Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan

Maddy summaryThe BOP SCAN Mail Act requires the Bureau of Prisons to implement digital mail scanning at all federal correctional facilities to detect and prevent synthetic drugs like fentanyl from entering prisons through inmate mail. Within 180 days of enactment, the BOP Director must evaluate scanning technology and submit a strategy to Congress for achieving 100% mail scanning, including providing inmates digital mail copies within 24 hours and physical copies within 30 days if no drugs are detected. The strategy must cover equipment, training, a 2025-2027 budget, and annual progress reports on drug detection and program efficiency. This directly affects 122 federal prisons, their 38,000 employees, and over 150,000 inmates by addressing a 600% rise in drug-related overdoses linked to mail-sent contraband.

Maddy summaryS 1302, the "Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act," requires the FDA to disclose to generic drug applicants whether their proposed drug matches the brand-name reference drug in inactive ingredients (type and amount). If differences exist, the FDA must specify which ingredients differ and the exact quantitative deviations. The bill mandates the FDA issue guidance within one year on how it determines ingredient similarity, including for pH adjusters, after a 60-day public comment period. This directly affects generic drug manufacturers seeking FDA approval by providing clearer, earlier feedback during the application review process.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. (including domestically manufactured, imported, or shipped vehicles) to include AM radio as standard equipment, meaning it must be built into the vehicle at no extra cost to buyers. It mandates that manufacturers install AM radio receivers that can access both traditional and digital AM broadcast stations, with compliance deadlines set 2-4 years after the rule is issued. During a transition period before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for AM access. The bill also prohibits states from creating their own requirements about AM radio access in vehicles, aiming to ensure consistent emergency alert capabilities through AM radio in cars.

Maddy summarySRES 153 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in U.S. agriculture, citing that women operate over 1.2 million farms (36% of total sales, $222 billion in 2022) and work across diverse roles from farming to education and advocacy. The resolution encourages public acknowledgment of women’s impact on the agricultural workforce and food systems, urging support for women entering the field, leadership opportunities, and global food security. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally honors this group during National Women’s History Month and National Ag Week.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the asset limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program eligibility. It increases the maximum allowable savings for individuals from $2,250 to $20,000 (in 2025, with future inflation adjustments) and for couples from $1,500 to $10,000 (also starting in 2025). The bill adds a specific inflation adjustment mechanism using the Consumer Price Index to automatically update these limits annually after 2025. This change directly affects low-income SSI recipients who currently lose benefits when their savings exceed the current, low thresholds.

Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.

Maddy summarySJRES 43 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Congress and state governments to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and expenditures intended to influence elections. It would permit distinctions between individuals and corporations, including the potential prohibition of corporate spending in political campaigns. The amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press from being restricted by these regulations. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, this change would directly affect candidates, political committees, and organizations that spend money to influence elections.

Maddy summarySRES 144 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. It highlights their impact across diverse fields - including science, arts, military service, and the economy - while noting ongoing challenges like the 58-cent pay gap for Latinas compared to White, non-Hispanic men. The resolution honors their historical and contemporary achievements without creating new policies or funding. It was introduced by 28 Senators and serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of Latinas' role in shaping U.S. society.

Maddy summarySRES 147 is a Senate resolution expressing the chamber's position that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) should remain an independent federal agency and not face privatization. It does not create new laws but urges Congress to take action to protect USPS’s current status as a self-sustaining, constitutionally mandated entity serving all communities. The resolution cites USPS’s role in supporting a $1.9 trillion mailing industry, employing over 7.9 million Americans, and maintaining universal service - including critical rural access - without taxpayer subsidies. It emphasizes that privatization could raise prices, reduce services, and harm e-commerce and national infrastructure. The resolution is non-binding and solely reflects the Senate’s expressed view on preserving USPS’s public mission.