Maddy summaryThe Risky Research Review Act establishes a new Life Sciences Research Security Board to review proposed federal funding for high-risk life sciences research before it can be approved. The Board, composed of 9 members including scientists, national security experts, and biosafety specialists, must determine if research involving high-consequence pathogens (like Ebola, Marburg virus, or other specified agents) or "gain of function" studies poses unacceptable risks to public health or national security. Entities seeking federal funding must first attest whether their research qualifies as high-risk, and agencies must refer such proposals to the Board for review within 120 days. The Board's determination is binding on agencies and must consider factors including public health risks, national security concerns, and whether the benefits of the research outweigh the risks. This creates a new oversight process for research that could potentially be misapplied to cause harm.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Brake for Kids Act of 2025 requires the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to launch a national public safety campaign within one year of enactment. The campaign will educate drivers about the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses using TV, radio, social media, and other broad-reaching channels. It directly affects drivers who may pass school buses and aims to increase awareness through widespread messaging, funded by existing transportation safety budgets. The bill does not change traffic laws but focuses on public education to improve safety around school buses.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 387) expresses support for designating the week of September 11-17, 2025, as "Patriot Week." It encourages citizens, schools, and government entities to honor U.S. history, founding documents (like the Constitution and Declaration of Independence), historical figures, and national symbols during this period. The resolution does not create new laws or obligations, as it is purely symbolic and aims to promote reflection on American values and history. It specifically references Constitution Day (September 17) and the September 11, 2001, attacks in its rationale.
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 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 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.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to strengthen federal efforts addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia across marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. It establishes a new Task Force required to develop a comprehensive Action Strategy every five years, examining causes, ecological impacts, and economic consequences of HABs in diverse environments including the Great Lakes, coastal waters, and freshwater systems. The bill authorizes $19.5 million annually for NOAA and $8 million annually for the EPA (fiscal years 2026-2030) to implement these provisions, creates a national monitoring network for HABs, and establishes an incubator program to develop innovative prevention strategies. It mandates consultation with states, tribes, local governments, and affected industries like fisheries and agriculture to address HABs impacts on public health, ecosystems, and communities.
Maddy summaryThis bill terminates the Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress by removing it from federal law, effective 60 days after enactment. It replaces the committee with an annual reporting requirement: the Director of the Center for Legislative Archives must submit reports on Congress's record management to key officials and congressional committees each February. The Archivist, Secretary of the Senate, and Clerk of the House must also review these reports within specified timeframes. The bill affects only the structure of congressional record-keeping oversight, with no new policy changes for the public or government operations.
Maddy summaryS 2718 amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to expand liquidity support for community development financial institutions (CDFIs). The bill increases annual funding from $5 million to $20 million and allows the Fund to purchase CDFI loans, provide guarantees, or offer other support to boost CDFI liquidity. It also broadens eligibility to include non-CDFI organizations focused on community development, with priority given to those with experience in loan structures or serving underserved areas. The bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing how funds are used, including loan purchases, housing support, and impacts on CDFI competitiveness and liquidity.
Maddy summaryThe West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025 imposes U.S. sanctions on foreign individuals or entities responsible for specific actions threatening peace in the West Bank. It targets those who commit violence against civilians, threaten violence to force relocation, destroy private property without consent, or engage in terrorism. Sanctions include freezing U.S. assets, banning visas, and restricting entry for designated individuals. Exceptions cover humanitarian aid (food, medicine, agricultural commodities) and activities required for U.S. intelligence or international obligations. The law requires regular reports to Congress on implementation and West Bank violence assessments.