Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan

Maddy summaryS 5538, the Improving Travel for Families Act, would change U.S. travel regulations to better serve families using Global Entry. It allows children under 11 traveling with a parent or guardian enrolled in Global Entry to use the expedited lane upon arrival at U.S. airports, instead of requiring separate enrollment. The bill also lets parents schedule one interview appointment for themselves and up to four children seeking Global Entry enrollment. This directly affects families with young children who travel internationally with a Global Entry member. The changes aim to simplify the process for families seeking expedited entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to publicly disclose payments made to patient advocacy organizations starting in 2026. Manufacturers must report the name of the organization and payment amount annually by March 31 each year, including indirect payments directed through third parties. It specifically covers 501(c)(3) organizations that provide patient education, advocacy, or support services related to diagnosed medical conditions. The disclosure applies to all payments or transfers of value, whether direct or indirect, to these patient-focused groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Older Americans Act to expand existing programs supporting multigenerational activities. It directs funding toward community projects connecting younger and older individuals through structured activities like mentoring, rather than focusing solely on older adults. Key provisions require grants to support activities at facilities serving both generations, including senior centers, long-term care facilities, and residential settings for older adults. The bill also updates reporting requirements to specific congressional committees overseeing these programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an "Abraham Accords Office" within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support manufacturers in countries that signed the Abraham Accords (like the UAE and Bahrain). The office, located in one of those countries, will provide technical assistance to help manufacturers follow U.S. regulations for drugs and medical devices, including guidance on FDA approval processes. It requires the FDA to report to Congress after three years on the office’s progress and recommendations for improving coordination. The office expires 12 years after its establishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to assign a single, unique ZIP Code exclusively for the entire town of Swanzey, New Hampshire, within 180 days of the bill becoming law. It directly affects Swanzey residents and businesses by creating a dedicated ZIP Code for all mail delivery in the town. The bill does not alter postal rates, services, or operations - only establishes a new ZIP Code boundary for Swanzey. As a procedural measure, it focuses solely on administrative clarity for mail routing.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968-1982) and the first African American to seek a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image and name, which will be presented to her family by congressional leaders. After presentation, the medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution for public viewing and research. The bill also authorizes the production and sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs. This is a commemorative measure honoring Chisholm's historic contributions to American politics and civil rights.

Maddy summaryThe Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 91) authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats who risked their careers and safety to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. These diplomats, representing countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and others, issued visas and provided safe passage to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution despite strict orders from their home governments. The medal will be presented collectively to the next of kin of each diplomat, along with representatives from their home countries, and then permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The act recognizes these individuals' bravery without implying they represent all who performed similar humanitarian acts during the Holocaust. The medal serves as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice and will be available for public display and research.

Maddy summarySRES 74 is a Senate resolution condemning Iran's state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority, which directly affects Baha'is in Iran facing systemic discrimination. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release imprisoned Baha'is, end hate propaganda against them, and reverse policies denying equal access to education, jobs, and religious practice. It also urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to demand Iran's compliance with international human rights treaties and use existing sanctions authority against Iranian officials responsible for abuses. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but formally expresses congressional condemnation of Iran's violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 5487 (VETS Safe Travel Act), allows certain severely disabled veterans to join the TSA PreCheck security screening program at no cost. It directly affects veterans enrolled with the VA who have service-connected disabilities resulting in loss of an extremity, paralysis, or permanent blindness and require mobility aids like wheelchairs or prosthetics. The bill adds a new eligibility category for these veterans in the PreCheck program, requiring TSA and the VA to coordinate implementation within one year and provide outreach to inform veterans about the program. It also mandates a briefing to relevant congressional committees on implementation progress within 180 days of enactment.

Maddy summarySRES 925 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Fred R. Harris of Oklahoma, who died on November 23, 2024, at age 94. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that his family be notified, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal expression of respect for a former senator’s legacy.