Sen. Richard J. Durbin

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for designating April 2026 as "Fair Chance Jobs Month" to raise awareness about employment barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals. While the bill itself does not change laws, it encourages the removal of obstacles like licensing restrictions and promotes fair-chance hiring practices. The resolution also calls for expanded workforce development programs, better access to housing and healthcare, and increased collaboration between government agencies and community groups to help returning citizens secure stable employment.

Maddy summaryThe Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 directs the Federal Communications Commission to create two grant programs for states to improve access to the Lifeline broadband subsidy. The first program provides funding to help states inform low-income residents who qualify for the Lifeline benefit but are not yet enrolled about how to apply and what the program offers. The second program funds states to connect their local benefit databases with the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, ensuring that receipt of other government assistance is properly recorded for eligibility checks. To receive these grants, states must submit detailed plans outlining their outreach strategies and expected reach, with the FCC prioritizing areas with more eligible individuals and diverse geographic regions. The bill also requires the FCC to report on the programs' effectiveness to Congress within three years and authorizes funding for the first five fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThe Puppy Protection Act of 2026 amends the Animal Welfare Act to impose stricter housing and care standards on dog dealers. It requires dealers to provide dogs with solid flooring, sufficient indoor space based on size, and temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill also mandates daily nutritious food, unrestricted outdoor exercise for most dogs over 12 weeks, and at least 30 minutes of daily social interaction with humans. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for breeding, such as limiting the number of litters a female dog can produce and requiring health screenings before breeding. These new requirements must be implemented through final regulations issued by the Secretary within 18 months of the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 99) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rule that removed automatic extensions for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). The rule, published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2025, ended the prior practice of automatically extending work permits for certain immigrants while their renewal applications were pending. If approved, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect, restoring the automatic extension process for EAD holders. The policy change directly affects non-citizens in the U.S. who hold EADs and are waiting for renewal processing, preventing potential gaps in work authorization.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Joint Medical Facility Fund to support shared healthcare facilities operated by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The fund allows both departments to transfer money from their existing budgets and medical collections into a single pool, which can then be used for facility operations, equipment, maintenance, and minor construction projects at designated combined medical sites. The bill requires the two departments to create a joint methodology for determining transfer amounts and to administer the fund through an executive agreement that includes independent review of financial processes. Additionally, the legislation repeals an outdated provision and mandates that the departments submit a report within 180 days identifying which facilities should be designated as combined medical facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "produce prescriptions" as a covered medical service under the VA healthcare system. It directly affects veterans with diet-related chronic conditions (like diabetes or heart disease) who are also food-insecure. The key provision requires the VA to provide veterans with vouchers or debit cards for purchasing fruits and vegetables to improve their health, rather than just offering standard medical treatment. This creates a concrete policy change where nutritional support becomes part of VA care for eligible veterans.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 2026 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about the importance of personal finance education. The bill calls on the federal government, states, schools, businesses, and other organizations to hold programs and activities during this month. It is based on data showing high levels of financial stress, debt, and a lack of financial education among many Americans.

Maddy summaryThe Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for Small Business Administration loans to include businesses owned by certain immigrants, such as refugees, asylees, and individuals with deferred action. To qualify, these businesses must be located in the United States and at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or nationals of the United States. The law explicitly states that businesses meeting these ownership and location requirements cannot be denied loans solely because they are owned by eligible immigrants. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not grant the SBA authority to increase the 51 percent ownership threshold for any type of loan.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a new amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would establish voting as a fundamental right for all citizens of legal voting age. It requires any government denial of this right to be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling interest, while also repealing specific language from the 14th Amendment related to voting rights. The amendment would grant Congress the authority to pass laws enforcing these protections against any denial or abridgment of the right to vote.