Sen. Eric Schmitt

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to document specific communications with major internet platforms regarding content moderation. It mandates detailed descriptions of any discussions about removing user content (like posts or videos), content moderation policies, or technical processes (such as algorithms or data tools) between agencies and companies covered under Section 230 of the Communications Act. The requirement applies to all communications involving internet service providers, content platforms, or software providers. This directly affects federal agencies and tech companies by creating a new transparency obligation for their official interactions.

Maddy summaryThe Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 91) authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats who risked their careers and safety to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. These diplomats, representing countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and others, issued visas and provided safe passage to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution despite strict orders from their home governments. The medal will be presented collectively to the next of kin of each diplomat, along with representatives from their home countries, and then permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The act recognizes these individuals' bravery without implying they represent all who performed similar humanitarian acts during the Holocaust. The medal serves as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice and will be available for public display and research.

Maddy summarySRES 925 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Fred R. Harris of Oklahoma, who died on November 23, 2024, at age 94. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that his family be notified, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal expression of respect for a former senator’s legacy.

Maddy summaryS 5436 (Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act of 2024) requires the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to mandate competitive bidding for contracts involving cloud computing, data infrastructure, and large AI models (foundation models) with vendors holding $50 million+ in DoD contracts over five years. It prohibits contractors from using government-provided data without authorization, mandates data protection on vendor systems, and requires annual reports to Congress starting in 2026 on competition and market concentration in defense AI procurement. The bill directly affects major technology contractors supplying the DoD with AI/cloud services, ensuring government data rights and promoting multi-vendor competition. Key mechanisms include updated procurement rules for security/interoperability, penalties for data misuse, and public reporting on market dynamics.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands career services under the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program to include specific spouses. It directly affects spouses of disabled veterans (as defined in section 4101(5) of Title 38) and spouses of service members who died while serving in the Armed Forces (Gold Star spouses). The key change adds "eligible persons" to the program's eligibility criteria throughout the relevant section, allowing these spouses to access career counseling, job placement, and other support services previously available only to veterans themselves. This is a concrete policy change that broadens access to existing career assistance programs for these two groups of military spouses.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 902) honoring the late Senator Timothy Peter Johnson of South Dakota, who died after a long career in public service. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and send a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a formal expression of respect for a former senator. The resolution commemorates his decades of service, including his time as Chairman of the Banking Committee and his return to work after a serious health setback.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a National Plan for Epilepsy under the Public Health Service Act, requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create an integrated strategy for preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing epilepsy. It mandates an annual assessment of progress, an Advisory Council with diverse representation (including people living with epilepsy, caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers), and annual reports to Congress on federal efforts. The plan directly affects the nearly 3.5 million people in the U.S. living with epilepsy and their caregivers by aiming to improve care coordination, reduce uncontrolled seizures, address financial burdens, and advance research. Key mechanisms include coordinating across federal agencies (like NIH and CDC), requiring public input, and setting a 2035 sunset date for the program.

Maddy summaryS 5303, the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support the United Nations or its entities if those entities restrict Israel's full participation as a member state. Specifically, it blocks funding for UN contributions when the UN expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or limits its ability to engage equally with other member states. This bill directly affects how U.S. taxpayer money is allocated to the UN, requiring the Department of State and other agencies to withhold funds under these circumstances. The law amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to enforce this restriction.

Maddy summaryThe NAPA Reauthorization Act (S 133) extends the National Alzheimer’s Project through 2035, replacing previous 2025 deadlines. It requires annual progress evaluations on research, risk reduction, and health equity, with new provisions to promote healthy aging, address Alzheimer’s risk factors, and expand focus to underserved groups - including people with Down syndrome and historically high-risk populations. The bill mandates updated advisory committee membership, including individuals with Alzheimer’s diagnoses and representatives from underserved communities. These changes directly affect federal health agencies, researchers, and healthcare planning efforts focused on Alzheimer’s prevention and care.

Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.