Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the age limit for disabled young adults to continue receiving Social Security disability benefits from 22 to 26 years old. It directly affects young adults with disabilities who currently lose benefits at age 22 but would now qualify until age 26. The key mechanism updates multiple provisions in the Social Security Act (including Sections 202(d), 205(j), 225(a), and 1631(a)) to replace "age of 22" with "age of 26" in all relevant places. These changes ensure consistent eligibility across different benefit programs without altering other eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, which incentivizes private investment in low-income communities. It modifies the tax code to keep the credit available beyond 2025 (replacing "2020 through 2025" with "2020 and each calendar year thereafter") and adds automatic annual inflation adjustments to the credit amount starting in 2026. The bill also provides tax relief by allowing NMTC credits to offset the alternative minimum tax, specifically for investments made after December 2024. This directly affects community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and investors who fund projects in designated low-income areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires government contractors to report human trafficking incidents during contract performance and submit remedial action plans. It mandates Inspector General investigations when such reports are filed and allows contracting officials to suspend payments until corrective actions are taken. The law directly affects contractors working with agencies like Defense, State, and Homeland Security, imposing new reporting and accountability steps. Additionally, it directs the Office of Management and Budget to assess improvements to anti-trafficking compliance systems within 18 months.

Maddy summarySRES 55 is a Senate resolution designating January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month." It formally recognizes the value of mentoring relationships in supporting youth development, highlighting benefits like improved academic outcomes, mental health, career exploration, and reduced juvenile delinquency. The resolution encourages expanding mentoring programs in communities, schools, and workplaces to address the "mentoring gap" where one-third of U.S. youth lack consistent mentorship. As a symbolic measure, it aims to raise public awareness and promote cross-sector collaboration without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryS 383 (the JOBS Act of 2025) expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in certain short-term job training programs at eligible institutions of higher education. The bill creates a "job training Federal Pell Grant" for programs meeting specific criteria: 150-600 clock hours over 8-15 weeks, aligned with high-demand industry sectors, and leading to recognized postsecondary credentials that meet employer hiring requirements or licensure prerequisites. It also lowers the minimum Pell Grant award from 10% to 5% of the full annual amount. This directly affects students seeking career-focused training and institutions offering qualifying programs that validate industry partnerships.

Maddy summaryS 385, the Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025, requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review the automatic maximum coverage amount for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) every five years starting in 2026. The review compares the current coverage limit to a new amount calculated as $500,000 multiplied by the average change in the Consumer Price Index over the previous five years. This adjustment mechanism ensures coverage levels better reflect inflation, directly affecting active-duty servicemembers and veterans enrolled in these insurance programs. The bill mandates that the review results be submitted to congressional committees, potentially guiding future coverage increases within existing administrative structures.

Maddy summarySRES 51 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is essential for advancing U.S. national security. It states USAID helps mitigate foreign threats before they reach U.S. shores, promotes global stability, addresses the root causes of migration and extremism, and counters China's influence. The resolution does not change laws or funding - it only affirms the Senate’s view on USAID’s role. It was introduced by 38 Senators and refers to existing laws requiring congressional input for USAID changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to prohibit federal disaster assistance programs from discriminating based on political affiliation. It directly affects individuals and communities applying for federal disaster aid by adding "political affiliation" to the list of protected categories, alongside existing protections for race, gender, and economic status. The key mechanism updates Section 308(a) of the Stafford Act to explicitly state that aid cannot be denied due to a recipient's political views or party membership. This change ensures federal agencies, like FEMA, distribute disaster relief without considering applicants' political beliefs. The bill does not alter other non-discrimination protections or the criteria for eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize the role of school counselors. It encourages nationwide observance through ceremonies and activities highlighting counselors' work in supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development. The bill does not create new policies or funding but aims to increase public awareness of counselors' contributions to school communities. It directly affects school counselors, students, and schools by promoting recognition of their vital support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American civil rights advocate who challenged the WWII internment of Japanese Americans. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, commemorates his lifelong fight against racial discrimination and his role in exposing government deception regarding the internment. The bill creates no new legal obligations or policy changes - it solely establishes a symbolic honor recognizing Korematsu's legacy of justice and equality.