Sen. Ben Ray Luján

Maddy summaryThe Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 would establish a formal code of conduct for Supreme Court justices and require them to disclose gifts and financial interests. It creates procedures for filing complaints about justices' conduct, including a judicial investigation panel to review allegations of misconduct. The bill expands circumstances requiring justices to recuse themselves from cases, such as when they or their family received gifts from parties involved in a case. These provisions aim to increase transparency and accountability in the Supreme Court's operations, with new disclosure requirements for parties and amici curiae in court cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases fines for unauthorized access to or disclosure of sensitive government data. It raises the maximum civil penalty for violating the Privacy Act from $5,000 to $30,000 per violation (Section 2), and increases criminal fines for unauthorized computer access to up to $750,000 for individuals (Section 3). Specific provisions also raise fines for improper disclosure of Social Security data ($10,000 → $25,000), tax information ($5,000 → $25,000), and census data ($5,000 → $25,000) (Sections 4-6). The bill directly affects government employees, contractors, and others handling protected data by making violations more costly. It focuses solely on penalty adjustments without creating new data collection or oversight requirements. (Note: "DOGE BROS" is a non-official, informal reference in the bill's title.)

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic prior authorization systems by 2028 and report detailed transparency data starting in 2027. Plans must publicly disclose approval/denial rates, average processing times (including for appeals), technology use, and other metrics for covered medical services. It mandates 24-hour response standards for expedited requests and routinely approved services, with data collection to analyze access patterns and potential disparities in rural/low-income communities. These changes directly affect Medicare Advantage plans, providers, and seniors enrolled in these plans by standardizing and increasing visibility into prior authorization processes.

Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act This bill allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for coverage, under Medicare, of special shoes for diabetic individuals. Under current law, such requirements may be satisfied only by a physician.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new program to support farmer-to-farmer networks that share technical assistance and conservation knowledge. It provides funding through cooperative agreements with eligible groups - including nonprofits, tribes, local governments, and institutions - to help farmers, ranchers, and forest owners adopt science-based conservation practices. The program specifically prioritizes historically underserved farmers (like limited-resource or high-poverty area operators) and requires language access for non-English speakers. Annual reporting ensures accountability, with a 4-year evaluation report to Congress on program outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the USDA to build modular facilities for rearing sterile New World screwworm flies within 180 days of enactment. It requires these facilities to disperse sterile flies into areas at risk of infestation due to migratory patterns, primarily protecting livestock producers in vulnerable agricultural regions. The bill authorizes $300 million for construction and operation, with annual reports to Congress on threat assessments and program effectiveness. The law targets a specific pest threat to U.S. agriculture, focusing on proactive prevention rather than reactive measures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 224) calls for urgent U.S. diplomatic action to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where approximately 2.2 million civilians face acute hunger and malnutrition, including 10,000 children identified with acute malnutrition since January 2025. It highlights that Gaza’s borders have been blocked since March 2, 2025, preventing entry of food, medicine, and other lifesaving aid, leading to closed bakeries and exhausted food rations. The Senate resolution specifically urges the White House and State Department to use all available diplomatic tools to end the blockade, secure hostage releases, and achieve a durable conflict resolution. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact law but formally expresses the Senate’s concern and directs executive branch action.

Maddy summarySRES 220 designates the week of May 11-17, 2025, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers across the United States. The resolution recognizes officers who have been killed, disabled, or injured in the line of duty, including 234 officers honored for 2024 fatalities and 18 officers killed in 2025. It expresses the Senate’s support for law enforcement, acknowledges the need for adequate resources for officer safety, and encourages public observance to celebrate their service and sacrifices. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new policy or funding changes.

Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act of 2025  This bill adds requirements regarding the availability of training that the Department of Agriculture provides under current law for local food service personnel in schools.   The training must be scheduled during regular, paid working hours; provided at no cost to food service personnel; offered in-person whenever appropriate; and incorporate experiential learning. If the training is scheduled outside of working hours, food service personnel must be informed about the necessity of scheduling the program, consulted to schedule the program, and compensated for attending the program. Personnel may not be penalized for failing to attend a program outside of working hours.

Maddy summaryThe Quantum LEAP Act of 2025 establishes a 12-member Commission on American Quantum Information Science and Technology Dominance to examine U.S. quantum technology developments and recommend policies. The Commission will review global competitiveness, national security implications, workforce needs, and commercialization barriers in quantum information science, coordinating with agencies like the Department of Energy, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Department of Defense. It must submit an interim report within one year and a final report within two years of its establishment, outlining recommendations for maintaining U.S. leadership. This bill directly affects federal agencies, quantum industry stakeholders, and national security planning by creating a structured process to assess and guide quantum technology strategy.