Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThe Reactors at Risk Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security to submit a joint report to Congress within 120 days of enactment. This report will assess the national security and safety risks posed by nuclear reactors located in regions prone to armed conflict, such as Ukraine, the Middle East, and areas involved in potential disputes between India and Pakistan or North Korea and South Korea. The document will also outline steps the United States and its allies can take to prevent, prepare for, and mitigate these risks. While the main report will be unclassified, it may include a classified annex containing sensitive information.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges the contributions of teachers to the United States and thanks them for their dedication. It encourages students, parents, and public officials to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and Secretary of the Interior. It formally acknowledges his public service across various roles, including his work on environmental conservation, veterans' support, and economic development in Idaho. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to his family. Additionally, the Senate stands in adjournment as a final mark of respect to his memory.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor the contributions of these communities to United States history. The document highlights the diversity of the population, cites historical milestones such as the completion of the transcontinental railroad and the passage of immigration laws, and acknowledges specific achievements of individuals like Daniel K. Inouye and Patsy Mink. It also notes the ongoing challenges faced by these groups, including a rise in hate crimes, while celebrating their growing presence in government and society. Ultimately, the bill serves as a symbolic statement of appreciation rather than establishing new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates World Press Freedom Day by formally recognizing the growing global dangers journalists face, including attacks in conflict zones and under repressive regimes. The bill highlights the essential role of a free press in supporting democracy and human rights while citing specific instances where American and international reporters have been killed, detained, or injured. It calls on the President and Secretary of State to investigate attacks against journalists, ensure the release of wrongfully detained media workers, and maintain U.S. leadership in protecting press freedom worldwide.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, which is observed annually from May 6 to May 12, 2026. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of nurses to the healthcare system and encourages the public to acknowledge their role through ceremonies and activities during the designated week. While the bill does not create new laws or funding, it serves to honor the profession and highlight the importance of nursing in patient care and public health.

Maddy summaryThe Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2026 aims to improve the well-being of teachers and school employees by establishing federal programs and sharing best practices. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create an awareness initiative to reduce stigma around seeking mental health care and to distribute evidence-based strategies for preventing suicide and promoting resiliency. It authorizes $45 million over three years to fund grants for schools and universities to implement new mental health programs, offer peer support, and provide professional training on addressing mental health needs. Additionally, the legislation requires the government to conduct a comprehensive review of these efforts and report findings to Congress within two years.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a streamlined career pathway for former United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officers to join the Department of State's Foreign Service. It allows these experienced officials to enter the Foreign Service at a rank matching their previous service without having to take the standard entrance exam, provided they previously met entry requirements and served in good standing. Additionally, the law mandates that prior USAID service counts toward seniority and retirement eligibility while requiring the State Department to give hiring preference points to applicants with USAID experience. The Department of State must issue implementation guidelines within 180 days, and these specific provisions will expire five years after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThe Public Lands Integrity Act modifies the rules used to determine whether certain federal land transactions are considered extraneous during budget reconciliation. Specifically, it adds a provision stating that any sale, disposal, or transfer of federal lands will be treated as extraneous under the Byrd Rule. This change directly affects the legislative process by potentially limiting the ability to include federal land sales in budget reconciliation bills. The bill does not mandate any specific land transfers but instead alters the procedural criteria for evaluating them.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. It states that Congress has not declared war or provided specific authorization for these military actions, citing the War Powers Resolution's 60-day limit for such operations. The bill mandates the withdrawal of forces unless Congress explicitly declares war or passes a specific authorization for military force against Iran. However, it clarifies that this directive does not prevent the U.S. from defending itself, sharing intelligence, assisting allies with defensive measures, or evacuating U.S. citizens.