Sen. Richard J. Durbin

Maddy summaryThe NO BAN Act (S.398) amends U.S. immigration law to prohibit discrimination based on national origin, religion, or other protected categories when processing nonimmigrant visas or immigration benefits. It explicitly bans entry restrictions that target specific nationalities or religions, requiring the President to justify any such restrictions with specific evidence, narrow tailoring, and congressional notification under Section 212(f). The bill mandates detailed public reporting on visa denials, waivers, and refugee admissions for affected countries, and requires ongoing 30-day updates if entry restrictions are implemented. This directly affects nonimmigrant visa applicants, refugees, and commercial airlines subject to enforcement provisions.

Maddy summarySRES 51 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is essential for advancing U.S. national security. It states USAID helps mitigate foreign threats before they reach U.S. shores, promotes global stability, addresses the root causes of migration and extremism, and counters China's influence. The resolution does not change laws or funding - it only affirms the Senate’s view on USAID’s role. It was introduced by 38 Senators and refers to existing laws requiring congressional input for USAID changes.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025 bans the civilian sale, transfer, or possession of rifles capable of firing .50 caliber ammunition, directly affecting individuals and businesses handling these weapons. It includes exceptions for government use and rifles owned before the law's enactment, and requires owners to register such rifles with the federal registry within 12 months without fees. The bill also adds new liability for sellers who knowingly transfer these rifles to foreign narcotics traffickers or individuals designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Act. Additionally, it expands firearm sales reporting to include rifles and creates a new federal prohibition on firearm transfers to designated foreign traffickers.

Maddy summarySRES 49 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week." It recognizes Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), which serve over 230 federally recognized tribes and provide culturally grounded education to Native and non-Native students in underserved communities. The resolution calls for public observance through activities that highlight TCUs' role in preserving indigenous languages, supporting tribal communities, and preparing students for the workforce. This symbolic measure does not create new laws or allocate funding, but aims to raise national awareness of TCUs' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize the role of school counselors. It encourages nationwide observance through ceremonies and activities highlighting counselors' work in supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development. The bill does not create new policies or funding but aims to increase public awareness of counselors' contributions to school communities. It directly affects school counselors, students, and schools by promoting recognition of their vital support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates increased federal funding for two key education programs. It requires annual appropriations for Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (which supports schools serving disadvantaged students) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, which funds special education) starting in 2026. The bill sets specific, rising annual funding levels - based on a 2025 baseline and national per-student spending - to gradually reach 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for IDEA by 2035. These funds directly affect school districts receiving Title I support and those providing special education services under IDEA. The funding is made mandatory, not discretionary, ensuring consistent annual support for these programs.

Maddy summaryThe Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025 creates a federal grant program to fund structured mentoring initiatives for eligible youth. It authorizes competitive grants to community-based organizations and partnerships that provide mentoring programs designed to help youth develop cognitive and social-emotional skills, prepare for high school success, and transition to postsecondary education or employment. Programs must serve youth from underserved communities, include trauma-informed mentor training, coordinate with local schools and employers, and report annually on outcomes like academic achievement, employment, and social-emotional development. The bill also requires a study on effective mentoring practices to inform future program design.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 42) is a symbolic expression of disapproval by the Senate for pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It does not change any laws or affect legal outcomes but formally condemns those pardons as inconsistent with the Senate's position. The resolution directly addresses the Senate's stance toward those who received pardons for violent acts against law enforcement during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach.

Maddy summaryS 280, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act, removes barriers for foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) seeking U.S. aid under the Foreign Assistance Act. It directly affects foreign NGOs providing health services (like counseling) with non-U.S. funds, ensuring they cannot be denied aid solely for offering such services if they comply with local laws and U.S. federal standards. The bill prohibits denying aid based on health services provided with non-U.S. funds and stops applying stricter rules on non-U.S. funds for advocacy to foreign NGOs compared to U.S. NGOs. This changes how the U.S. government evaluates eligibility for aid, making the process more consistent for foreign health-focused organizations.

Maddy summarySRES 39 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating January 1-February 1, 2025, 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 urges federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, along with community organizations, to hold awareness events during this period. The resolution references historical dates (January 1, anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation; February 1, National Freedom Day) to connect the observance with the fight against slavery. It indirectly affects the public by promoting education and collaboration to combat trafficking, though it has no binding legal effect.