Maddy summaryThe Esther Coopersmith Award Act creates a new annual award to recognize U.S. diplomats and civil servants who advance women's participation in peace and security efforts. Named after the late diplomat Esther Coopersmith, the award honors individuals who integrate women's perspectives into conflict prevention, promote their safety and economic security, and support early warning systems for violence. The Secretary of State will administer the program, which includes an annual meeting with the recipient, funding for travel to global security conferences, and mandatory training presentations for incoming foreign service officers. Additionally, the bill requires a report to Congress detailing the recipients' work and its impact on resolving conflicts, and the legislation will expire five years after it is enacted.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to officially reject a specific rule issued by the Executive Office for Immigration Review that governs appellate procedures at the Board of Immigration Appeals. By invoking a statutory mechanism known as a "congressional disapproval resolution," the bill aims to prevent the new rule from taking effect or having any legal force. If passed, it would directly impact immigration judges and attorneys who rely on the Board's appellate processes by nullifying the Executive Office's proposed changes. The measure represents a legislative check on executive agency authority rather than creating new immigration policies itself.
First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges and apologizes for the decades of discrimination and wrongful termination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the U.S. military, Foreign Service, and federal civil service. The measure highlights historical policies, such as the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule and the "Lavender Scare," which forced hundreds of thousands of service members to leave their jobs or hide their identities, while also noting recent executive actions that have rescinded protections for gender identity. While the resolution reaffirms a commitment to equal rights and respect for all LGBT government employees, it explicitly states that it does not create any legal claims or settlements for affected individuals.
Maddy summaryThe Beginning Educator Mentorship and Retention Act creates a federal grant program to help states and school districts establish two-year mentorship and induction programs for new teachers and school leaders. These programs are designed to support educators in their first two years by providing structured guidance from experienced mentors, regular feedback, and collaborative planning time to improve teaching skills and reduce turnover. The funding prioritizes schools with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students and those serving rural areas, while requiring that mentors receive adequate compensation or reduced workloads for their roles. Additionally, the bill includes specific provisions to support induction programs for school leaders and to create affinity networks for underrepresented educators.
Maddy summaryThe State Department Integrity and Transparency Act aims to ensure that senior U.S. foreign policy officials possess the necessary expertise and nonpartisan qualifications. It mandates that at least 75 percent of Assistant Secretaries of State have prior experience in senior foreign or executive service roles. The bill also requires detailed public reports on nominees' language skills and cultural knowledge, alongside disclosures of any campaign contributions received by nominees or their immediate families. Additionally, it limits the duration of special diplomatic appointments to a maximum of 90 days per year to prevent long-term placements without significant authority. These measures are designed to enhance the professionalism and transparency of the Department of State while protecting U.S. foreign policy interests.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for designating June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and June 2026 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The bill calls on people across the United States to promote awareness of gun violence and safety, wear orange on the designated day to honor victims, and encourage community leaders to discuss ways to make neighborhoods safer. While the resolution highlights statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries, it does not create new laws or change existing policies. Instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture to raise public attention about the issue during a specific time period.
Maddy summaryThe Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2026 prohibits any person or government entity from restricting, sanctioning, or discriminating against individuals who travel to another state to receive reproductive health care that is legal there. It also protects those who assist travelers and reproductive health care providers from facing penalties for offering services to out-of-state patients, effectively overriding any conflicting state laws. The bill establishes a private right of action allowing affected individuals, organizations, and providers to sue in federal or state court for violations, with provisions for damages and attorney's fees. Additionally, it removes state sovereign immunity defenses for officials enforcing laws that interfere with this travel right, ensuring federal courts can hear such cases directly.
Maddy summaryThe Farm Credit Adjustment Act allows the Farm Credit Administration to extend the time between mandatory safety and soundness examinations for institutions it considers low-risk to a maximum of 24 months. This change applies specifically to the Farm Credit System, which provides financial services to agricultural producers and rural businesses. The provision gives the regulator sole discretion to determine which institutions qualify for this extended review cycle. These adjustments will take effect on October 1, 2026, modifying the existing requirement for more frequent examinations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.