Maddy summaryThe China-Africa Mining Transparency Act requires the Secretary of State to publish an annual list of Chinese-owned or controlled companies operating mines in specific African nations. This list will identify entities involved in extracting critical minerals, gold, or iron that are accused of using forced labor or causing environmental damage to protected areas. To compile this information, the State Department must rely on open-source data and consult with various federal agencies and foreign counterparts. The resulting report will be made available to the public and Congress in an unclassified format, though a classified version may also be submitted if necessary.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes the week of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as National Small Business Week to honor the contributions of small business owners and entrepreneurs across the United States. The measure expresses appreciation for the economic role these businesses play and acknowledges the resilience of their owners and employees. By adopting this designation, the Senate aims to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit within every community without imposing any new laws or regulations.
Maddy summaryThe Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2026 prevents the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from finalizing or enforcing a specific proposed rule regarding heat injury prevention in workplaces. This legislation directly affects the Department of Labor and businesses by blocking the implementation of detailed requirements such as mandatory rest breaks and written safety plans. The bill argues that these specific rules are too burdensome and fail to account for unique industry and geographic conditions. By stopping this rule, the act leaves the proposed heat safety standards in a suspended state without changing existing regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of Novel Therapeutics within the Veterans Health Administration to prepare for the implementation of emerging mental health treatments, such as psychedelic-assisted therapies, that are currently under FDA review. The office will develop national clinical standards, create training programs for staff, and designate specific medical centers as centers of excellence to lead research and implementation efforts. It also requires the VA to submit an annual report to Congress on research activities, clinical outcomes, and workforce readiness, while coordinating with other federal agencies on regulatory and reimbursement issues. The legislation focuses on ensuring patient safety, maintaining evidence-based practices, and providing integrated care for veterans with conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Reducing Arbitrary Barriers to Apprenticeship Act of 2026, changes how veterans receive educational assistance when they choose apprenticeships or on-the-job training instead of traditional four-year college programs. It directly affects veterans eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program, and Selected Reserve educational benefits. The bill increases monthly housing stipends for apprenticeship participants and removes minimum attendance requirements for those working in construction-related occupations. These changes aim to make non-college training pathways more financially viable for veterans seeking to build careers through hands-on experience.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to clearly inform veterans about their rights regarding healthcare, benefits, and services. It directly affects veterans using VA services and VA employees, mandating that the VA integrate 10 specific rights into all policies, training, and communications. Key provisions include ensuring veterans receive respectful treatment, transparent claim updates, access to community care, protection from retaliation for seeking care, and clear grievance processes. The VA must display these rights prominently at facilities, in its mobile app, and during military transition programs, with annual staff training and facility audits. The bill does not create new legal rights but codifies existing expectations for VA accountability and veteran communication.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing U.S. laws to require only foreign-owned companies registered in the United States to report beneficial ownership information, while exempting domestic U.S. entities from these filing requirements. Under the new rules, foreign corporations must disclose details about their owners, but any beneficial owners who are U.S. persons will not be required to provide this data. Additionally, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is directed to delete all previously collected ownership information related to U.S. persons while retaining records for non-U.S. individuals. The legislation effectively narrows the scope of the current reporting system to focus exclusively on foreign entities operating within the United States.
Maddy summaryThe Protecting American Taxpayers Act aims to reduce government waste and fraud by requiring stricter oversight of federal programs and extending legal deadlines for prosecuting pandemic-related violations. It mandates that child care payments be based on recorded attendance rather than enrollment alone and requires agencies to report when health care spending or provider numbers spike by more than 100 percent in specific areas. The bill also prohibits small businesses from receiving federal loans or grants if an owner or key employee has been convicted of financial misconduct, while simultaneously banning foreign entities controlled by agents from certain listed countries from receiving U.S. financial assistance. Additionally, the legislation seeks to increase transparency by requiring agencies to publicly report on improper payments and other transaction agreements, and it expands whistleblower protections for employees of defense and non-defense contractors who report waste or misconduct.
Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Russia's War on Faith Act, mandates that the U.S. government create a detailed annual report documenting religious persecution in Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces. The required reports must list specific actions taken against various religious groups, such as the destruction of worship sites, the detention of clergy, and efforts to force communities to align with the Russian Orthodox Church. Following each report, the President must certify whether individuals or entities listed for these abuses should face financial sanctions under existing U.S. laws. If the President agrees that sanctions are warranted, the bill authorizes the blocking of property and other penalties against those responsible for the documented violations.
Maddy summaryThe RETAIN Act of 2026 aims to improve retention for Air Force rated officers by modifying pay and assignment policies. It allows officers with over eight years of aviation service to receive the maximum possible aviation incentive pay and extends a specific retention demonstration program through 2031. Under this program, the Air Force would offer officers flexible duty locations, non-flying staff roles, and the option to transition to non-combat positions, alongside a potential aviation bonus of up to $100,000 for those who commit to active duty. The legislation also requires that contract lengths and bonus amounts for these officers match or exceed those offered to members of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.