Sen. Ben Ray Luján

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for designating May 5, 2026, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The bill calls on the public and organizations to commemorate the victims and show solidarity with their families. It also recommends that the Department of Justice commission a new study to update statistics on the crisis, noting that the previous data is over a decade old.

Maddy summaryThe Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026 authorizes billions of dollars in federal funding to expand a program that transforms public schools into community hubs offering integrated student supports, expanded learning time, and active family engagement. This legislation primarily affects local educational agencies, schools serving high-poverty populations, and eligible entities such as school districts, tribes, and nonprofits that apply for grants to implement or expand these school models. Key provisions establish new roles like community school coordinators and directors, mandate the creation of diverse leadership teams including parents and community members, and require schools to provide services such as health care, housing assistance, and after-school programs. The bill also updates definitions within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to clarify eligibility criteria and outlines specific reporting requirements to track student outcomes and program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal advisory committee to study challenges in transmitting geolocation and dispatchable location information with 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline calls. The committee, formed by the FCC and HHS within 180 days, will include representatives from telecom providers, crisis centers, mental health organizations, and local governments (with specific representation for rural communities and low-population states). It will examine privacy, technical standards, and funding needs before making recommendations for legislation. The committee must submit a report to Congress within one year. This is a procedural study bill, not a direct policy change, and it requires no new funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges the contributions of teachers to the United States and thanks them for their dedication. It encourages students, parents, and public officials to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal carjacking law to change how the offense is defined and prosecuted. It removes the requirement that a carjacking must involve "intent to cause death or serious bodily harm" for it to be considered a federal offense (now only requiring the act to be done "knowingly"). For cases where death occurs, it now requires prosecutors to prove both the intent to cause death *and* that death actually resulted, rather than just showing death occurred. This directly affects federal prosecutors, carjacking defendants, and the legal standards used in such cases.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, which is observed annually from May 6 to May 12, 2026. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of nurses to the healthcare system and encourages the public to acknowledge their role through ceremonies and activities during the designated week. While the bill does not create new laws or funding, it serves to honor the profession and highlight the importance of nursing in patient care and public health.

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 bill, known as the Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Foreign Assistance Act, directs federal agencies to ignore three specific final rules issued by the Department of State. It explicitly prohibits any government department from implementing, enforcing, or creating new policies similar to these existing rules, effectively treating them as if they never existed. The targeted regulations concern protecting life, combating discriminatory equity ideology, and addressing gender ideology within foreign aid programs. By nullifying these rules, the legislation removes the current administrative requirements related to these topics from U.S. foreign assistance activities.

Maddy summaryThe WATCH Personnel Act of 2026 establishes a minimum annual salary of $40,000 for Transportation Security Officers and requires future salary adjustments based on inflation data. To address potential funding gaps, the bill provides continuing appropriations to ensure these officers receive their standard pay and benefits during any period when regular government funding is unavailable. Additionally, the legislation authorizes a one-time $10,000 bonus for officers working as of February 14, 2026, though this bonus is explicitly excluded from calculations for retirement and other employee benefits. The law takes effect retroactively as if it were passed on February 13, 2026, ensuring immediate financial stability for the Transportation Security Administration workforce.