Maddy summaryThe For Our Republic Act proposes sweeping reforms to federal civil service, immigration enforcement, and government ethics, with a significant focus on protecting noncitizen children in U.S. custody. The bill mandates that unaccompanied children be placed in family-like settings such as foster care rather than large congregate facilities, prohibits the separation of children from their parents or relatives except in cases of imminent danger, and requires the provision of government-funded legal representation for all detained minors. It also restricts immigration enforcement agencies from using biometric surveillance technology like facial recognition and establishes a new independent Ombudsperson to monitor compliance with child welfare standards. Additionally, the legislation strengthens protections for federal inspectors general, bans racial profiling by law enforcement, and introduces various measures to increase transparency and accountability within the executive branch.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to create a strategy for improving cyber cooperation with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The document must outline current and future needs for defensive and offensive cyber operations, information sharing, and workforce development through 2040, while also assessing existing agreements and capability gaps among partner nations. Additionally, the law mandates a funding plan and a progress report to Congress by March 2028 to track the implementation of these efforts.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 1, 2026, as Gold Star Children's Day to honor the sacrifices and hardships faced by children of fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill does not create new laws or change government operations; instead, it serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the Senate and encourages the public to observe this day in support of these families. By establishing this specific date, the measure aims to raise awareness about the legacy carried by children who lost a parent in military service.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 30, 2026, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to honor individuals who report misconduct, fraud, or abuse within the government. It requires federal agencies to inform employees, contractors, and the public about the legal protections available for reporting wrongdoing and to acknowledge the contributions whistleblowers make to saving taxpayer money. The bill does not create new laws or penalties but serves as a commemorative measure to encourage ethical reporting and recognize the role of whistleblowers in maintaining an ethical government.
Maddy summaryThe TURBO Act expands tax-exempt financing options for specific transportation projects to encourage investment in urban transit and freight infrastructure. It directly affects state and local governments issuing bonds to fund these initiatives by raising the maximum borrowing limit for highway and freight transfer facilities from $30 billion to $45 billion. Additionally, the bill allows tax-exempt bonds to be used for purchasing rolling stock like trains and permits high-speed intercity rail projects to have a maximum speed limit of 110 miles per hour instead of 150. These changes apply to any bonds issued after the law is enacted.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal laws to ensure that members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force cannot be excluded from jobs or assignments based on their gender. It requires the Department of Defense to establish occupational standards using scientifically rigorous methods that evaluate technical, tactical, cognitive, and physical abilities without gender bias. Additionally, the legislation mandates annual reports to Congress detailing any involuntary reclassifications or separations and requires a detailed review of the operational effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps ground combat units. These changes are scheduled to take effect on September 30, 2026, with the first required report due the following year.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands paid family and medical leave benefits for a wide range of federal workers, including those in the Executive Office of the President, the Postal Service, and the District of Columbia courts. It primarily increases the amount of paid leave available for specific events, such as the birth or adoption of a child, by allowing employees to take up to 26 workweeks of leave in total, which includes a separate 12-week portion for other family and medical needs. The legislation also clarifies that leave for adoption can begin before the child is placed with the family to support necessary pre-placement activities. Additionally, it updates the rules for various federal agencies to ensure their leave programs align with these new standards and covers employees who might have previously received different types of paid leave under separate laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. government to create a plan and task force to monitor and counter non-military pressure tactics used by China in the Indo-Pacific region. It requires the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive strategy within 180 days that identifies how China uses economic, diplomatic, and informational tools to influence countries like Taiwan and the Philippines without triggering open warfare. To implement this plan, the bill establishes an interagency task force tasked with coordinating efforts, tracking these activities, and reporting annually to Congress on progress and vulnerabilities. The legislation also mandates that the final strategy and annual reports be made public to increase awareness of these coercive actions while allowing for a classified section if necessary.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Route 66 National Historic Trail under the National Trails System Act, covering all alignments of U.S. Highway 66 from 1926 to 1985 (approximately 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California). It requires the Secretary of the Interior to administer the trail while respecting its unique character and consulting with affected Native American tribes. Key provisions limit federal land acquisition to no more than 1/4 mile on either side of the trail, prohibit eminent domain, clarify the trail is not part of the National Park System, and ensure existing energy development and transportation activities remain unaffected. The designation does not require new permits or alter current easement authorities for existing infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThe South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026 establishes official U.S. policy to support freedom of navigation and a rules-based approach to maritime disputes in the region. It requires the Secretary of State to create a diplomatic engagement strategy within 180 days that outlines goals for working with neighboring countries, allies, and partners on security, law enforcement, and economic issues. This strategy must detail plans to coordinate with these nations on topics such as managing territorial disputes, countering illegal fishing, and preparing for potential crises. Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Department identify necessary funding and resources for implementing this strategy by 2027 and report back to Congress within 30 days of that submission.