Sen. Christopher Murphy

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Patient Safety and Whistleblower Protections Act, would protect health care providers who raise concerns about patient safety or quality of care from retaliation by their employers. It prohibits health care facilities from taking adverse actions against practitioners who report issues to supervisors, state authorities, government officials, patient safety organizations, or the media after a 90-day waiting period. The law includes a rebuttable presumption that any negative employment action within 180 days of raising a concern is retaliation, and it nullifies contractual clauses that would prevent providers from speaking about patient safety issues.

Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 This bill prohibits life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term insurance carriers from denying or otherwise restricting coverage for living organ donors. Specifically, carriers may not deny, cancel, vary premiums, or otherwise impose conditions on policies based on an individual's status as a living organ donor. The bill also expressly specifies that recovery from organ-donation surgery constitutes a serious health condition that entitles eligible employees to job-protected medical leave. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must update educational materials on living organ donation to include information about the benefits and risks of living organ donation and the impact of donation on insurance access, particularly with respect to the bill's changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from hostilities against Iran that lack congressional authorization, specifically referencing the February 2026 "Operation Epic Fury" as an example of unauthorized action. It requires the removal unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military force against Iran. The resolution clarifies it does not prevent defensive actions against attacks on U.S. personnel, intelligence sharing with allies attacked by Iran, or providing defensive aid to partners. It is based on constitutional authority (Article I, Section 8) and the War Powers Resolution, aiming to ensure military deployments comply with congressional oversight.

Maddy summarySJRES 117 is a joint resolution requiring the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran that lack congressional authorization. It directs the President to withdraw military forces from Iran unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military action. The resolution includes exceptions allowing defense against attacks, intelligence sharing, assistance to allies like Israel, and evacuating U.S. citizens. This bill directly affects military operations in Iran and the executive branch's authority to conduct such operations without explicit congressional approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act, aims to increase competition in the U.S. meatpacking industry by requiring the Federal Trade Commission to break up large companies that control multiple types of meat processing. It prohibits major meatpacking firms from operating in more than one protein line (beef, pork, or poultry) and mandates divestiture of assets for companies that exceed market concentration thresholds. The legislation also targets foreign-owned meatpacking companies by requiring them to divest U.S. operations and includes provisions to prevent vertical consolidation between packers and feedlots. Additionally, the bill directs the FTC to use existing authority to address unfair pricing practices and authorizes funding for farmers' cooperatives and small businesses to acquire divested meatpacking facilities.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending against an attack on the United States or its personnel or facilities in other nations.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act of 2026, strengthens campaign finance transparency by requiring corporations, labor organizations, Super PACs, and other entities to disclose more information about their spending and funding sources. It closes loopholes that allow foreign nationals to contribute to U.S. elections by expanding disclosure requirements and prohibiting foreign money in ballot initiatives and referenda. The legislation also mandates that certain advertisements include lists of top funders and requires reporting of spending related to federal judicial nominations. Additionally, it streamlines administrative processes for challenging campaign finance laws and ensures coordination between the Federal Election Commission and financial authorities to enforce these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill would transition Puerto Rico from its current nutrition assistance block grant system to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aligning it with how other U.S. states receive food aid. The legislation requires Puerto Rico to submit an operational plan within 180 days, with the Department of Agriculture providing technical assistance and approval or feedback on the plan. During a five-year transition period, Puerto Rico would continue receiving consolidated block grant funds while gradually shifting to SNAP, with annual reports tracking funding adjustments needed for the change. Once the transition is complete, Puerto Rico would be formally recognized as a state for SNAP purposes and would receive funding based on the same cost-of-living adjustments applied to other states.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the African American History Act of 2026, authorizes the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to use up to $4 million annually for five years to support African American history education programs. The funding can be used to create digital and print educational resources, provide teacher training and professional development, expand museum collections, and develop online content for educators, students, and families. The legislation also requires the museum director to submit annual reports to Congress and provide briefings to congressional committees on how the funds are being used. Additionally, the bill includes a sense of Congress statement encouraging the federal government to lead efforts in improving the teaching of African American and other minority group histories.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online platform for taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. It requires the Treasury Department to create a user-friendly system that uses IRS data to simplify the process, offers customer support, and is available in multiple languages and on mobile devices. The legislation also prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that would limit its ability to provide these tax preparation and filing services. Additionally, the bill allows eligible states to integrate their state tax filing with the federal system and provides funding to states that meet certain standards for doing so.