Maddy summaryS 3500, the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to submit annual reports to Congress on stalled hydropower licensing processes. The bill directly affects hydropower applicants - including companies, tribes, states, and municipalities - who have notified FERC of intent to apply for a new, subsequent, or original license but haven't received a license within 3 years. Each report must detail specific status updates for each delayed application, including docket numbers, application filing status, anticipated issuance dates, upcoming meetings, and actions taken by involved parties. The reports must break down information by license type (new, subsequent, or original) to provide clear transparency into licensing delays.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill sets annual targets for wildfire prevention treatments on federal lands, requiring the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to increase mechanical thinning and prescribed burning acreage each year (with goals increasing 20% in 2027-2028 and 40% in 2029+). It mandates detailed public reporting on treatment progress, challenges, effectiveness, and cost data, while streamlining environmental reviews for hazard tree removal. The bill also revises vegetation management rules near power lines, creates a public-private technology pilot program for wildfire prevention tools, and repeals outdated reporting requirements. These provisions directly affect federal land managers, electric utility companies, and private entities participating in the technology pilot program.
North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.
Maddy summaryThe Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.
Maddy summaryThe Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 automatically provides federal funding for government programs if Congress fails to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. This mechanism supplies money for 14-day periods that can be extended as long as the shutdown continues, ensuring essential services like food assistance and loan programs keep running without interruption. To prevent political games during these shutdowns, the bill restricts official travel for government officials and limits what Congress can debate or vote on, except for passing a new budget or addressing the national debt limit.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to highlight mental health issues within the farming industry. The bill aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness among the approximately 3.37 million agricultural producers and 1.6 million farmworkers in the United States. It acknowledges specific challenges faced by these workers, such as suicide rates that are significantly higher than the general population, and encourages the use of existing resources like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to promote well-being rather than enacting new laws or funding changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026, exempts small oil and gas wells from certain federal air quality standards and reporting requirements under the Clean Air Act. It defines a "marginal well" as one producing 15 barrels of oil or less per day, or 90,000 cubic feet of natural gas or less per day, and removes obligations for monitoring, leak detection, and emissions testing for these sites. The legislation also mandates that the EPA approve state plans excluding marginal wells within 180 days and must terminate any ongoing enforcement actions against such wells. Additionally, the EPA is required to update its regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment to implement these new exemptions.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2026 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month to highlight the impact of brain tumors on individuals and families across the United States. The measure encourages the public to increase awareness of the disease and supports efforts to develop better treatments and research strategies. It expresses solidarity with patients, survivors, and caregivers while promoting a collaborative approach to advancing medical understanding of brain tumors.
Maddy summaryThe Protecting America's Small Oil and Gas Producers and Rural Jobs Act modifies federal tax rules to provide financial incentives for small oil and gas producers. It increases the percentage of income that can be deducted for taxes on marginal oil properties and removes a specific income limit that restricts these deductions. Additionally, the bill raises the threshold for counting oil as depletable from 1,000 to 2,000 barrels per well. These tax changes are designed to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.