Sen. Richard J. Durbin

Maddy summarySRES 606 is a U.S. Senate resolution condemning the Iranian government for violently suppressing peaceful protests and the right to assemble, which has resulted in at least 6,126 reported deaths and 41,800 arrests since December 2025. It highlights Iran's use of internet blackouts, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and censorship to crush nationwide demonstrations sparked by economic hardship. The resolution calls on Iran to hold free elections, allow citizens to determine their future, and hold human rights violators accountable, while commending protesters' courage. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it expresses the Senate's stance without imposing new legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. tax law to prevent corporations from avoiding U.S. taxes through "inversions," where a foreign company acquires a U.S. business and moves its tax residence abroad. It treats certain foreign corporations as domestic for tax purposes if they acquire a U.S. entity after May 8, 2014, and either have over 50% of their stock held by former U.S. shareholders or maintain significant U.S. operations (at least 25% of employees, compensation, assets, or income in the U.S.). Exceptions apply if the corporation has substantial business activities in its original foreign country. The changes apply to taxable years ending after May 8, 2014, targeting tax avoidance strategies rather than affecting most standard multinational businesses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates January 1 to February 1, 2026, as "National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month" to raise public awareness about human trafficking and modern slavery. It does not create new laws or policies but formally supports observance through educational programs and community activities during this period. The resolution emphasizes collaboration between government agencies, victim advocates, and nonprofits to address trafficking, linking the timeframe to the Emancipation Proclamation anniversary (January 1) and National Freedom Day (February 1). It is a symbolic, non-binding measure intended to highlight ongoing efforts to combat trafficking, referencing existing federal anti-trafficking laws like the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. federal agencies from awarding contracts to "inverted domestic corporations" - foreign companies that have acquired U.S. businesses and now have significant foreign ownership. It applies to civilian and defense contracts exceeding $10 million, requiring contractors to avoid subcontracting with these entities for more than 10% of a contract's value. The bill defines an "inverted domestic corporation" as a foreign entity that acquired a U.S. business and now has more than 50% of its stock held by former U.S. shareholders, or has significant U.S. business operations (at least 25% of employees, compensation, assets, or income in the U.S.). Agencies can waive this rule for national security or health programs but must report such waivers to Congress within 14 days.

Maddy summarySRES 597 is a Senate resolution authorizing the U.S. Senate to initiate or join a federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice for failing to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act (Public Law 119-38), which required the complete release of all Epstein-related documents by December 19, 2025. The resolution directs the Senate Majority Leader to file the lawsuit to compel the DOJ to release unredacted documents meeting the Act's requirements, covering legal costs from Senate appropriations. This action follows the DOJ's release of only about 12,000 documents (less than 1% of files) by the deadline, along with misrepresentations about the volume and completeness of the release.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 601) designates the week beginning February 2, 2026, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week" to recognize these institutions' role in serving Native communities and their economic contributions. It highlights that tribal colleges serve students from over 250 federally recognized tribes, offer culturally grounded education, and contribute $3.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect but calls for public observance through community activities. The resolution focuses on honoring tribal colleges' mission and achievements, citing their open enrollment and economic impact statistics.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 2026 as "National Mentoring Month" to raise public awareness about mentoring programs. It recognizes the benefits of mentoring for youth - including improved academic performance, mental health, career development, and reduced risk of delinquency - and highlights that 40% of U.S. youth lack a mentor. The Senate encourages community, school, and workplace efforts to expand existing mentoring programs and recruit volunteers to support young people. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to promote existing mentoring initiatives across the country.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add two new prohibitions for dietary supplements. It bans introducing into interstate commerce any product marketed as a dietary supplement that doesn't meet the legal definition (Section 201(ff)), and prohibits supplements prepared, packed, or held using a person banned from the industry (Section 306). These changes update import restrictions (Section 801) and seizure authorities (Section 304) to include violations of these new prohibitions. The law directly affects dietary supplement manufacturers, distributors, and sellers who handle products meeting these specific criteria.

Maddy summarySRES 596 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week." It directly recognizes school counselors and their role in supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development. The resolution encourages public awareness through ceremonies and activities to highlight counselors' contributions, addressing their critical but often underfunded role (with a national student-to-counselor ratio of 376:1). It does not create new programs or alter funding but formally acknowledges counselors' work in schools.

Maddy summaryThe Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2026 would provide $20 billion annually (2027-2031) to improve public school facilities across the United States. The bill directs funds to states based on previous Title I funding allocations, requiring states to contribute 10% of the funds (with some exceptions) and develop plans for equitable distribution to school districts. Local educational agencies must prioritize schools with high numbers of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and funds can be used for construction, renovation, energy efficiency upgrades, removal of toxic substances, and making facilities accessible. The bill also establishes school infrastructure bonds to leverage private investment and includes specific provisions to repair foundations damaged by pyrrhotite.