Sen. Andy Kim

Maddy summarySRES 107 is a non-binding Senate resolution supporting the designation of March 3-7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week." It recognizes social and emotional learning (SEL) - which helps students develop skills like self-awareness and relationship management - as critical for academic success, mental wellness, and long-term well-being for students, educators, and families. The resolution encourages expanding access to SEL programs and urges federal agencies to advance these initiatives. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but highlights research showing SEL improves student outcomes and reduces societal costs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 108) is a non-binding Senate statement affirming constitutional principles regarding judicial review. It specifically affirms that Article III establishes federal courts, cites *Marbury v. Madison* as establishing judicial review (where courts interpret the law), and states that the executive branch must comply with federal court rulings. The resolution responds to recent public remarks suggesting the executive branch could disregard court decisions. It does not change laws or affect any specific group; it is a symbolic declaration of support for the judiciary's role in the constitutional system.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, aims to strengthen workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively. It would make it harder for employers to classify workers as independent contractors by changing the definition of "employee," restricts employers from threatening to permanently replace workers who strike, and prohibits them from requiring employees to give up their right to pursue class or collective claims. The bill also changes election procedures to make it easier for workers to form unions, requires employers to post notices about workers' rights in conspicuous locations, and increases penalties for unfair labor practices. It directly affects employers and workers across various industries by altering the landscape of labor organizing and collective bargaining.

Maddy summaryS 803, the Keep Americans Safe Act, prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices (devices holding more than 10 rounds, excluding specific .22 caliber tubular devices) in interstate or foreign commerce. It directly affects the general public, while exempting law enforcement officers (including campus police), retired officers with agency-issued devices, nuclear security personnel, and manufacturers testing under federal authorization. Key provisions include requiring serial numbers on new devices, expanding forfeiture for violations, and allowing federal Byrne grants to fund buy-back programs for surrendered devices. The bill takes effect upon enactment, with existing devices lawfully owned before enactment remaining legal.

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 adjusts the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program to expand access to mental health evaluations and correct funding mechanisms. It allows licensed mental health providers (not just physicians) to certify mental health conditions for WTC responders and survivors, and extends the timeframe to add new health conditions from 90 to 180 days. The bill also modifies how annual funding is calculated - using a 7% annual increase plus a population-based adjustment - to ensure long-term program sustainability through 2090. Additionally, it removes deceased individuals from enrollment counts to improve program accuracy and clarifies provider credentialing rules for the nationwide health network. These changes directly affect WTC responders and survivors seeking health coverage under the program.

Maddy summaryS 726, titled "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners to store firearms securely in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals ineligible to own guns (per federal/state law) reside. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a person "knows or reasonably should know" access is possible, with exceptions for gun safes, secure locations, or carrying firearms on one's person. Violations incur $500 fines per offense, and enhanced penalties apply if injury or death occurs. The bill also creates a federal grant program to support states with similar secure-storage laws and states that non-compliance constitutes negligence. This law directly affects households with minors or prohibited individuals, aiming to reduce accidental shootings, youth access, and firearm thefts.

Maddy summaryS 697 establishes the Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 to strengthen training and retention for air traffic controllers. It creates a $20 million annual grant program (2026-2031) for colleges to develop enhanced curriculum, faculty support, and equipment for the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), directly benefiting institutions and future controllers. The bill also mandates a committee to modernize CTI curricula and the Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam, while adding retention bonuses for certified controllers. Additionally, it requires new mental health training for controllers and aviation medical examiners, and a report on airport radar systems. These changes aim to improve workforce pipeline efficiency and controller well-being.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 84) is a ceremonial Senate measure congratulating the Philadelphia Eagles football team for winning Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025. It formally recognizes their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs (40-22) and highlights key game details as context for the congratulation. The resolution directs the Senate Secretary to send a copy to Eagles leadership, including owner Jeffrey Lurie, general manager Howie Roseman, and head coach Nick Sirianni. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact or funding, it does not affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing official recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Equal COLA Act (S 624), equalizes cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for federal retirees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). It directly affects current and future FERS retirees, who currently receive less favorable COLAs than CSRS retirees. The key provision amends federal law to apply the same annual COLA calculation method - based on the previous year's price index change - to both systems, effective December 1 each year. This change ensures FERS annuities receive the same adjustment percentage as CSRS annuities, regardless of when the annuity began. The bill applies to all affected annuities commencing before, on, or after enactment.