Sen. Jon Husted

Maddy summaryThis bill would require voters in federal elections to show a valid photo identification card in order to cast their ballot. It applies to both in-person voting and mail-in ballots, with exceptions for uniformed service members and individuals with specific disabilities. The bill defines acceptable forms of ID as state-issued driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, military IDs, or tribal government IDs, and requires states to provide free digital imaging devices at public buildings to help voters make copies of their identification. Voters who cannot produce ID would be allowed to cast a provisional ballot and later verify their eligibility by providing the ID or submitting an affidavit explaining a religious objection to being photographed. States must also notify all voter registration applicants about this requirement at the time of registration.

Maddy summaryS 2903, the Safe Step Act, requires health insurance plans and employers offering health coverage to establish a clear, timely process for patients or doctors to request exceptions when step therapy protocols (where insurers require trying cheaper drugs first) would harm a patient. It mandates approval for exceptions if prior drugs failed, delay would cause severe harm, a drug is unsafe, or a patient is stable on their current medication. Plans must respond to requests within 72 hours (or 24 hours in emergencies) and cover the requested drug without extra cost-sharing. The bill also requires annual reports to the government on exception requests, approvals, denials, and trends by medical condition or specialty. This directly affects patients on health plans with step therapy, their doctors, and the insurers managing those plans.

Maddy summaryThe HELP Copays Act requires that financial assistance from non-profit organizations or prescription drug manufacturers counts toward patients' annual out-of-pocket cost-sharing limits (like deductibles and copays) for certain prescription drugs. It directly affects individuals enrolled in group health plans or individual insurance who receive such assistance, ensuring payments from these sources reduce their total out-of-pocket spending. The bill amends key healthcare laws to include these payments in calculating cost-sharing thresholds, specifically for specialty drugs and drugs subject to utilization management (like prior authorization). It takes effect for plan years beginning in 2026 and does not change how utilization management tools are applied.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Stop Insider Trading Act, would restrict Members of Congress and their spouses and dependents from purchasing stocks in publicly traded companies. It requires these individuals to provide advance public notice at least seven days before selling any covered investments, with the notice filed with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. The law includes exceptions for certain occupational transactions and reinvested dividends, and establishes penalties including fees and mandatory sales for violations.

Maddy summaryThe Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act establishes a regulatory framework for digital commodity exchanges, brokers, and dealers that handle digital assets like cryptocurrencies. It requires these entities to register with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), implement customer protection measures including the use of qualified digital asset custodians, and meet transparency and reporting requirements. The bill defines key terms like "digital commodity" and creates new rules for how these entities must operate, while also establishing an Office of the Digital Commodity Retail Advocate to represent retail investors in digital commodity markets.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act of 2026, changes how mining companies calculate tax deductions for extracting rare earth minerals. It directly affects businesses that mine rare earth elements by increasing their allowable percentage depletion rate from the current standard to 22 percent. The specific minerals covered include the 15 lanthanide elements and scandium, which are now added to the list of resources eligible for this higher tax deduction. The change applies to taxable years beginning after the bill is enacted, allowing companies to deduct a larger portion of their mining costs from their taxable income.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Healthy Competition for Better Care Act, prohibits health insurance companies and group health plans from entering into contracts with healthcare providers that include certain anticompetitive restrictions. Specifically, it bans agreements that prevent insurers from steering patients toward different providers, require insurers to make additional agreements with related entities, force payment rate agreements with affiliates not involved in the contract, or stop other insurers from paying lower rates for the same services. The law includes exceptions for certain types of healthcare networks like health maintenance organizations and value-based care arrangements, allows states to grandfather existing contracts for up to 10 years if they are unlikely to reduce competition, and requires federal agencies to create implementing regulations within one year of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the USDA Loan Modernization Act, would expand eligibility for guaranteed and direct farm loans under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. It allows individuals who own at least 50 percent of a farm and are qualified operators to qualify for farm ownership, operating, and emergency loans, replacing the previous requirement that they own a majority interest. The legislation also permits certain business entities to qualify for loans if at least 75 percent of their ownership is held by qualified farm operators, and it recognizes entities that operate farms without owning them if a majority owner meets the 50 percent threshold. These changes directly affect farmers and agricultural businesses seeking financing from USDA Rural Development programs.

Maddy summarySRES 612 is a non-binding Senate resolution acknowledging the fourth anniversary of Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its 1991 borders, condemns Russia’s attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and emphasizes the need for sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but expresses congressional support for Ukraine’s defense and calls for continued international cooperation. It specifically highlights Russia’s targeting of Ukrainian children and U.S. companies as part of its aggression. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect on policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Railway Safety Act of 2026, establishes new safety requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials and strengthens emergency response capabilities. It directly affects Class I railroads, emergency response agencies, and communities near rail lines by mandating stricter tank car standards, limiting train speeds in urban areas, and requiring railroads to provide real-time information about hazardous materials shipments to first responders. Key provisions include phasing out older tank cars for flammable liquids by 2027, requiring two-person crews on freight trains, increasing penalties for safety violations, and creating a new emergency response assistance fund to help communities respond to hazardous materials incidents.