Maddy summaryThe SWIFT Act amends Social Security benefits to better support widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities. It removes the previous age restriction requiring beneficiaries to be between 50 and 60 years old to receive full benefits, eliminates reductions for those claiming benefits before retirement age, and increases the age limit for dependent children from 16 to 18 (or 19 for full-time students). The bill creates new mechanisms to increase benefits for those who delay claiming, ensures current beneficiaries won't face reduced benefits due to these changes, and requires the Social Security Administration to provide clear information about survivors' benefits. These changes apply to benefits payable on or after January 1, 2027.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits child welfare agencies receiving federal funding from discriminating against children, youth, or prospective foster and adoptive parents based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), or marital status. It requires agencies to collect data on sexual orientation and gender identity of children in foster care and their prospective parents, and establishes a National Resource Center to improve services for LGBTQ youth. The bill also provides a private right to sue for individuals who experience discrimination and mandates cultural competency training for agency staff. It affects all state child welfare systems receiving federal funds, requiring compliance within one year of enactment. The legislation specifically aims to address the overrepresentation of LGBTQ youth in foster care and improve outcomes for this population.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals sections 10101 through 10108 of the 2025 Farm Bill (Public Law 119-21) and restores the previous law that existed before those sections were enacted. It directly affects food security programs for American families and farmers by reverting to the prior provisions of the Farm Bill. The key mechanism is a simple repeal and restoration of pre-existing law, without creating new programs or altering current funding structures.
Maddy summaryThe EXPERTS Act of 2025 increases transparency in federal rulemaking by requiring agencies to disclose conflicts of interest in studies submitted by interested parties, including funding sources and potential biases. It establishes an Office of the Public Advocate to help individuals participate in rulemaking, conduct social equity assessments, and ensure rules consider disproportionate impacts on protected classes. The bill also streamlines regulatory review processes, mandates justification for withdrawn rules, and penalizes entities that submit false information to agencies. These provisions apply to all federal agencies conducting rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act. The law aims to make regulatory processes more transparent, inclusive, and accountable to the public.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits rental property owners and their agents from paying for or engaging in "coordinating functions" that involve collecting and analyzing rental price data across multiple properties to set rents or lease terms. It directly affects landlords, property management companies, and third-party coordinators who share pricing information or use algorithms to standardize rental rates. The key mechanism makes it unlawful to perform or pay for such coordination, treating it as a per se violation of antitrust laws under the Sherman Act and FTC Act. Enforcement is handled by the FTC, the Attorney General, and state attorneys general, with penalties including triple damages for affected tenants.
Maddy summaryThe Background Check Expansion Act requires most private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals to go through a licensed dealer, who must conduct a background check as if the dealer were selling the firearm. Exceptions include transfers between close family members (like parents and children), law enforcement, temporary safety-related transfers (e.g., preventing domestic violence), and transfers for hunting or target shooting with specific safeguards. Licensed dealers must provide a notice about the background check requirement and have the buyer sign a certification form. The bill does not create a national gun registry and preserves states' authority to enact stricter firearm laws. It takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3196) gives most Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees the right to have a representative (like a union member or chosen person) present during any VA examination that might lead to disciplinary action, if the employee requests it. It directly affects VA workers in covered positions, excluding senior executives, certain appointed staff, and political appointees. The key provision requires the VA Secretary to provide this representation opportunity during such examinations, using the employee’s work time if needed. The bill aims to ensure VA employees have support during potentially disciplinary proceedings.
Maddy summarySJRES 90 is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. military forces from Venezuela when their actions lack congressional authorization. It requires the President to withdraw troops unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military force against Venezuela. The resolution applies to all current military operations in Venezuela not covered by existing congressional approval. It includes an exception allowing military action for self-defense against imminent attacks.
Maddy summaryS 3146 (Restoring Access for Detainees Act) would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide immigration detainees in DHS custody with specific communication services. It mandates 200 free monthly minutes for calls to family or legal representatives, unlimited free minutes for communications with legal entities (like courts, immigration officials, or the UN Refugee Agency), and private communication opportunities with lawyers or oversight officials during initial detention and location changes. The bill also prohibits facilities from restricting legal call duration or monitoring protected communications, while requiring clear public policies on call timing and location. This directly affects detained immigrants seeking legal assistance or family contact during immigration proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the FDA to maintain a publicly accessible list of food substances deemed "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) for use in food. Food manufacturers must submit notices to the FDA for existing GRAS substances (by 2 years after enactment) or new ones (120 days before first use), with the FDA required to add them to the list or make a preliminary exclusion decision within 180 days. If the FDA doesn't act within that timeframe, the substance is automatically added to the list. This directly affects food companies that use GRAS substances, shifting from self-declared status to a formal FDA-listing requirement. The bill also amends food safety laws to consider unlisted GRAS substances as "adulterated" under current regulations.