Maddy summaryThe EXPERTS Act of 2025 increases transparency in federal rulemaking by requiring agencies to disclose conflicts of interest in studies submitted by interested parties, including funding sources and potential biases. It establishes an Office of the Public Advocate to help individuals participate in rulemaking, conduct social equity assessments, and ensure rules consider disproportionate impacts on protected classes. The bill also streamlines regulatory review processes, mandates justification for withdrawn rules, and penalizes entities that submit false information to agencies. These provisions apply to all federal agencies conducting rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act. The law aims to make regulatory processes more transparent, inclusive, and accountable to the public.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Background Check Expansion Act requires most private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals to go through a licensed dealer, who must conduct a background check as if the dealer were selling the firearm. Exceptions include transfers between close family members (like parents and children), law enforcement, temporary safety-related transfers (e.g., preventing domestic violence), and transfers for hunting or target shooting with specific safeguards. Licensed dealers must provide a notice about the background check requirement and have the buyer sign a certification form. The bill does not create a national gun registry and preserves states' authority to enact stricter firearm laws. It takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Maddy summarySRES 501 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 2025 as National Native American Heritage Month. It encourages the American public to observe the month through programs and activities that celebrate Native American cultural contributions, heritage, and history. The resolution does not create new legal obligations or funding, serving solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of Native American communities' enduring impact on U.S. society.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new safety standards to protect wildland firefighters from harmful smoke exposure. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture (and the Secretary of the Interior for their firefighters) to develop and provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment when smoke levels exceed current safety limits, within one year of the bill's enactment. Firefighters and supporting staff must use this equipment in high-exposure situations, with standards periodically reviewed and updated based on the latest guidelines. The bill also authorizes funding to cover the costs of implementing these safety measures for wildland firefighting personnel.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to create an exception preventing lawsuits against the President (or someone who becomes President while a case is pending) for any tort claim, regardless of when the incident occurred. It directly affects the President and future presidential candidates who might face civil lawsuits during their presidency. The key provision adds a new exception to federal law, blocking all such claims from proceeding in court. This is a procedural change to existing tort law, not a new policy affecting the general public. The bill would apply to any pending or future lawsuits against the President.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (the main federal civil rights statute) by adding "of the United States" before "of any State" in its text. It would directly affect individuals seeking to sue federal officials for constitutional violations committed while acting under federal authority. The key mechanism is a narrow textual change to clarify that lawsuits can be brought against federal actors under this statute, similar to existing provisions for state officials. This is a procedural adjustment to existing law, not a new policy. (Note: This bill does not create new rights but modifies how an existing legal remedy applies.)
Maddy summaryThe Stop Ballroom Bribery Act restricts donations for specific properties tied to the President or Vice President, including White House grounds, Number One Observatory Circle, and monuments honoring them. It prohibits donations from individuals or entities involved in government litigation, seeking contracts/grants, lobbying the executive branch, or pursuing pardons or appointments. The bill requires prior approval from the National Park Service and Office of Government Ethics, mandates disclosure of meetings with officials, and bans donor recognition or anonymous contributions. It also imposes a two-year lobbying cooling-off period for donors and sets civil/criminal penalties for violations, including fines and disgorgement of benefits.
Maddy summaryS 3184, the Tribal Internet Expansion Act of 2025, amends federal law to expand eligibility for universal service funds that support affordable internet access. It directly affects Native American communities in Indian country (as defined by federal law) and areas with high populations of Indian people. The bill modifies the Communications Act to explicitly include these communities within the existing framework for funding high-cost rural internet service. This change ensures federal internet subsidy programs specifically cover tribal lands and high-population Indian areas, streamlining access to funding for broadband infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3195) repeals a specific section (Section 213) from the 2026 appropriations law and restores an older provision (Section 10 of the 2005 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act) as if the repealed section had never existed. It directly affects how legislative branch funding is administered, correcting a technical error in the appropriations process. The bill makes no new policy changes but restores the original funding mechanism that was inadvertently altered by the 2026 law. It is purely procedural, with no direct impact on public programs or citizens' daily lives.
Maddy summarySJRES 90 is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. military forces from Venezuela when their actions lack congressional authorization. It requires the President to withdraw troops unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military force against Venezuela. The resolution applies to all current military operations in Venezuela not covered by existing congressional approval. It includes an exception allowing military action for self-defense against imminent attacks.