Maddy summaryS 1303, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act, establishes a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to American women's history on the National Mall. The bill authorizes the museum to be located within the National Mall's Reserve area (overriding prior restrictions) and requires the Smithsonian to coordinate with other federal agencies if land under their jurisdiction is selected, including transferring administrative control. It mandates that exhibits and programs must accurately represent diverse women's experiences by seeking input from a broad range of sources reflecting varied political viewpoints, cultures, and lived experiences. The Smithsonian must submit annual reports to Congress detailing compliance with these requirements, including updates on exhibit revisions and planning.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the establishment of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino within the National Mall's Reserve area, directly affecting the Smithsonian Institution and Latino communities whose history the museum will showcase. It modifies existing law to allow the museum's location in the Reserve (overriding prior restrictions) and requires the Smithsonian Board to transfer land from other federal agencies if needed, with specific notification procedures. The bill mandates that exhibits and programs accurately represent the diverse cultures, histories, and viewpoints within Hispanic and Latino communities, seeking input from a broad range of community experts. It also requires annual reports to Congress on compliance with these representation standards, beginning 120 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThe EASE Act (S 1248) creates a new Medicare and Medicaid model to improve access to specialty health care for beneficiaries in rural or underserved areas. It requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to partner with nonprofit provider networks (comprising at least 50 rural clinics or health centers) to deliver specialty care via telehealth and remote technologies, coordinated with primary care providers. Eligible individuals include Medicare Part B beneficiaries or Medicaid/CHIP enrollees living in designated rural or underserved areas. The model mandates that selected provider networks must have proven experience serving rural communities and the capacity to track health data for evaluation.
Maddy summaryThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for telehealth services by removing geographic restrictions that previously limited where patients could receive telehealth care. It allows more healthcare providers to offer telehealth services, including expanding eligibility for practitioners and removing the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health. The bill also includes specific provisions for Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, and Native American health facilities to better integrate telehealth into their services. Additionally, it establishes program integrity measures to address billing patterns and requires the posting of telehealth service data to improve transparency and quality measurement. These changes aim to make telehealth more accessible for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in rural areas and for underserved populations.
Maddy summaryThe FEMA Independence Act of 2025 would restructure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from a component of the Department of Homeland Security into an independent cabinet-level agency directly reporting to the President. This change would transfer all FEMA functions, personnel, and resources from DHS to FEMA, requiring the Director to be appointed by the President with specific qualifications in emergency management and leadership experience. The bill would amend numerous federal laws to update references from "Administrator of FEMA" to "Director of FEMA" and repeal specific sections of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that related to FEMA's previous structure. This structural change would directly affect FEMA's operational relationship with DHS, its leadership structure, and how federal emergency management policies are implemented across government.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 152) designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month." It formally recognizes local news as an essential public good that supports democracy, civic engagement, and community information needs. The resolution affirms the Senate's acknowledgment of local journalism's role in combating misinformation, covering elections, and serving communities - particularly in areas experiencing news deserts. It does not create new laws or funding but highlights the urgency of sustaining local news through symbolic recognition.
Maddy summarySRES 153 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in U.S. agriculture, citing that women operate over 1.2 million farms (36% of total sales, $222 billion in 2022) and work across diverse roles from farming to education and advocacy. The resolution encourages public acknowledgment of women’s impact on the agricultural workforce and food systems, urging support for women entering the field, leadership opportunities, and global food security. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally honors this group during National Women’s History Month and National Ag Week.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care and social service employers to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans for their employees. The plans must include risk assessments, hazard prevention measures, incident reporting procedures, and annual evaluations. Employers must provide specific training to employees, maintain incident records for 5 years, and protect employees from retaliation for reporting violence. The bill applies to hospitals, residential treatment facilities, clinics, and other covered facilities that provide health care or social services. It establishes specific definitions for types of workplace violence and requires employers to follow detailed safety protocols.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires group health plans and individual health insurance plans to cover a full year's supply (up to 365 days) of contraceptives without any cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles), for any contraceptive already mandated by law. It directly affects individuals enrolled in these health plans who use prescribed contraceptives, ensuring they can access a full year's supply in one transaction. The key provision eliminates cost barriers for a 365-day supply, applying to all contraceptives covered under existing law. The requirement takes effect for plan years starting January 1, 2026, and includes a requirement for federal agencies to inform enrollees and providers about the new coverage rules.
Maddy summaryS 1240, the Defending America’s Future Elections Act, repeals Executive Order 14248 (issued by President Trump in 2025), which the bill claims exceeded constitutional authority and threatened voter access. It prohibits federal funds from being used by the Department of Government Efficiency to access state voter registration lists, election records, or immigration databases for election-related purposes. The bill does not change existing voter registration rules (like the National Voter Registration Act of 1993) or election administration standards (like the Help America Vote Act of 2002). It directly affects federal agencies and departments by blocking funding for specific data access activities tied to the repealed executive order. This is a procedural bill focused on reversing a specific executive action, not creating new election policies.