Sen. Richard J. Durbin

Maddy summaryThe Accreditation Reform and Enhanced Accountability Act of 2026 requires accrediting agencies to evaluate colleges and universities based on specific student outcomes, such as loan repayment and post-graduation earnings, while prohibiting the federal government from setting rigid standards for curriculum or faculty. To improve oversight, the bill mandates that agencies conduct immediate, in-depth reviews when an institution faces investigations for fraud or financial misconduct and requires these agencies to publicly report their findings within 30 days. The legislation also introduces new transparency measures, including a standardized online system for displaying accreditation status, stricter rules on conflict of interest for agency staff, and requirements for institutions to have clear plans for transferring credits and supporting students if they close. Additionally, the act allows for differentiated accreditation labels, such as "accredited with risk," and establishes a process to review and potentially fine accrediting agencies that fail to act on known institutional problems.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park System, to honor philanthropist Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools that educated over 600,000 African American children in the segregated South from 1912 to 1932. The park would include three restored schools (in Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia) and a visitor center in Chicago, Illinois, to preserve these sites and share their history through exhibits and educational programs. It also creates a national network to connect remaining Rosenwald Schools, enabling coordinated interpretation and resource-sharing across the country.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Calumet region in Indiana and Illinois as a National Heritage Area, formally establishing a framework to preserve and promote its unique industrial, cultural, and natural resources. It specifies the boundaries (covering parts of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties in Indiana and adjacent Illinois areas) and names the Calumet Heritage Partnership as the local coordinating entity responsible for managing the area. The bill requires the local entity to submit a management plan within three years and sets a 15-year limit on federal funding for the initiative. This designation directly affects residents, tourism, and conservation efforts in the region by creating a structured approach to protect sites like Indiana Dunes National Park and historical industrial landscapes.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits how many patents brand-name drug companies can use to block generic versions of biological drugs (biologics). It caps the number of patents a brand company can assert in lawsuits against generic manufacturers at 20, with no more than 10 being patents issued after a specified date. Courts may allow more patents only in specific cases, such as if the generic company fails to provide required information or if there are material changes to the product. The law applies to new applications submitted after enactment and aims to reduce patent-related delays for cheaper generic biologics.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Lindsey Olin Graham from South Carolina. It formally acknowledges his extensive career in the military, state government, and Congress, noting his service as a Senator and his roles as Chairman of the Judiciary and Budget committees. The Senate expresses its sorrow over his death and requests that this tribute be shared with the House of Representatives and Graham's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive sanctions framework targeting the Russian government and its affiliated entities in response to ongoing military actions. It authorizes the President to block assets, revoke visas, and prohibit financial transactions for Russian officials, military leaders, and foreign persons supporting Russia's defense industry or undermining Ukraine. The legislation also bans U.S. investments in Russian energy sectors, prohibits the purchase of Russian sovereign debt, and imposes high tariffs on Russian imports while restricting crude oil purchases by specific foreign nations. Additionally, the bill prevents Russian companies from listing on U.S. stock exchanges and includes mechanisms for terminating sanctions only if Russia signs a peace agreement accepted by Ukraine and ceases hostilities.

Maddy summaryThe Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act restricts federal funding for college programs that fail to meet specific standards regarding licensure preparation and student earnings. To qualify for federal aid, programs designed to prepare students for licensed professions must ensure graduates can take required exams and obtain certification in the state where they live, while also providing necessary internships or clinical placements. Additionally, the bill introduces a debt-to-earnings test that bars funding for programs where the average student's annual loan payments exceed 8% of their median earnings or where payments exceed 20% of their discretionary income. Institutions offering distance learning courses must also be legally authorized in every state where their students reside, unless participating in a mutual agreement between states.

Maddy summaryThe Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act requires large multinational companies to publicly report their financial performance in every country where they operate. Specifically, it mandates that these firms submit detailed reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission showing revenues, profits, taxes paid, and employee counts for each jurisdiction. The law also requires this data to be provided in a machine-readable format and made available online for public access. Companies must follow specific rules for defining which entities and locations are included in these reports, with the Commission expected to issue final regulations within a year of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to officially disapprove a specific rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the implementation of prior authorization for certain Medicare services. The proposed action would prevent the rule, known as the WISeR Model, from taking effect, thereby stopping the new requirements from being enforced. If passed, the resolution would nullify the regulation and maintain the status quo for the affected healthcare services.

Maddy summaryThe Luxury JET Act prohibits the use of a luxury aircraft donated by the Government of Qatar for the personal benefit of any President, their family members, or associates, even after their term ends. It also mandates that the Government Accountability Office conduct a detailed review of the aircraft donation to analyze potential conflicts of interest, the full cost to taxpayers, and the legality of accepting the gift under the Foreign Emoluments Clause. The report from this review must be submitted to congressional defense committees within 90 days and should include recommendations to improve laws regarding foreign gifts and prevent the misuse of taxpayer funds.