Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax benefits for working families by expanding child care tax credits. It raises the employer-provided child care credit from 25% to 50% of qualified expenses (with the maximum credit increasing from $150,000 to $500,000), and adds a new refundable household care credit allowing up to 50% of eligible expenses (capped at $5,000 for one child or $8,000 for two+ children). Small businesses receive enhanced benefits, with a 60% credit rate and higher maximum ($600,000) for qualifying employers. The changes directly affect working parents, caregivers, and small businesses that provide or support child care.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act (DLARA), requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to improve transparency and oversight of disaster loans. Key provisions include mandating monthly reports on loan funding status (e.g., notifying Congress when unobligated funds drop below 10% of the latest appropriation), requiring detailed budget explanations for disaster loan costs, and prohibiting loan forgiveness without congressional authorization. It also restricts the SBA from issuing rules that increase program costs and mandates reviews by the GAO and SBA Inspector General into recent loan program changes and funding shortfalls. The bill directly affects SBA operations and reporting to Congress, focusing on accountability rather than altering loan eligibility or benefits for borrowers.

Maddy summarySCONRES 8 is a Senate concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act. It urges Congress not to impose a new fee or charge on local radio stations for playing music over the air, or on businesses like bars and restaurants that play radio broadcasts publicly. The resolution argues that such a fee would disrupt the current system where radio stations provide free promotional support to the music industry and essential local services like emergency weather updates. It claims the existing model has fostered a thriving music and broadcasting sector without harming small businesses or consumers. This resolution does not create law but expresses congressional support for maintaining the current fee-free system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the President to create a strategy to increase U.S. exports to Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean by 200% in real dollar value over 10 years, with input from Congress, federal agencies, and private sector groups. It establishes two special coordinators within the Commerce Department to oversee the strategy and coordinate with agencies like the Export-Import Bank and development agencies. The bill also mandates trade missions to these regions within one year and standardizes training for U.S. officials on export promotion tools to support the strategy.

Maddy summaryS 783, the Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2025, provides new financial assistance to rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal systems. It authorizes grants, zero-percent or 1% interest loans, and loan modifications/forgiveness for eligible entities facing public health risks or financial hardship in economically distressed areas. The bill requires the Secretary to establish affordability metrics (cost per household as a percentage of median income) to determine eligibility for assistance targeting distressed communities. This directly affects rural water systems in disadvantaged areas by offering flexible financial support to maintain essential services. The legislation focuses on concrete policy changes to improve water system sustainability without speculative outcomes.

Maddy summaryS 807, the Guarding Readiness Resources Act, clarifies how the National Guard Bureau handles reimbursement funds from states and territories. It requires that money received from states (like California or Puerto Rico) for using military property must be returned to the specific account that covered the original costs or a similar account. These funds can only be used by the Department of Defense for repairing, maintaining, replacing, or similar upkeep of assets directly used by National Guard units during state duty. The bill directly affects the National Guard Bureau and state/territorial governments managing these reimbursements.

Maddy summarySJRES 10, introduced by Senators Kaine and Heinrich, would terminate the national emergency related to energy declared by the President on January 20, 2025, under Executive Order 14156. This resolution ends the emergency as authorized by the National Emergencies Act, removing the special legal authorities granted during the emergency period. Upon passage, federal agencies would no longer operate under the emergency framework for energy-related policies, reverting to standard regulatory processes.

This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Senate's disapproval of the U.S. delegation's February 24, 2025, vote at the United Nations General Assembly against a Ukraine peace resolution (A/ES-11/L.10). It condemns the vote as the first U.S. alignment with Russia on Ukraine since 2014, criticizing the refusal to identify Russia as an aggressor or demand its withdrawal from Ukraine. The resolution has no binding effect but formally urges future UN cooperation with Ukraine and allies while reaffirming support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to require local school districts to notify parents of children with disabilities before the first annual IEP meeting each school year. Specifically, it mandates that schools inform parents they may invite additional individuals with knowledge or expertise about their child (such as related services staff) to join the IEP team. The key provision adds a new notification requirement within the IDEA framework, ensuring parents are aware of this option prior to meetings. This directly affects parents of students with disabilities and the school districts responsible for their education.