Sen. Bill Cassidy

Maddy summaryThe STOP MADURO Act (S 39) increases the maximum reward to $100 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros. It directly affects Maduro and his regime officials by authorizing this reward through the State Department's existing rewards program. The bill's key provision allows the reward to be funded exclusively by liquidating assets already withheld from Maduro's regime under U.S. sanctions laws. This change does not alter existing sanctions but specifically boosts the financial incentive for securing his conviction.

End Child Trafficking Now Act This bill imposes restrictions related to adult non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) being admitted into the United States with a minor. Such an adult may not be admitted with a minor unless the adult (1) presents documents and witness testimony proving that the adult is a relative or guardian of the minor, or (2) submits to a DNA test that proves such a relationship. The Department of Homeland Security may request a DNA test only if the required relationship cannot be established by the presented documents and witness testimony. An adult who does not consent to a requested DNA test shall be inadmissible. If the required relationship cannot be established and the immigration officer believes the adult is guilty of a felony offense, the officer may arrest the adult. The bill makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly use a minor to whom the adult is not a relative or guardian to enter the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to obtain fingerprints from noncitizen children under 14 years old if they suspect the child is a trafficking victim. It also creates a new federal crime for adults (18+) who knowingly use a minor for entry into the U.S. when not a blood relative or guardian, punishable by fines or up to 10 years in prison. The law mandates sharing fingerprints with health officials for unaccompanied children and requires annual reports to Congress and monthly public updates on trafficking apprehensions involving false relative claims. It directly affects children entering the U.S., potential traffickers, and federal agencies handling border security and child welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state to carry concealed handguns in other states that either permit concealed carry for residents or don’t ban it entirely. It applies to permit holders who are federally eligible to possess firearms, require government-issued ID, and must follow the host state’s specific restrictions (like where carry is prohibited). The bill does not override state laws on issuing permits but ensures reciprocity for those who legally carry in their home state, excluding machineguns and destructive devices.

Maddy summaryThe VALOR Act of 2025 establishes criteria for determining when a democratically elected government is in power in Venezuela, requiring free and fair elections with international observer oversight, respect for human rights, and the release of political prisoners. The bill authorizes U.S. sanctions against the Maduro regime, including blocking transactions involving Venezuelan debt instruments, cryptocurrency, and government property, while prohibiting support for nondemocratic governments. It also creates mechanisms for U.S. assistance to Venezuelans under a democratically elected government, including humanitarian aid and support for democratic institutions, with specific reporting requirements for sanctions and assistance programs. The sanctions remain in place until the President certifies a democratically elected government is in power, at which point the U.S. would work to terminate sanctions and coordinate international support for Venezuela's transition.

Maddy summarySJRES 1 proposes a constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms: it would bar Representatives from serving more than three terms (including time filling vacancies lasting over a year) and Senators from serving more than two terms (including time filling vacancies lasting over three years). The amendment would only apply to future elections, not current members or terms served before ratification. It directly affects candidates seeking election to the House or Senate after the amendment is approved by states. The key provision sets a clear term cap for each chamber, with specific rules for handling vacancies to prevent circumventing the limit.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how retirement benefits are calculated for new federal employees. It excludes location-based pay adjustments (like cost-of-living differences between cities) from the average pay used to determine their retirement annuities. The policy applies specifically to employees hired after the bill's enactment who have no prior federal service creditable toward retirement. This adjustment affects the retirement benefits calculation for these new hires only, not existing employees or other pay components.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires most federal employees who regularly telework (at least one day weekly or 20% of work time under alternative schedules) to return to an office-based work arrangement. It excludes certain employees, including those with disabilities receiving accommodations, Foreign Service members, law enforcement officers, and active-duty military personnel. Covered employees will no longer receive annual pay adjustments under standard federal pay rules and must be paid at the "Rest of U.S." standard pay rate for their position grade and step, with no future adjustments to that rate. The changes take effect in the first full fiscal year after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes key conservation programs under the America's Conservation Enhancement Act through 2030, extending provisions that were set to expire in 2025. It specifically extends the Black Vulture Livestock Protection Program, allowing public entities or Farm Bureau organizations in each state to obtain permits to manage black vulture populations threatening livestock. The bill also extends funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force activities, and National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnerships through 2030. It modifies the National Fish Habitat Board to include additional tribal representatives and clarifies reporting requirements for conservation programs. The bill does not create new programs but extends existing conservation efforts and their funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses off-the-shelf software and artificial intelligence tools. The GAO must report to Congress within one year on how these technologies improve IRS efficiency, taxpayer services, cost savings, fairness in enforcement, and tax collection accuracy, while also assessing risks like bias or security issues. The report must include details on IRS contractors, project costs, contracting methods, and comparisons between customized software and off-the-shelf alternatives. This study focuses solely on gathering factual information about current IRS technology use, with no new requirements or changes to IRS operations.