Maddy summaryThis bill requires retirement plans to provide clear, standardized disclosures to participants before they use brokerage windows (self-directed investment options outside the plan's recommended choices). It mandates a 4-part notice explaining that non-designated investments aren't monitored by plan managers, may carry higher fees/risks, and includes a graph showing projected retirement balances at 4%, 6%, and 8% annual returns. The disclosure must be provided each time a participant directs funds into, out of, or within a brokerage window. The rule applies to pension plans with individual accounts and takes effect January 1, 2026. It directly affects retirement plan participants who choose investments outside the plan's designated options.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that retirement plan fiduciaries must prioritize financial factors - such as investment risk and return - when selecting investments or voting on shareholder matters. It prohibits using nonfinancial goals (like environmental or social objectives) to choose investments or votes unless financial factors are equal, requiring detailed documentation for such decisions. For shareholder voting, it allows plans to adopt "safe harbor" policies that limit voting to proposals with material economic impact (e.g., when a plan holds significant stakes in a company), while mandating records of all voting activity. The law applies to ERISA-covered retirement plans (like 401(k)s), taking effect for investment decisions one year after enactment and for shareholder voting starting January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that critical firearm-related operations continue during government shutdowns by designating them as "excepted" under federal law. It specifically covers the FBI's background check system (NICS), ATF enforcement programs, Commerce Department firearm export licensing, and State Department defense trade controls. These functions would remain operational even if most government services halt, directly affecting firearm background checks and export licensing processes. The policy change prevents temporary disruptions to gun sales and international firearm transactions during shutdowns.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures the U.S. Capitol Police continue receiving pay during fiscal year 2026 funding gaps by authorizing temporary funds for salaries, benefits (including hazard pay and retirement), and contractor support. It directly affects Capitol Police officers (classified as "excepted employees" during emergencies), their civilian support staff, and contractors providing essential services. The funding mechanism provides immediate payments for the period starting October 1, 2025, and lasts until Congress passes regular appropriations for the Capitol Police or September 30, 2026, whichever comes first.
Maddy summarySRES 471 is a Senate resolution calling on Congress, schools, and state/local education agencies to acknowledge dyslexia's significant educational impact. It designates October 2025 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month" to promote recognition of dyslexia as a common learning disability affecting up to 1 in 5 people. The resolution emphasizes the need for early screening, evidence-based interventions, and accommodations to support students with dyslexia in achieving reading fluency and academic success. This is a non-binding awareness measure, not a funding or policy change.
Maddy summaryThe LIFE with AI Act establishes a "Golden Seal of Excellence in Student Data Privacy" for schools that implement robust parental notification systems for educational technology. It requires schools to use real-time consent systems ("instant verification technology") for parental approval of student data use, simplifies opt-out processes for directory information, and prohibits using student photos for facial recognition without consent. The bill also creates new requirements for schools to review third-party educational technology contracts for privacy compliance and establishes a Privacy Technical Assistance Center to help schools navigate data privacy rules. These changes primarily affect elementary and secondary schools, local educational agencies, and educational technology providers, with the goal of strengthening student data privacy protections while enabling responsible AI use in education.
Maddy summaryThe Kayla Hamilton Act updates rules for placing unaccompanied alien children (UACs) in U.S. custody. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consult with immigration and law enforcement before placing a UAC, and to conduct background checks on potential sponsors. Children aged 12 or older who are flight risks, dangerous, or have certain criminal histories (like gang-related tattoos or past convictions) must be placed in secure facilities. The law also bans placing UACs with non-citizen sponsors or those with serious criminal records, and mandates detailed background information to be shared with immigration authorities.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or donations related to state and local ballot initiatives and referenda. It amends existing federal election laws to explicitly include these types of elections under the current restrictions on foreign political spending. The changes apply to any contributions made on or after the date the bill becomes law. This measure aims to prevent foreign influence in direct democracy processes at the state and local levels.
Maddy summarySRES 460 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing former President Donald J. Trump's leadership during the pandemic response, specifically citing Operation Warp Speed as a key accomplishment. It recommends that Trump be awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for "saving lives globally" and avoiding estimated hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. The resolution highlights the government's partnership with private companies to develop vaccines rapidly. As a non-binding procedural resolution, it does not affect policy or create legal obligations - it is purely a ceremonial recommendation with no impact on the actual Nobel Prize selection process.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures uninterrupted food assistance benefits for SNAP recipients during a government funding gap. If Congress fails to pass full funding for the Department of Agriculture by September 30, 2025, the bill directs the Treasury to provide necessary funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing without interruption. It also covers missed benefits retroactively from September 30, 2025, through the bill’s enactment date. The funding stops once Congress enacts actual fiscal year 2026 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture. This directly affects approximately 40 million low-income individuals and families who rely on SNAP benefits.