Sen. Peter Welch

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to prohibit a specific foreign military sale of defense articles and services to Israel. The bill directly affects the proposed transaction involving 12,000 BLU-110A/B bomb bodies and related support services. It uses the congressional review process under the Arms Export Control Act to disapprove the sale without requiring new legislation. The measure would prevent the sale if passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 32) prohibits a specific foreign military sale to Israel of defense articles and services, including D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers, spare parts, technical support, and logistics services. It directly blocks the sale described in Transmittal No. 24-38, which was submitted to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act and published in the Congressional Record on March 3, 2025. The resolution uses Congress's statutory authority to disapprove the sale, preventing the U.S. government from proceeding with this transaction. The bill does not create new policy but stops a specific proposed transfer of military equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the REWIRE Act, would streamline the process for upgrading power lines by exempting certain transmission upgrades from detailed environmental reviews when they occur within existing rights-of-way. It specifically allows utilities to replace or upgrade conductors and install new grid technologies without preparing environmental impact statements, provided the work stays within previously disturbed land or current corridors. The legislation also directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create rules that improve financial returns for companies investing in advanced transmission materials like carbon fiber cables. Additionally, the bill establishes a federal modeling program to better predict grid performance and creates a technical assistance clearinghouse to help utilities implement these new technologies.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1327, the Advancing GETs Act of 2025, creates a shared savings program for developers who install grid-enhancing technologies (GETs) - hardware or software that improves grid capacity, efficiency, or reliability. Developers receive 10-25% of cost savings (over 3 years) from their GET investments, but only if savings exceed four times the installation cost. The bill also requires transmission operators to submit annual reports on congestion costs and establishes a federal guide to help utilities implement GETs. It directly affects GET developers and transmission operators, with key mechanisms including the savings threshold, mandatory reporting, and technical assistance resources.

Maddy summaryThe Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2026 aims to improve food access for older adults, adults with disabilities, and kinship families by expanding and streamlining several federal nutrition programs. The bill extends SNAP certification periods, creates a standard medical expense deduction, and establishes simplified application processes for eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities. It also funds a new program to reimburse retail food stores for delivering groceries to these vulnerable populations and provides grants for outreach and application assistance. Additionally, the Act expands eligibility and increases funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, including grants for market modernization and infrastructure development to support local food access.

Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 This act permanently extends and expands judicial authority under the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016. The law allows and establishes procedures for civil claims and causes of action to recover artwork and other property lost between 1933 and 1945 because of Nazi persecution. Among the changes, the act removes the deadline for filing civil claims or causes of action. Currently, the filing deadline is December 31, 2026. (Claims must still be filed within six years of the claimant's discovery of the property in question.) The act permits courts to exercise jurisdiction over civil claims or causes of action against a foreign state without regard to the nationality or citizenship of the alleged victim. The art or property at issue must still have a connection to the foreign state's commercial activities in the United States. Additionally, the act authorizes nationwide service of process, which allows courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over defendants in any judicial district where they may be found, reside, have an agent, or transact business. Finally, the act limits the defenses that may be asserted against civil claims or causes of action, including by prohibiting defenses based on the passage of time, including equitable defenses such as laches (i.e., unreasonable delays); and discretionary bases for dismissal that are unrelated to the merits of the claim, including international comity (i.e., deference to the laws of other countries). These changes apply to pending and future civil claims or causes of action.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses support for International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day established to honor the transgender community and raise awareness about the discrimination and violence they face. It encourages Americans to observe the day with ceremonies and programs while celebrating the accomplishments and leadership of transgender individuals in politics, media, and society. The resolution acknowledges historical contributions of Indigenous Two-Spirit people and notes recent legislative efforts targeting transgender rights in areas like education, healthcare, and public accommodations. This non-binding measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of congressional recognition and encouragement.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Congress to disapprove a rule from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that would remove an earlier regulation about lending discrimination. If passed, the resolution would prevent the Bureau from withdrawing the 2012 guidance that addressed potential unfair lending practices. The measure directly affects the Bureau's regulatory authority and the financial institutions that previously followed the discrimination guidelines. It uses a congressional veto mechanism to block the specific rule change without creating new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block a proposed sale of specific defense equipment and services from the United States to the United Arab Emirates. The bill directly affects the UAE government by prohibiting the transfer of 1,500 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, 2,400 JDAM guidance sets, and various related support items, software, and training materials. It operates by exercising Congress's authority under the Arms Export Control Act to disapprove foreign military sales that have been submitted for review. If passed, the sale of these listed defense articles and services would be prohibited.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new annual wealth tax on individuals with net assets exceeding $50 million, effective in 2027, targeting ultra-wealthy taxpayers by taxing the total value of their taxable assets rather than income. The tax uses a tiered structure with a 0% bracket up to $50 million, a 2% rate between $50 million and $1 billion, and a 3% or 6% rate on assets above $1 billion, with the higher rate applying if a universal health insurance program is enacted. It includes special rules for married couples filing jointly, trusts, and non-resident aliens, while also adding stricter information reporting requirements and increased IRS funding for enforcement.