Sen. Tim Sheehy

Maddy summaryThe Airpower Acceleration Act of 2026 grants the Department of Defense authority to purchase F-35 and F-15EX fighter jets through multiyear contracts. It also permits the procurement of key aircraft components in advance to streamline production schedules. The legislation establishes minimum inventory levels for Air Force fighter aircraft that must be maintained between 2026 and 2035. Additionally, it authorizes an increase in the F-15EX fleet size to 329 aircraft, requiring new planes to replace older F-15E models.

Maddy summaryThe TRAVEL Act of 2026 authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to assign physicians to serve as traveling doctors in U.S. territories and possessions, including American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These physicians would work for up to one year at approved facilities to provide direct health care to veterans living in these areas. To encourage participation, the bill requires the department to offer relocation or retention bonuses to these traveling physicians. Additionally, the law mandates that these doctors coordinate with local medical providers to ensure high-quality, continuous care for veterans. The legislation also includes minor technical updates to the relevant sections of the U.S. Code to reflect the new program.

Maddy summaryThe National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands federal efforts to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology through 2034. The bill establishes new workforce development programs, including quantum education initiatives, traineeships, and a Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce Coordination Hub to address talent needs. It creates an International Quantum Cooperation Strategy to foster partnerships with allies and addresses quantum supply chain vulnerabilities through mapping and planning efforts. The act includes specific funding allocations for quantum research centers, testbeds, and post-quantum cryptography development, with annual evaluations required to assess program effectiveness. The legislation directly affects federal agencies, research institutions, and the quantum industry by providing structured funding and coordination for quantum technology advancement.

Maddy summaryThe SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 ensures that revenue from the 9/11 Security Fee (paid by airline passengers) is used exclusively for aviation security, ending its diversion to other government purposes by 2027. It creates two dedicated funds: the Aviation Security Capital Fund (receiving $250 million annually through 2025, then $500 million annually starting in 2026) for general security improvements, and the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (receiving $250 million annually starting in 2026) specifically for security screening technology like baggage scanners and exit lanes. The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to collect sufficient fees to fund these amounts and allows retroactive grants for security technology projects implemented since 2023. This directly affects TSA operations, airports, and passenger fees, with no new taxes or fees imposed.

Airmen Certificate Accessibility Act This bill allows a pilot to present a digital copy of certain certificates (e.g., an airman certificate or a medical certificate) when required to present such documentation by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. Under current FAA regulations, a pilot must present for inspection a physical copy of an airman certificate and other paperwork upon a request from the FAA; a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer; or an authorized representative of the Transportation Security Administration or the National Transportation Safety Board. This bill allows a pilot to present a certificate such as an airman certificate or a medical certificate to an FAA inspector as (1) a physical certificate, or (2) a digital copy stored on an electronic device or cloud storage platform. The FAA must update current regulations to implement this change.

Maddy summaryThe Support our Firefighters Act establishes mandatory rest and recuperation leave for federal wildland firefighters working for the Forest Service and Department of the Interior. The bill requires these employees to take paid leave after completing specific deployment periods, such as 3 days after 14 days of work or 4 days after 21 days of work, with policies set jointly by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior. Additionally, the legislation allows up to $5 million in unspent wildfire management funds to be transferred between the two departments to support ongoing salary increases for firefighters. The act also removes expiration dates on overtime pay provisions for wildland firefighters, ensuring these benefits continue indefinitely rather than being limited to specific years.

Maddy summaryThe WINGS Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer ownership of aircraft and aircraft parts from the federal government to state and local firefighting agencies that have used them for at least five to ten years. This change applies to equipment originally obtained through the Federal Excess Personal Property program, which allows states to borrow surplus government property for wildland firefighting. To qualify for ownership transfer, agencies must demonstrate responsible stewardship, maintain accurate records, and agree to continued public use of the equipment for a set period after transfer. The bill also requires the Secretary to establish clear application procedures and regulations within 18 months of enactment to manage these transfers.

Maddy summaryThe VA Appraisal Modernization Act establishes a new system for setting and adjusting appraisal fees for Department of Veterans Affairs home loans. It creates two special categories of counties - high-demand and remote - to address appraiser shortages and long wait times. High-demand counties, where appraisal delays exceed standards or appraiser availability is low, will see fees increase annually starting in 2027, with higher rates for counties facing persistent shortages. Remote counties, defined by low appraiser density or long travel distances, will receive mileage reimbursements for appraisers. The bill also requires the VA to publish fee schedules, notify appraisers of changes, and submit reports on the program's financial impact and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends federal funding for sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety through 2031, directly benefiting anglers, boaters, and conservation organizations. It updates the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act by changing the funding period from 2026 to 2031 and modifies how multistate conservation grants are distributed. The key provision ensures each state receives the greater of 0.0375 percent of total appropriations or $200,000 for conservation projects, replacing the previous $1.2 million cap. These changes aim to provide more predictable and flexible funding for fisheries management and water safety initiatives across the United States.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the memory and sacrifice of six Air Force personnel who died in a KC-135 Stratotanker accident over Iraq on March 12, 2026. The bill formally recognizes the service members from Alabama and Ohio who were killed while supporting Operation Epic Fury. It expresses condolences to their families and directs a copy of the resolution to the two Air National Guard units where the fallen served. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy or funding.