Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of August 2 through August 8, 2026, as "National Farmers Market Week" to honor the importance of local food markets. It serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize how these markets support farmers' livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and connect urban and rural communities. The bill does not create new laws or funding but instead formally acknowledges the role farmers markets play in promoting sustainable farming and public health.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 2026 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month" to recognize and promote the domestic flower and foliage industry. The measure highlights the economic contributions of U.S. growers, noting that the sector supports thousands of jobs and small businesses while producing a wide variety of flowers across different states. It aims to encourage consumers to purchase locally grown floral products by raising awareness about the availability of domestic options and the benefits of supporting American agriculture. The Senate resolution formally acknowledges the role of these products in celebrating holidays and special occasions while urging the public to showcase American-grown flowers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 30, 2026, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to honor individuals who report misconduct, fraud, or abuse within the government. It requires federal agencies to inform employees, contractors, and the public about the legal protections available for reporting wrongdoing and to acknowledge the contributions whistleblowers make to saving taxpayer money. The bill does not create new laws or penalties but serves as a commemorative measure to encourage ethical reporting and recognize the role of whistleblowers in maintaining an ethical government.

Maddy summaryThe Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act expands federal firearm restrictions to include individuals subject to any domestic violence restraining order, including temporary or emergency orders issued without the abuser's presence. It broadens the legal definition of an "intimate partner" to cover dating partners and other relationships protected by state laws, closing previous loopholes that allowed some abusers to keep guns. The bill also creates a federal grant program for states and tribes to fund the removal, storage, and return of firearms from individuals subject to these orders, requiring them to partner with local domestic violence service providers to ensure victim safety.

Maddy summaryThe Restoring Justice for Workers Act prohibits employers from requiring workers to sign agreements that force them to resolve disputes through individual arbitration rather than in court or as part of a group. It bans retaliation against employees who refuse to arbitrate and mandates that any post-dispute arbitration agreements be truly voluntary, requiring plain language explanations, a 45-day waiting period, and written consent. The bill also amends the National Labor Relations Act to make it illegal for employers to enter into or enforce contracts that prevent workers from joining together to file joint or class-action lawsuits regarding workplace rights. These changes apply to all workers, including independent contractors, and take effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal laws to ensure that members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force cannot be excluded from jobs or assignments based on their gender. It requires the Department of Defense to establish occupational standards using scientifically rigorous methods that evaluate technical, tactical, cognitive, and physical abilities without gender bias. Additionally, the legislation mandates annual reports to Congress detailing any involuntary reclassifications or separations and requires a detailed review of the operational effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps ground combat units. These changes are scheduled to take effect on September 30, 2026, with the first required report due the following year.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to officially reject a rule proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the Child Care and Development Fund. If passed, the measure would prevent the new regulations from taking effect, thereby maintaining the previous rules governing how federal child care funds are administered. The bill directly impacts families and organizations that rely on CCDF subsidies for child care assistance by blocking the specific administrative changes outlined in the disputed rule. By exercising its authority under the Congressional Review Act, Congress aims to ensure the proposed flexibility measures do not alter the current structure of child care funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates July 2026 as National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month to highlight the economic and safety importance of trademarks. The bill aims to educate the public about the risks of counterfeit goods, such as unsafe medical products and electronics, and encourages awareness campaigns to reduce demand for these illegal items. By promoting education on how to identify genuine products, the resolution seeks to help consumers avoid harmful fakes while supporting brand owners and law enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth National Independence Day to honor the 1865 announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Texas and the Southwestern States. The bill serves as a formal recognition of this historical event and does not create new laws or change federal holidays. It aims to support nationwide celebrations and encourage learning about the history of slavery and emancipation in the United States.

Maddy summaryThe CORE Pacific Act directs the Secretary of State to submit a report within 120 days analyzing the feasibility of assigning consular officers to Coast Guard and Navy missions in Pacific Island countries. This report will assess the current demand for consular services, potential cost savings, and logistical challenges such as space, security, and technology needed to provide these services aboard military vessels. The analysis will also evaluate how often these missions occur and the impact on existing naval operations to determine if this approach can better serve citizens of nations that do not host U.S. embassies.