Sen. Tim Kaine

Maddy summaryThe RISE Act amends the Higher Education Act to improve support for college students with disabilities. It requires institutions to accept multiple forms of documentation (like high school IEPs or 504 plans) to verify disability status and mandates transparent, accessible processes for determining accommodation eligibility. Colleges must also report specific disability-related data to federal databases, including the number of students receiving accommodations and degree completions. Additionally, the bill authorizes $10 million annually (2027-2031) for a national center providing technical support to students with disabilities, without altering existing ADA definitions or rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the annual contribution limit for certain retirement accounts from $2,500 to $5,000 under the Internal Revenue Code. It applies directly to individuals participating in defined contribution retirement plans (like 401(k)s) who meet basic eligibility requirements, including those not yet enrolled. The key change modifies tax rules to allow higher contributions toward emergency savings within these plans. The amendments take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. The bill does not create new programs but adjusts existing contribution limits and definitions.

Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act (S 1748) requires major social media platforms, online video games, and other "covered platforms" to implement specific safety features for minors (under 17). These features include default privacy settings that limit harmful design features like infinite scrolling and auto-play, parental controls for managing minors' accounts, and restrictions on advertising illegal products to minors. The bill also mandates annual transparency reports about how platforms are used by minors and requires platforms to provide clear notices about their content algorithms. It creates a Kids Online Safety Council to advise Congress on online safety issues for children. The law applies to platforms with more than 10 million monthly users in the U.S. and takes effect 18 months after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms U.S. policy to support a peaceful democratic transition in Venezuela through free and fair elections. It urges the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez to immediately organize transparent presidential elections and calls for the unconditional release of all political prisoners. The document also declares that any harm inflicted on individuals seeking public office would be presumed to have the approval of senior Venezuelan officials and could lead to U.S. accountability actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents the Secretary of Education from moving specific offices and their functions to other federal agencies or contracting them out. It directly affects the Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Postsecondary Education, Office of Indian Education, and Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. The law blocks agreements that would allow these offices to share projects, use equipment, or transfer funds to other agencies, while also stopping internal transfers of these functions to other parts of the department before outsourcing them. The only exceptions are contracts or agreements that were already active on February 1, 2025, or renewals that keep the same terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new administrative account for the Railroad Retirement Board to manage funds specifically for its operations and technology upgrades. It establishes strict limits on how much money can be moved into this account between 2027 and 2031, based on a percentage of benefits paid or investment trust amounts, while also setting aside millions of dollars annually for modernizing outdated computer systems. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to produce reports reviewing the Board's efforts to update its legacy IT systems and consult with various stakeholders, including railroads and unions.

Maddy summaryThe College Transparency Act establishes a federal data system to collect and analyze student-level information about college enrollment, costs, completion rates, and post-graduation outcomes. The National Center for Education Statistics must develop this system within 4 years, collecting data on student demographics, program of study, financial aid, and earnings while prohibiting sensitive information like health data or citizenship status. The system will provide public, aggregated data through an online tool that allows students and families to compare institutions and make informed education decisions. The bill repeals a previous prohibition on such a data system and amends requirements for colleges to submit data, aiming to reduce reporting burdens while improving transparency. It includes privacy protections, an advisory committee with diverse representation, and prohibits using the data for federal rankings or to limit student services.

Maddy summaryThe RECOVER PII Act expands identity protection coverage for individuals affected by federal agency data breaches, extending the duration of protection for the remainder of their lives and increasing the minimum insurance amount to $5 million. Additionally, the bill allows federal agencies to use appropriated funds to reimburse employees or their contractors for up to 100 percent of the costs associated with privacy-enhancing services, such as software or hardware designed to mitigate data risks. These provisions aim to provide long-term financial support and resources to victims of data breaches while ensuring that reimbursement claims are supported by necessary documentation.

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 summaryThe Cold War Military Force Repeal Act removes an old 1958 law that authorized the President to use military force in the Middle East without a specific declaration of war. This legislation directly affects the legal framework governing U.S. military actions in the region by eliminating the authority granted under Public Law 85-7. By repealing this specific joint resolution, the bill clarifies that future military engagements in the Middle East must rely on current statutory or constitutional authorities rather than this historical mandate. The change does not create new powers or restrictions but simply deletes a provision from the United States Code that has been in place since the Cold War era.