Sen. Tim Kaine

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 summaryThis Senate resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for a state visit where the King will address a joint session of Congress. The document highlights the long-standing diplomatic and security partnership between the two nations, noting shared values and cooperation on issues like defense and technology. It also marks the occasion as the first time a British monarch has addressed Congress since 1991, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Maddy summaryThe NOPE Act of 2026 expands the congressional review process for U.S. sanctions targeting Russia, specifically including new executive orders and energy-related actions involving Russian crude oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and other energy goods. Under this bill, Congress must review these specific energy sanctions until the Secretary of State certifies that Russia has ended its war in Ukraine and committed to a just peace settlement that compensates Ukraine for war damages. The legislation also creates an exception allowing the government to permit certain energy shipments during the initial review period if they are necessary for crew safety, emergency repairs, environmental protection, or to mitigate economic impacts in foreign countries.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 124) directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from Cuba unless Congress has declared war or specifically authorized military action against Cuba. It applies to all current operations in Cuba, including Coast Guard enforcement activities, which the resolution defines as "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution. The bill asserts Congress holds the sole constitutional authority to authorize military force under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. It does not prevent defensive actions against imminent attacks or lawful counternarcotics operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of April 27 through May 1, 2026, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. It formally acknowledges the work of school staff such as counselors, social workers, and psychologists who support student learning and well-being.

Maddy summaryThe HELP Separated Children Act directs the Department of Homeland Security to identify parents of U.S. children during immigration enforcement actions and ensures they can make phone calls to arrange care for their children. It requires officials to notify child welfare agencies only when a parent cannot arrange care for their child or when there is an imminent risk of harm to the child. The bill also mandates that detained parents be allowed regular contact with their children, participate in family court proceedings, and be considered for release if it serves the child's best interests. Additionally, the legislation requires federal employees involved in these actions to receive training on minimizing trauma to children and establishes a system for collecting data on how the law is implemented.

Maddy summaryThe Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026 expands disaster relief assistance to individuals who lived in disaster areas but lacked formal proof of ownership or were not renting, including those who were homeless or stayed in temporary accommodations. It allows these eligible households to use federal funds to pay for obtaining property titles, such as costs for land surveys and associated taxes, by accepting a wide range of documents like utility bills, driver's licenses, and school records as evidence of their connection to the property. The bill also requires FEMA to create a simple, non-notarized form for applicants to self-certify their eligibility and mandates that the agency consult with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate temporary rental assistance programs for displaced residents. Additionally, the legislation amends existing disaster housing rules to focus on ensuring residences are habitable during long-term recovery and permits temporary housing if the President deems it a cost-effective alternative to other solutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Russia's War on Faith Act, mandates that the U.S. government create a detailed annual report documenting religious persecution in Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces. The required reports must list specific actions taken against various religious groups, such as the destruction of worship sites, the detention of clergy, and efforts to force communities to align with the Russian Orthodox Church. Following each report, the President must certify whether individuals or entities listed for these abuses should face financial sanctions under existing U.S. laws. If the President agrees that sanctions are warranted, the bill authorizes the blocking of property and other penalties against those responsible for the documented violations.

Maddy summaryThe RETAIN Act of 2026 aims to improve retention for Air Force rated officers by modifying pay and assignment policies. It allows officers with over eight years of aviation service to receive the maximum possible aviation incentive pay and extends a specific retention demonstration program through 2031. Under this program, the Air Force would offer officers flexible duty locations, non-flying staff roles, and the option to transition to non-combat positions, alongside a potential aviation bonus of up to $100,000 for those who commit to active duty. The legislation also requires that contract lengths and bonus amounts for these officers match or exceed those offered to members of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

Maddy summaryThe Fighter Aircrew Career Flexibility Act creates a pilot program allowing experienced Air Force fighter pilots and navigators to take temporary breaks from active duty to help retain them in the service. Eligible officers can choose to serve in the Individual Ready Reserve for a period between four months and one year while maintaining certain benefits like security clearances, housing access, and pay. In exchange for this time off, participants must agree to undergo specific training to keep their skills sharp and will owe a service commitment equal to double the length of their break upon returning to active duty. The legislation also ensures that taking part in this program will not negatively impact a pilot's promotion or career advancement opportunities. Finally, the Air Force must submit a report to Congress within four years to evaluate the program's success in reducing early separations and preserving experienced personnel.