Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to correct burial markers for American-Jewish servicemembers who died in World War I or II and were mistakenly buried under Latin crosses (a Christian symbol) in overseas U.S. military cemeteries. The American Battle Monuments Commission will run this 10-year program, authorizing $500,000 annually to contract with qualified nonprofit organizations to identify affected veterans and contact their families. It directly affects Jewish veterans buried overseas with incorrect markers and their descendants, ensuring their religious heritage is properly recognized. The program requires nonprofits to verify burial records and facilitate marker corrections, with priority given to organizations experienced in Jewish military history.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe SUSTAIN Act prevents the Air Force from reducing the number of MQ-9 unmanned aircraft or cutting staff levels for these units during the period from enactment until September 30, 2032. This restriction applies to both the active Air Force and the Air National Guard, ensuring that existing mission capabilities and personnel assignments remain at current levels unless specific exceptions are met. Exceptions allow for removing individual aircraft that are unsafe or obsolete, or for converting entire units to new missions if approved by the relevant governor and supported by a detailed plan. Additionally, the bill requires the Air Force to consult with National Guard leaders before making any changes to these units and mandates a report within 180 days outlining a long-term plan to modernize the MQ-9 fleet.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal assistance program specifically for specialty crop farmers who face financial losses due to disasters, economic crises, or market disruptions. Under the new framework, the Secretary of Agriculture would calculate payments based on the producer's recent sales history and a specific payment factor determined to address the losses. The legislation includes special rules to account for the higher value and input costs associated with growing specialty crops compared to standard commodities. Additionally, it sets payment limits consistent with existing farm bill provisions, with higher maximums allowed for producers whose income is primarily derived from farming activities.
Maddy summaryThe Economic Relief for Specialty Crops Act appropriates $5 billion to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2027 to provide financial assistance to specialty crop farmers. These funds are designated for a specific program announced by the Secretary of Agriculture, which may include existing marketing support or similar future initiatives. The bill requires that payments follow the terms and conditions outlined in a previous federal notice regarding marketing assistance for these crops. This legislation directly affects producers of specialty crops by allocating resources to help them through designated government programs.
Maddy summaryThe Expanding Market Access Act aims to boost U.S. agricultural exports by improving foreign infrastructure and increasing funding for trade promotion programs. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical assistance, such as training and infrastructure assessments, to help developing markets better handle U.S. agricultural products, with specific funding limits set for 2027 and 2028. Additionally, the bill mandates a biennial report analyzing foreign barriers to U.S. specialty crop exports and outlines how to address these issues through trade negotiations or legal actions. The legislation also significantly increases funding for agricultural trade promotion activities from 2026 through 2031, while repealing two older, unrelated provisions from previous laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new competitive grant program to help specialty crop farmers in the United States adopt automation and mechanization technologies. The program provides funding to develop cost-effective tools that reduce manual labor, improve farmworker safety, and increase efficiency in growing, harvesting, and processing crops. Grants will prioritize projects that include training for farmworkers to operate new technology and ensure clear communication of results to the public. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the Department of Agriculture must set aside at least $30 million annually for this initiative to accelerate the development and testing of these innovations.
Maddy summaryThe Increasing Insurance Access for Specialty Crops Act creates a new Specialty Crop Advisory Committee to help design better insurance policies for farmers growing fruits, vegetables, and other non-commodity crops. This committee will include representatives from various regions and diverse backgrounds to advise federal officials on insurance needs and educational programs. The bill also establishes a dedicated coordinator to serve as a direct link between the insurance corporation and specialty crop producers, ensuring their specific risks are addressed. Additionally, the law requires annual reviews of new and specialty crops to be conducted in consultation with this new committee.
Maddy summaryThe Improving Pest and Disease Preparedness for Specialty Crops Act directs federal funding toward high-risk states to better manage plant pests and diseases. It increases the annual budget for these preparedness activities from $5 million to $12 million and adds $150 million for future years. Additionally, the law requires that cooperative agreements for these funds prioritize states identified as having a higher risk for crop threats. These changes aim to strengthen the nation's ability to prevent and respond to agricultural emergencies in specialty crop production.
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.
Maddy summaryThe Drain the Slush Fund Act prohibits the U.S. government from paying any court judgments, settlements, or legal costs resulting from lawsuits filed by the President or Vice President. This restriction applies to all cases pending or filed on or after January 20, 2025, effectively barring federal funds from covering legal expenses for these specific high-ranking officials. By amending Section 1304 of the United States Code, the bill ensures that no money from the Treasury can be used to satisfy financial awards or costs associated with litigation initiated by the President or Vice President.