Sen. Edward J. Markey

Maddy summaryThe FAMILY Act (S 2823) would establish a federal paid family and medical leave insurance program that provides wage replacement benefits for eligible workers who need time off for family or medical reasons. It directly affects workers who need leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition, address their own serious health condition, or deal with family violence or other qualifying acts of violence. The program would pay a percentage of an individual's average earnings (up to 85% for lower earners), with maximum monthly benefits of $4,000 and minimum benefits of $580 in 2026, while requiring employers to maintain health coverage during leave. The Social Security Administration would administer the program through a new Office of Paid Family and Medical Leave, with benefits available starting 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2818, the Tax Excessive CEO Pay Act of 2025, imposes a corporate tax penalty on large U.S. corporations with a CEO-to-worker pay ratio exceeding 50:1. The penalty increases the standard 21% corporate tax rate by 0.5% to 5% based on how high the ratio climbs (e.g., 0.5% for 50-100:1, up to 5% for ratios over 500:1). It directly affects corporations with average annual gross receipts over $100 million, requiring them to calculate a 5-year average pay ratio using SEC-mandated methodology. Smaller companies with under $100 million in average revenue are exempt from reporting requirements. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, with regulations to prevent avoidance tactics like shifting to contractor labor.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow eligible voters to register or update their registration at polling places on election day or during early voting for federal elections. It mandates that states provide the necessary registration forms at all polling locations and ensures voters can cast a ballot immediately after registering. The law applies to all states (except those already without voter registration requirements for federal elections) and takes effect for the 2026 general election, with phased implementation for earlier elections. States must meet specific location requirements to comply before 2028, and can seek extensions for 2028-2030 elections by certifying impracticality.

Maddy summaryThe Head Start for America's Children Act authorizes $144.872 billion for Head Start in fiscal year 2026 with annual inflation adjustments, creating new funding streams for facility improvements, transportation, workforce development, and mental health services. It updates eligibility criteria to include children developing English proficiency and children with disabilities, while adding specific requirements for Native American and Native Hawaiian Head Start programs, including culturally responsive curricula and language preservation. The bill mandates that most Head Start agencies provide center-based services for at least 1,380 hours annually (with exemptions for Native American and migrant programs), and improves staff compensation standards to ensure parity with public school educators. These changes directly affect Head Start programs serving children from birth through age 5, particularly in underserved communities and Native American and Native Hawaiian populations.

Maddy summaryS 2798, the Equal Employment for All Act of 2025, prohibits most employers from using credit reports for hiring decisions or employment-related adverse actions. The bill amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to ban employers from accessing or using credit history information (like credit scores or debt records) when making job offers, promotions, or other employment decisions, except for roles requiring national security clearances or when legally required. It also states that even if a job applicant consents to a credit check, employers cannot use it for hiring purposes. This directly affects most employers across all industries and job seekers who would otherwise face employment barriers due to credit history.

Maddy summaryThis bill bans forced arbitration clauses in employment, consumer, antitrust, and civil rights disputes. It prohibits agreements that require individuals to resolve such disputes through private arbitration before any conflict arises, and also blocks waivers that prevent people from joining class or collective lawsuits. The law directly affects workers facing workplace issues, consumers with purchase disputes, and individuals alleging discrimination or civil rights violations. It ensures these cases can be handled in court rather than private arbitration, applying to disputes occurring after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryThe Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act of 2025 requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create and maintain a public database and webpage tracking U.S. billion-dollar disasters. The database will include each disaster’s estimated total cost, type (e.g., hurricane, wildfire), location, dates, and visual maps showing trends over time - similar to a previously available NOAA tool. NOAA must update this resource twice yearly as new data becomes available, using existing federal and non-federal partnerships. This policy change makes historical disaster cost data publicly accessible for research and transparency, without altering disaster response or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryS 2784, the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025, is a commemorative resolution honoring civil rights pioneer Constance Baker Motley. It authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional gold medal to her son, Joel Motley III, and niece, Constance Royster, recognizing her historic role as the first African-American woman on the LDF legal team for *Brown v. Board of Education*, her service as a federal judge, and her civil rights advocacy. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, with proceeds from bronze duplicates covering costs. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Motley's legacy.

Maddy summaryThe FASTER Act repeals a requirement that aviation security fees be deposited into a general Treasury account subject to standard spending rules. Instead, it creates a dedicated account for these fees, allowing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) funds to be spent immediately - without waiting for annual appropriations or being blocked by anti-deficiency laws - to cover security screening costs. This directly affects TSA operations by streamlining funding for screeners and security equipment. The bill makes no new policy changes but removes bureaucratic delays in using aviation security fees as intended.

Maddy summaryS 2777, the Small Business RELIEF Act, exempts small businesses from import duties imposed under Executive Order 14257 (related to national emergencies) for goods they import. It requires the President to refund all duties paid under that order within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The bill directly affects small business concerns as defined by the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632), which typically covers businesses with fewer than 500 employees. This policy change removes a financial burden on qualifying small importers and provides retroactive refunds for past payments.