Sen. Peter Welch

Maddy summarySCONRES 11 is a non-binding concurrent resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility. It encourages the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, celebrates transgender achievements and leadership, and recognizes the community's efforts in advocating for equal dignity and respect. The resolution highlights ongoing challenges transgender people face, including discrimination in employment, healthcare, and public spaces, while affirming the importance of visibility and inclusion. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.

Maddy summaryThe Hot Foods Act of 2025 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to explicitly allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used for hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption. This change removes previous restrictions that excluded such items, directly affecting SNAP recipients who purchase ready-to-eat hot meals from authorized vendors. The bill modifies key sections of the law to clarify that hot foods are permitted, while maintaining a 50% sales limit for hot foods in participating stores. This policy change updates the program's rules to align with current food retail practices without altering benefit amounts or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Meat Inspection Act to expand exemptions for small-scale meat processing. It allows owners (including partial owners) of animals to slaughter, prepare, or transport meat from those animals exclusively for their household, nonpaying guests, or employees without federal inspection. The exemption now explicitly covers individuals who own animals "in whole or in part," broadening the previous scope limited to "animals of his own raising." If an owner uses an agent for these activities, they must maintain custody and specific identification of the meat as determined by the Secretary.

Maddy summarySJRES 43 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Congress and state governments to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and expenditures intended to influence elections. It would permit distinctions between individuals and corporations, including the potential prohibition of corporate spending in political campaigns. The amendment explicitly protects the freedom of the press from being restricted by these regulations. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, this change would directly affect candidates, political committees, and organizations that spend money to influence elections.

Maddy summarySRES 144 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. It highlights their impact across diverse fields - including science, arts, military service, and the economy - while noting ongoing challenges like the 58-cent pay gap for Latinas compared to White, non-Hispanic men. The resolution honors their historical and contemporary achievements without creating new policies or funding. It was introduced by 28 Senators and serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of Latinas' role in shaping U.S. society.

Maddy summaryS 1172, the Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025, requires the Department of Agriculture to immediately reinstate funding for all pre-enactment contracts with farmers and agricultural service providers. It mandates rapid payment of all overdue amounts owed under these agreements and prohibits canceling signed contracts unless a farmer or provider violates terms. The bill also prevents the closure of key local offices (like Farm Service Agency or NRCS offices) without 60 days' written notice to Congress. This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and rural service offices by securing existing financial commitments and operational access.

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025 This bill establishes a new investment tax credit in the amount of 30% of the basis of any hydropower improvement property. The bill defines hydropower improvement property as property that adds or improves fish passage at a qualified dam; maintains or improves the quality of the water retained or released by a qualified dam; promotes downstream sediment transport and habitat maintenance; upgrades, repairs, or reconstructs a qualified dam to meet safety and security standards; improves public uses of, and access to, public waterways impacted by a qualified dam; removes an obsolete river obstruction; or places into service an approved remote dam. Further, written approval for hydropower improvement property must be obtained from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state or local officials prior to January 1, 2035. The bill also allows an election to claim the investment tax credit for qualified progress expenses for some types of hydropower improvement property in advance of such property being placed into service. Any investment tax credit amount claimed for qualified progress expenses reduces the amount of the investment tax credit that may be claimed once the hydropower improvement property is placed into service.  The bill authorizes certain entities, including tax-exempt and governmental entities, to treat the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property as a payment of tax and receive a refund of any overpayment (also known as elective pay).  Finally, the investment tax credit for hydropower improvement property may be transferred (i.e., sold).

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Medicare calculates rebates for certain drugs to potentially lower costs for beneficiaries. It changes the reference year for rebate calculations from 2021 back to 2016 for both Medicare Part B (outpatient drugs) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) programs. The bill also adjusts how drug units are counted for rebates, excluding units paid for through state Medicaid programs or other existing rebate programs. These changes apply to Part B rebates starting January 2026 and Part D rebates starting October 2025. The policy directly affects drug manufacturers who pay Medicare rebates and impacts Medicare beneficiaries through potential cost reductions in covered drugs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Deerfield River (including all its branches and major tributaries in Massachusetts and Vermont) for a study under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to complete this study within three years of funding and submit a report to Congress detailing the river's natural, recreational, and scenic value. The study will determine if the river qualifies for formal Wild and Scenic River protection, which would limit development and damming in the area. This bill affects the Deerfield River watershed and its communities but does not change current protections or management.