Sen. Tim Kaine

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Internal Revenue Service to conduct audits of the income tax returns of Presidents and certain related individuals (including spouses, estates, and trusts) and to publicly disclose specific information about those audits. The IRS must provide an initial report within 90 days of a tax return being filed, followed by periodic reports every 180 days, and a final report within 90 days of audit completion. The bill also requires Presidents to include their three most recent tax returns in required reports, and presidential candidates to include them within 15 days of nomination. The IRS would provide these returns to the Office of Government Ethics or Federal Election Commission upon request, with certain personal information redacted before public disclosure.

Maddy summaryThe Age 21 Act (S 597) would prohibit individuals under 21 years old from purchasing certain firearms and related items. The bill specifically targets semiautomatic assault weapons, certain pistols, shotguns, and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices by amending Section 922 of Title 18. It defines detailed categories of firearms that would be covered, including specific models like AR-15s and AK-47s, as well as features like detachable magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The bill would require sellers to verify that buyers are at least 21 years old for these specific firearms and ammunition types. This would directly affect young adults aged 18-20 who would no longer be able to purchase these defined firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal U.S.-Israel defense partnership focused on joint development of counter-unmanned systems technology, authorizing $150 million annually from 2026-2030 for a dedicated program. It directly affects U.S. and Israeli defense departments, contractors, and military personnel through collaborative research, joint training, and shared procurement of counter-drone systems. Additional provisions include extending existing anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation with increased funding, creating a new emerging tech program for AI/cybersecurity collaboration, and establishing a U.S. Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on program progress and mandates semiannual financial oversight for all joint activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes new sanctions on foreign entities (including banks, insurers, and logistics companies) that knowingly facilitate Iran's oil, gas, LNG, or petrochemical exports. It blocks U.S. property of sanctioned entities and bars targeted individuals from entering the U.S. via visa restrictions or revocation. Exceptions cover goods imports and certain international obligations, while the President may grant limited 180-day waivers for national security reasons, subject to congressional reporting. The law aims to disrupt Iran's energy revenue streams used for terrorism, weapons programs, and repression, with enforcement coordinated through a new interagency working group.

Credit Union Board Modernization Act This bill revises the required frequency of meetings held by a credit union's board of directors. Specifically, new credit unions and credit unions with a low soundness rating must meet monthly. All other credit unions must hold at least six meetings annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter. Currently, all credit union boards must meet at least once a month.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Senate's non-binding position that the U.S. should not deploy military assets or personnel to Gaza for the purpose of "taking over" the territory. It directly addresses the executive branch, opposing any military actions that could lead to U.S. control of Gaza, which the Senate cites as violating constitutional requirements for congressional authorization of military force. The resolution references President Trump's February 4, 2025, comments about taking over Gaza and emphasizes concerns about regional relations, humanitarian impacts, and taxpayer costs. It does not create new law but formally states the Senate's opposition to such military deployments.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded posthumously to all African American soldiers and sailors who served with Union forces during the Civil War, specifically recognizing the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and African American Navy personnel. The medal, to be struck by the U.S. Treasury, will be presented collectively to honor their service and bravery, with the original medal then given to the Smithsonian Institution for public display. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, and all medals are designated as national medals under federal law. The bill directly affects historical recognition of approximately 200,000 USCT soldiers and 19,000 African American Navy personnel who served despite systemic discrimination.

Maddy summarySRES 64 is a Senate resolution honoring the 67 victims of a mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army aircraft near Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. It directly affects the families, friends, and communities of the victims, who were from multiple U.S. states and several countries. The resolution formally commemorates the lives lost, offers condolences to grieving families, and expresses gratitude to the 42 emergency response agencies that assisted in rescue and recovery efforts. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy or legal effect beyond expressing collective mourning and recognition.

This resolution supports the designation of Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.