Maddy summaryThe BACK OFF Act establishes new grounds for denying entry and deporting individuals who attempt to enter the United States specifically to give birth and secure citizenship for their children. It mandates that immigration officers and consular officials require medical examinations for women of childbearing age to assess the likelihood of childbirth during their stay, with potential visa denials based on these findings. The legislation also creates a specialized taskforce within the Department of Homeland Security to investigate and prosecute those who facilitate birth tourism, while imposing severe criminal penalties, including up to 25 years in prison, on individuals who assist in these activities. Additionally, the bill restricts judicial review of birth tourism cases and authorizes the suspension of visas from countries that refuse to accept their citizens for removal.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2026 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2026. The act requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the Senate's view that the United States should prioritize countering the People's Republic of China as its main strategic competitor. The document outlines specific policy directions, including strengthening military deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, protecting American economic interests from Chinese trade practices, and leading in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. It also calls for maintaining strong alliances with nations such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, while supporting democratic values and human rights globally.
Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act This bill repeals certain restrictions under Medicare and Medicaid that prohibit the approval of nurse-aide training and competency evaluation programs in skilled nursing facilities that have been subject to specified regulatory actions (e.g., civil penalties) for substandard quality of care. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must still disapprove such programs for up to two years; however, the CMS must rescind the disapproval upon completion of corrective action and may require additional oversight of the program for purposes of rescission. The bill also allows Medicaid and Medicare providers (e.g., skilled nursing facilities) to access, through the National Practitioner Data Bank, disciplinary information for affiliated physicians and other health care practitioners, as reported by state licensing authorities.
Maddy summaryThe AI OVERWATCH Act establishes new export controls on advanced integrated circuits destined for specific countries of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. It requires companies to obtain a specific license for each export of high-performance chips, prohibiting the use of general licenses and mandating detailed certifications to Congress regarding national security and defense impacts. The bill defines these restricted chips by their technical processing power and creates a "trusted United States person" program that allows certain domestic entities to bypass licensing requirements if they meet strict security and ownership standards. Additionally, the legislation requires the government to develop an "American Artificial Intelligence Victory Strategy" outlining how to maintain U.S. leadership in AI against foreign competitors.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThe No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026 requires the Department of Education to use a new identity fraud detection system to review federal student aid applications starting October 1, 2026. If an application triggers a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud, the applicant will be notified and informed that their designated colleges must verify their identity before releasing any financial aid. To prevent payment, schools must confirm the applicant's identity through in-person meetings or live video calls unless the fraud suspicion is cleared. The Department of Education will also be required to report details about the system's design and its effectiveness to Congress annually.
Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide treatment and rehabilitation services to seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans. It amends the United States Code by removing a temporary expiration clause that previously limited this program. The legislation directly affects veterans who face both mental health challenges and homelessness, ensuring they can continue receiving support without interruption. By codifying this authority into law, the bill removes the need for periodic renewal of the program.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Joint Medical Facility Fund to support shared healthcare facilities operated by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The fund allows both departments to transfer money from their existing budgets and medical collections into a single pool, which can then be used for facility operations, equipment, maintenance, and minor construction projects at designated combined medical sites. The bill requires the two departments to create a joint methodology for determining transfer amounts and to administer the fund through an executive agreement that includes independent review of financial processes. Additionally, the legislation repeals an outdated provision and mandates that the departments submit a report within 180 days identifying which facilities should be designated as combined medical facilities.