Sen. Chuck Grassley

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness agreement as a treaty, rather than allowing it to take effect through executive action. It directly affects the U.S. government’s ability to enter into international agreements on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response with the WHO. The bill explicitly deems any such agreement "a treaty" requiring Senate advice and consent under the U.S. Constitution (two-thirds approval). It responds to the WHO’s recent adoption of a pandemic agreement draft at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025, aiming to ensure Senate oversight for all future pandemic-related international commitments.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1949) creates new penalties for manufacturing or distributing candy-flavored drugs marketed to minors. It specifically targets producers who combine schedule I or II controlled substances with candy/beverage products, market them to appear like candy, or modify them with candy-like flavors/coloring, knowing they’ll be sold to people under 18. First offenses carry up to 10 additional years in prison, while repeat offenses carry up to 20 additional years. Exceptions apply for FDA-approved medications sold as prescribed and products altered under a doctor’s direction for legitimate medical use.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June as "Life Month" each year, recognizing the inherent dignity of all human life. It urges Congress to acknowledge that every life is a sacred gift and to commend organizations and individuals supporting pregnant mothers and families. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic statement affirming life as a fundamental right.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1931) provides federal funding to states that meet specific standards for protecting sexual assault survivors' rights. States qualify for one of three funding tiers based on whether they have laws, regulations, or policies that provide rights matching federal standards under Section 3772 of Title 18 (e.g., right to be informed of case status, right to a safe environment during medical exams). The funding allocates 60% to states meeting the strictest standard, 25% to those meeting a moderate standard, and 15% to those meeting a less comprehensive standard. Additionally, the bill extends the minimum retention period for sexual assault evidence kits from "20 years or statute of limitations" to "at least 20 years" to preserve evidence for potential future investigations.

Maddy summaryThe TORNADO Act (S 258) directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve how hazardous weather warnings are communicated to the public, focusing on simplifying language and ensuring clarity to prompt protective actions. It establishes a dedicated hazard risk communication office to eliminate confusing terms, develop new terminology, and create best practices for timely, consistent warnings across platforms. The bill mandates a pilot program testing tornado warning effectiveness at historically Black colleges in tornado-prone areas and requires NOAA to update tornado rating systems for accuracy. Additionally, it authorizes $11 million annually for research grants prioritizing minority-serving institutions to advance tornado forecasting, communication science, and post-storm assessments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 255) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring former U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri, who died on May 13, 2025. It recognizes his 40+ years of public service, including his roles as Missouri Governor (1973-1977, 1981-1985) and U.S. Senator (1987-2011). The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn briefly as a mark of respect and transmit a copy to his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summarySRES 250 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating May 2025 as National Foster Care Month. It recognizes the challenges faced by the approximately 368,530 children in foster care in the U.S. and encourages Congress to develop policies improving their lives. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it solely raises awareness and acknowledges foster parents, workers, and youth. It highlights issues like prolonged care (average 22.6 months), educational instability, and the need for better support for youth aging out (18,538 in 2022). As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect on policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes May as Jewish American Heritage Month to celebrate Jewish Americans' contributions to U.S. society, culture, and history. It calls on elected officials, civil society leaders, and educational institutions to condemn antisemitism, educate the public about Jewish heritage, and ensure the safety of Jewish communities. The resolution cites rising antisemitic incidents - documented by the ADL as a 344% increase over five years - and emphasizes countering hate through awareness and inclusion. It does not create new laws but urges proactive measures to protect Jewish Americans, particularly following the post-October 7, 2023, surge in antisemitism.

Maddy summaryThe Innovative FEED Act of 2025 creates a new regulatory category for "zootechnical animal food substances" - additives in animal feed that affect digestion, reduce foodborne pathogens, or alter gut microbiome without providing nutrition or treating disease. It requires manufacturers to submit specific data on intended effects and testing methods to the FDA for approval, rather than treating these substances as drugs. The bill mandates clear labeling stating "Not for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in animals" and defines what excludes substances (like hormones or drugs) from this category. This directly affects animal feed manufacturers, the FDA, and the regulatory process for these feed additives, without requiring their use.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends bankruptcy law to prevent the sale or sharing of genetic information (such as DNA data) in bankruptcy cases without explicit written consent. It requires bankruptcy trustees to delete genetic data from estate records unless it's sold with consent from every affected person, including those not involved in the case. The law applies to all bankruptcy cases pending or filed after enactment, directly affecting bankruptcy trustees and estate managers handling genetic data. It does not create new privacy protections outside bankruptcy proceedings.