify burial records and facilitate marker corrections, with priority given to organizations experienced in Jewish military history.

Maddy summaryThe SIMS Act prohibits companies from creating or operating chatbots that simulate minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct or conversations. This law applies to any person offering such software in the United States and defines a minor as anyone under 18 years old. While the ban covers simulations of real or fictional minors, it includes specific exemptions for law enforcement agencies investigating child sexual exploitation. Violations can result in criminal fines of up to $100,000 or civil penalties, and the Attorney General is required to submit annual reports on enforcement actions and investigations related to the new rules.

Maddy summaryThe Upward Mobility Act of 2026 would establish a 5-year pilot program allowing up to 5 states to consolidate multiple antipoverty programs (including nutrition assistance, housing subsidies, child care, and employment services) into a single grant. The program aims to reduce "benefit cliffs" by limiting how much direct assistance benefits decrease as people earn more, measured by a "Marginal Effective Tax Rate." States would apply for the program, and the Secretary would approve based on how well the plan would improve employment outcomes and reduce reliance on benefits. The pilot would require states to measure specific outcomes like employment rates, earnings, and reduction in per-capita direct assistance to determine effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThe Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to continue its voluntary Safer Choice program, which helps consumers and businesses identify products containing safer chemical ingredients. The bill establishes specific criteria for certification, requiring that products be safe for human health and the environment while maintaining performance, and mandates full disclosure of intentionally added ingredients. To support these evaluations, the legislation creates a framework for using independent third-party experts to review complex products while protecting confidential business information. Additionally, the act requires the EPA to publish annual reports on program progress and maintain a public database of certified products, with funding authorized through fiscal year 2034.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.

Maddy summaryThe CONNECT Act amends the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to specifically support older youth who have been in foster care at age 14 or older. It requires the federal government to issue guidance within a year that outlines how states and tribes can use federal funds to help these young people build lasting relationships with mentors, peers, and family members. The bill also mandates that agencies provide written information about available services and ensure youth participate in creating their own permanency plans. Additionally, it sets standards for documenting these support activities and establishing minimum training requirements for mentors and peer supporters.