Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that distinguish firearm retailers from general merchandise or sporting goods stores. It directly affects firearm retailers (those selling guns or ammunition) and payment networks (such as Visa or Mastercard), ensuring their transactions are processed without special classification. Key provisions ban the use of discriminatory codes, establish an enforcement process through the Attorney General with complaint mechanisms, and preempt state or local laws on this issue. The bill does not change gun sales laws but alters how payment systems categorize firearm-related transactions. It explicitly states no private lawsuits can be filed under this law.
Sponsored bills
Due Process Continuity of Care Act This bill allows an otherwise eligible individual who is in custody pending disposition of charges (i.e., pretrial detainees) to receive Medicaid benefits at the option of the state. The bill also provides for state planning grants to support the provision of such benefits.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 209) is a ceremonial Senate commendation for Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) marking its 100th anniversary (centennial). It recognizes SLU’s history since its founding as Hammond Junior College in 1925, its growth into a university serving over 15,000 students, and its contributions to education, research, and community service in Louisiana and the U.S. The resolution directs the Senate to send a copy to SLU’s president, provost, and advancement vice president. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses formal recognition.
Maddy summaryThe INDEX Act (S 1670) requires investment advisers managing passively tracked funds (like index funds) to vote proxy ballots according to their clients' instructions, directly affecting millions of retail investors who own these funds. It mandates that advisers vote shares proportionally based on client ownership percentages - e.g., if 20% of a fund's clients hold shares, their voting preference applies to 20% of the fund's votes. Exceptions allow advisers to vote "routine" matters (like board elections) without client input if instructions aren't received 10 days prior, or to mirror other shareholders' votes for majority-required proposals. The bill aims to align voting with investor preferences while prohibiting advisers from charging funds for compliance costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1704) amends the Internal Revenue Code to strengthen the authority of the National Taxpayer Advocate. It allows the Advocate to directly appoint legal counsel who reports to them (rather than to local offices), and clarifies that such staff are part of the main Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. The key change is giving the Advocate greater control over their legal team's structure and reporting lines. This directly affects the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate and its internal operations, not taxpayers or tax policy itself. The bill makes no changes to how taxpayers interact with the IRS.
Maddy summaryThis bill blocks federal contractors from using DeepSeek or similar AI tools developed by High Flyer (or its affiliates) for government work, with limited security waivers allowed for national defense or research. It requires a detailed report within one year on national security risks from AI platforms based in or linked to "countries of concern" (as defined in existing law). The report must analyze data privacy threats, including how U.S. user data stored in these platforms could be accessed by foreign governments, used for propaganda, or exploited for economic espionage. The law aims to protect U.S. data security and prevent foreign adversaries from leveraging AI systems for strategic advantage.
Maddy summaryThis bill delays Medicare payment changes for ground ambulance services until 2028 and adds temporary rate increases during a transition period. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries using ambulance services and ambulance providers who bill Medicare, particularly in rural areas. Key provisions extend the effective date for payment adjustments from October 2025 to January 2028 and establish temporary payment rates: 26.7% for super-rural ambulance services and 4.3% or 3.4% for regular ground ambulance services during the transition period (October 2025-January 2028). These changes aim to prevent sudden payment cuts that could disrupt access to ambulance care.
Maddy summaryThe CRAWDAD Act amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to expand disaster assistance for crawfish farmers. It specifically adds "losses of crawfish harvest due to adverse weather or drought" to existing livestock and honey bee disaster programs, directly affecting crawfish producers who previously lacked this coverage. Key provisions require the Secretary to establish new documentation standards for tracking crawfish harvest data, production reductions linked to drought, and defining drought-related loss conditions. These changes ensure crawfish farmers can access federal aid for weather and drought damage under the same framework as other livestock and farm-raised fish producers.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated single point of contact within the Social Security Administration for individuals affected by identity theft involving their Social Security number. It directly affects victims whose SSN was misused to fraudulently claim benefits (under Titles II, VIII, or XVI of the Social Security Act) or whose physical card was lost during delivery. The key provision requires the SSA to assign a specially trained team to coordinate all aspects of the victim's case, track it to resolution, and maintain continuity even if team members change. The team must be accountable for the case until fully resolved, with procedures ensuring case history continuity and victim notification during transitions. The requirement takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.
Maddy summarySRES 201 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating the week of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across all U.S. communities for their economic contributions, citing that small businesses support over 59 million jobs. The resolution recognizes their resilience and celebrates their role in strengthening local economies. This symbolic gesture, consistent with annual presidential proclamations since 1963, does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes.