Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThis bill, formally titled the Spotted Wing Abatement Trust Act of 2026 (though referred to as the "SWAT Act" in the title), creates a new $6.5 million fund within the USDA to address the spotted wing drosophila pest. The fund will support research and mitigation efforts targeting this invasive insect, which causes significant crop damage to berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries) and stone fruits (cherries, peaches, plums), leading to an estimated 20% revenue loss for affected growers. The fund will operate for five years (the year of enactment plus four subsequent fiscal years) and authorize the USDA to award grants or enter cooperative agreements with eligible research entities. This directly affects fruit growers in states with vulnerable crops and USDA research programs focused on agricultural pest management.

Maddy summarySRES 597 is a Senate resolution authorizing the U.S. Senate to initiate or join a federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice for failing to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act (Public Law 119-38), which required the complete release of all Epstein-related documents by December 19, 2025. The resolution directs the Senate Majority Leader to file the lawsuit to compel the DOJ to release unredacted documents meeting the Act's requirements, covering legal costs from Senate appropriations. This action follows the DOJ's release of only about 12,000 documents (less than 1% of files) by the deadline, along with misrepresentations about the volume and completeness of the release.

Maddy summaryThe Predatory Lending Elimination Act applies military lending protections to all consumers, not just military members, by setting strict interest rate limits on personal loans and credit cards. It prohibits lenders from charging excessive rates on most consumer credit (except residential mortgages, auto loans for vehicle purchases, and federal credit union loans) and bans exemptions that would weaken these caps. The law preserves stronger state consumer protections and allows state attorneys general to enforce violations within three years. It requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to issue rules within one year to implement these rate limits and ensure consistency with existing military lending standards.

Maddy summaryThe Mental Health Career Promotion Act (S 3783) creates a federal grant program to help schools and community colleges connect students with mental health career opportunities. It provides $50 million annually (2026-2030) for partnerships between schools, community colleges, and mental health providers to offer students career exposure through presentations, internships, mentorships, and shadowing. The program targets high school students (grades 9-12) and community college students, requiring activities to be culturally and linguistically appropriate. Grants must support concrete career pathways in mental health fields, including roles like counselors, social workers, and peer specialists, with annual reporting on program effectiveness.

Maddy summarySRES 596 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week." It directly recognizes school counselors and their role in supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development. The resolution encourages public awareness through ceremonies and activities to highlight counselors' contributions, addressing their critical but often underfunded role (with a national student-to-counselor ratio of 376:1). It does not create new programs or alter funding but formally acknowledges counselors' work in schools.

Maddy summaryThe Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2026 would provide $20 billion annually (2027-2031) to improve public school facilities across the United States. The bill directs funds to states based on previous Title I funding allocations, requiring states to contribute 10% of the funds (with some exceptions) and develop plans for equitable distribution to school districts. Local educational agencies must prioritize schools with high numbers of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, and funds can be used for construction, renovation, energy efficiency upgrades, removal of toxic substances, and making facilities accessible. The bill also establishes school infrastructure bonds to leverage private investment and includes specific provisions to repair foundations damaged by pyrrhotite.

Maddy summaryThe ICE Out of Our Faces Act prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from using facial recognition, voice recognition, or other biometric surveillance technology for immigration enforcement. It directly affects ICE, CBP, and 287(g) deputized officers by banning their acquisition, possession, or use of such technology in the U.S. The bill requires immediate deletion of all existing biometric data collected by these officers within 30 days and makes evidence obtained in violation inadmissible in court. Violations could lead to lawsuits by affected individuals or state attorneys general, with possible damages, penalties, or injunctive relief.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Underrides Act 2.0 requires new safety standards for side underride guards on commercial trucks and trailers to prevent passenger vehicles from sliding under them during collisions. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Transportation finalize regulations requiring these guards within 18 months, with full compliance required within two years. The regulations must meet specific performance standards to prevent intrusion into passenger vehicle occupant space during side collisions at speeds up to 40 mph. This law directly affects commercial truck manufacturers, trucking companies, and all road users, particularly vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians who are at higher risk in underride crashes. The bill also establishes a public website for underride crash resources and requires studies to better understand and prevent these crashes.

Maddy summaryThe Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2026 establishes requirements for selling non-performing single-family mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The bill mandates that loss mitigation options be exhausted before sale, requires 90 days written notice to borrowers, and prioritizes government, nonprofit, and Tribal organizations for purchasing these loans. It requires 75% of properties acquired through foreclosure to be sold to owner-occupants, donated to nonprofits, or rented at affordable rates (not exceeding 30% of income) to tenants earning no more than 100% of area median income for a 10-year period. The bill also mandates detailed data reporting on loan sales and performance, including demographic information to monitor fair lending practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies a federal requirement for selecting rail corridors by exempting long-distance passenger rail routes from needing committed or anticipated non-Federal funding. It directly affects intercity passenger rail corridors on long-distance routes accepted into the program after October 1, 2023. The key provision removes the Secretary's obligation to consider non-Federal funding when selecting these specific corridors under the program described in the law. This change simplifies the selection process for qualifying long-distance rail corridors by eliminating a prior funding requirement.