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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment Act creates a new income-driven repayment plan for federal student loan borrowers, replacing the current Pay As You Earn and Income Contingent Repayment plans. Under this plan, monthly payments are calculated as 5% of income above 250% of the federal poverty line (with a minimum $0 or $10 payment), and 50% of each payment reduces principal while interest accrues only on unpaid balances. Borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness after 120 payments (10 years) for undergraduate-only loans or 180 payments (15 years) for other eligible loans. The plan applies to borrowers with eligible federal loans and takes effect 180 days after enactment.
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 summaryS 1172, the Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025, requires the Department of Agriculture to immediately reinstate funding for all pre-enactment contracts with farmers and agricultural service providers. It mandates rapid payment of all overdue amounts owed under these agreements and prohibits canceling signed contracts unless a farmer or provider violates terms. The bill also prevents the closure of key local offices (like Farm Service Agency or NRCS offices) without 60 days' written notice to Congress. This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and rural service offices by securing existing financial commitments and operational access.
Maddy summaryThe America's Red Rock Wilderness Act (S 1193) would designate approximately 3.3 million acres across nine distinct wilderness areas in Utah as protected wilderness. These areas include the Great Basin, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Moab-La Sal Canyons, Henry Mountains, Glen Canyon, San Juan, Canyonlands Basin, San Rafael Swell, and Book Cliffs-Greater Dinosaur regions. The bill would manage these areas under the Wilderness Act, preserving them for recreation, wildlife habitat, and cultural values while allowing continued livestock grazing under existing regulations. It also includes provisions to protect Tribal rights and water rights within the designated wilderness areas, with specific administrative guidelines for roads, land management, and Tribal consultation.
Maddy summaryThe Paycheck Fairness Act strengthens equal pay protections by modifying the Equal Pay Act of 1963 to require employers to prove that non-sex factors used in pay decisions are job-related, consistent with business necessity, and account for the entire pay difference. It prohibits employers from relying on salary history when setting pay for new hires and enhances protections for workers who discuss wages or file pay discrimination claims. The bill requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to collect and publish compensation data disaggregated by sex, race, and ethnicity to better enforce pay discrimination laws. These provisions directly affect workers in the private and public sectors, particularly women and women of color who face the largest pay gaps. The act also establishes a National Award for Pay Equity to recognize employers making significant efforts to eliminate pay disparities.
Maddy summaryThe Unity through Service Act of 2025 establishes an Interagency Council on Service composed of federal agency heads to coordinate efforts promoting military service, national service, and public service opportunities across government agencies. The Council will develop common recruitment strategies, coordinate joint marketing initiatives between the military, Peace Corps, and national service programs, and submit regular reports to Congress on service recruitment and transition assistance. Key provisions include requiring joint market research between military departments, the Peace Corps, and national service programs, as well as improving transition assistance for military members entering public service careers. The bill mandates annual coordination and quadrennial reports to Congress on recruitment strategies, with the first report due within two years of enactment. The legislation does not authorize new funding, relying instead on existing agency resources to implement these coordination efforts.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses strong support for public K-12 schools and condemns any efforts to defund public education or dismantle the Department of Education. It highlights the federal government’s critical role in providing equitable funding - particularly for students in underserved communities, including those with disabilities, from low-income families, and in rural areas - and opposes diverting funds to private schools. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states the Senate’s position on protecting public education funding and oversight.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the District of Columbia to use local funds from its General Fund for fiscal year 2025, matching the programs and spending levels set in the District's Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act (D.C. Law 25-218). It sets a strict spending cap, limiting total operating expenses to either the budgeted amount or the District's total projected revenues for 2025, whichever is lower. The bill allows limited one-time increases for emergencies or unexpected needs, but only if approved by local law and following reserve rules. It also prohibits reprogramming funds from bond proceeds (used for capital projects) to cover regular operating costs, requiring the Chief Financial Officer to manage fund distribution accordingly.