Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2245) amends the Digital Coast Act to improve how coastal data is handled. It requires the program to make data "fully and freely available" (not just "readily accessible") and expands the data collected to include underground infrastructure like utility lines. The bill also extends the program’s funding and operations deadline from 2025 to 2030. These changes directly affect coastal communities, local governments, and agencies that rely on the Digital Coast program for accurate, accessible coastal data to support planning and resilience efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 16, 2026, as National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to honor her role in passing the first anti-discrimination law in U.S. history (the 1945 Alaska Territorial Anti-Discrimination Act). It calls on the American public to recognize her legacy as a Tlingit civil rights leader who fought for equality and encourages continued efforts toward justice for Alaska Natives and Native Americans. The resolution has no binding legal effect but serves as a symbolic tribute to her advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Treasury Secretary to testify annually before Congress about the Fund's operations. It also strengthens the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program by adjusting guarantee limits and extending the program's authorization period. Additionally, the bill expands capital assistance options for community development financial institutions and creates a new lending program specifically for Native community development financial institutions to support homeownership in Tribal and Native communities.

Maddy summaryThe ReSCUE Oceans Act establishes a federal program to advance research on marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), which involves intentionally removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in ocean environments. The bill creates a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) program to fund research on various mCDR approaches like ocean alkalinity enhancement and macroalgae cultivation, while requiring consultation with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. It establishes research areas for field trials with specific environmental monitoring requirements, develops protocols for measuring and verifying carbon removal, and mandates biennial reports on progress. The legislation directly affects federal agencies, research institutions, and coastal communities, particularly through its tribal consultation requirements and community engagement provisions. The bill aims to support safe and effective mCDR research while protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring meaningful community engagement.

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 summaryThe SAVES Act of 2025 establishes a five-year pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to eligible veterans with specific disabilities, such as blindness, mobility issues, PTSD, or traumatic brain injury. Nonprofits must apply competitively, meet training and animal welfare standards (including ADA compliance), and provide service dogs at no cost to veterans, with the VA covering all program expenses. The VA will also provide ongoing veterinary insurance for the dogs, which continues even after the pilot ends. This program is funded with $10 million annually for five years, targeting veterans as defined by VA medical criteria.

Maddy summaryThe Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education Act of 2026 reauthorizes and enhances the National Tsunami Warning System to improve forecasting, warning capabilities, and coordination. It requires better integration of warning systems with Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations, and mandates a study to evaluate and improve tsunami alert terminology and effectiveness. The bill authorizes $35 million annually from 2027-2031 for tsunami warning, research, and hazard mitigation programs, with specific funding allocations for these initiatives. It also requires new reporting requirements for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on system improvements, coordination efforts, and implementation of recommendations from a government-wide study on tsunami coordination.

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act This bill allows mining operators to use federal lands for activities ancillary to mining, such as waste disposal, regardless of whether those lands contain mineral deposits valuable enough to be mined (mineral validity). It also establishes the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The bill addresses a 2022 decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit related to the Rosemont Copper Mine in Arizona (commonly known as the Rosemont decision , described further in CRS Report R48166 ). The court held that mining claims are only allowed where mineral validity has been established and that mill site claims are more appropriate means for establishing a mining waste disposal site under the Mining Act. The bill allows a mining operator to (1) locate and include within its plan of operations as many mill site claims (e.g., areas for waste rock disposal) as are reasonably necessary for its operations, and (2) use or occupy public land in accordance with an approved plan of operations. Additionally, the bill requires any revenue generated from fees for such mill site claims to be deposited into the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Fund. The Department of the Interior must use the fund for certain abandoned hardrock mine reclamation activities.

Maddy summarySRES 599 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing the Senate's view that protecting Haitian women and girls' rights is essential for Haiti's stability. It condemns Haiti's transitional government for excluding women from leadership (e.g., no women on the Transitional Presidential Council) and failing to meet the constitutional 30% women's representation requirement, while also criticizing international partners for not prioritizing gender-based violence prevention. The resolution specifically calls for urgent measures including: ensuring 30% women in all government leadership roles, improving protection services for survivors of gender-based violence, and implementing safety protocols in displacement sites. It also demands the U.S. rebuild its Women, Peace, and Security programs and requires all aid to include gender-disaggregated data and prioritize women's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to improve services for victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. It authorizes $270 million annually from 2027-2031 for services including trauma-informed residential and non-residential programs, national hotlines, and culturally specific services for underserved populations. The bill requires grantees to provide accessible services, protect victim confidentiality, and not impose income eligibility requirements or fees for services. It also creates a National Indian Domestic Violence Hotline and supports community-based prevention programs for underserved racial and ethnic populations and Tribal communities.