Sen. John W. Hickenlooper

Maddy summaryThe Puppy Protection Act of 2026 amends the Animal Welfare Act to impose stricter housing and care standards on dog dealers. It requires dealers to provide dogs with solid flooring, sufficient indoor space based on size, and temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill also mandates daily nutritious food, unrestricted outdoor exercise for most dogs over 12 weeks, and at least 30 minutes of daily social interaction with humans. Additionally, it establishes specific rules for breeding, such as limiting the number of litters a female dog can produce and requiring health screenings before breeding. These new requirements must be implemented through final regulations issued by the Secretary within 18 months of the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Protecting Human Rights and Public Health in Foreign Assistance Act, directs federal agencies to ignore three specific final rules issued by the Department of State. It explicitly prohibits any government department from implementing, enforcing, or creating new policies similar to these existing rules, effectively treating them as if they never existed. The targeted regulations concern protecting life, combating discriminatory equity ideology, and addressing gender ideology within foreign aid programs. By nullifying these rules, the legislation removes the current administrative requirements related to these topics from U.S. foreign assistance activities.

Maddy summaryThe Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026 establishes a process for Congress to override a President's refusal to declare a major disaster when the Governor has requested one and the President acted against the Federal Emergency Management Agency's recommendation or established precedent. Under this bill, the President must submit a written explanation for such a refusal to congressional leaders within 24 hours, after which designated party leaders can introduce a special joint resolution to force a declaration. This resolution is designed to bypass standard committee reviews and limits debate in both the House and Senate to expedite a final vote on whether the disaster should be officially declared.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to disapprove a rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding Colorado's regional haze air quality plan. If passed, it would nullify the EPA's decision to disapprove Colorado's second implementation period plan for reducing air pollution from distant sources. The measure directly affects the state of Colorado and the EPA by preventing the federal agency from enforcing its disapproval of the state's air quality strategy. Under this legislation, the EPA's rule would have no legal force or effect, leaving the status of Colorado's air plan unchanged.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends increased dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It directly affects the spouses of veterans whose death was caused by ALS, specifically those who died on or after October 1, 2022. The key provision amends a law to treat veterans who died from ALS as if they had the disease for the required period before death, removing a prior time requirement for compensation eligibility. This change ensures surviving spouses qualify for the same benefits previously available only to veterans with longer ALS diagnoses.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States for a state visit where the King will address a joint session of Congress. The document highlights the long-standing diplomatic and security partnership between the two nations, noting shared values and cooperation on issues like defense and technology. It also marks the occasion as the first time a British monarch has addressed Congress since 1991, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Maddy summaryThe Investing in the American Dream Act expands eligibility for Small Business Administration loans to include businesses owned by certain immigrants, such as refugees, asylees, and individuals with deferred action. To qualify, these businesses must be located in the United States and at least 51 percent owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or nationals of the United States. The law explicitly states that businesses meeting these ownership and location requirements cannot be denied loans solely because they are owned by eligible immigrants. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not grant the SBA authority to increase the 51 percent ownership threshold for any type of loan.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 124) directs the President to remove U.S. military forces from Cuba unless Congress has declared war or specifically authorized military action against Cuba. It applies to all current operations in Cuba, including Coast Guard enforcement activities, which the resolution defines as "hostilities" under the War Powers Resolution. The bill asserts Congress holds the sole constitutional authority to authorize military force under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. It does not prevent defensive actions against imminent attacks or lawful counternarcotics operations.

Maddy summaryThe Workforce Data Enhancement Act creates a new grant program to help states improve their workforce data systems by integrating information from education, labor markets, and other sources. Eligible entities, such as state agencies or groups of states, can apply for funding to build or upgrade statewide longitudinal data systems that track individual employment and earnings outcomes over time. The bill prioritizes grants for multi-state collaborations and projects that enhance data accuracy, privacy, and the ability to identify emerging job skills, including those related to artificial intelligence. Funds awarded for up to three years must be used to supplement existing state efforts rather than replace them, and recipients are required to report on how the data improvements help workers and employers make better decisions.

Maddy summaryThe Western Tribal Water Act of 2026 expands the Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program to include ten specific projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin, an area where many tribes face significant water supply challenges. This legislation directs $60 million in funding for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to support these infrastructure improvements, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in southwestern Colorado. By amending existing federal law, the bill ensures that tribes in this drought-prone region can access resources to repair aging water delivery systems and enhance overall water reliability.