Sen. Josh Hawley

Maddy summaryThe ACCESS Act of 2025 requires major social media and messaging platforms (defined as services with over 100 million U.S. users that monetize user data) to enable users to easily transfer their data to competing services and ensure their platforms can interoperate with rival services. It mandates that large platforms provide secure, machine-readable data portability and maintain transparent interfaces for competitors to connect with users. The law also establishes rules for third-party agents managing user accounts and prohibits platforms from using data from competitors for commercial gain. Enforcement falls to the Federal Trade Commission, with penalties for violations treated as unfair business practices.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires broadband providers and large "edge providers" (like social media, streaming, and search companies) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF), which supports affordable broadband in rural and high-cost areas. It expands the USF contribution base beyond traditional phone companies to include these digital services, with exemptions for smaller providers (e.g., those handling under 3% of U.S. data or earning under $5 billion annually). The Federal Communications Commission must create new rules within 18 months to ensure fair contributions and establish a specific support mechanism for broadband providers serving high-cost areas. The goal is to make broadband more affordable for consumers by ensuring broader funding for universal service programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require the FDA to replace current regulations for mifepristone (the drug sold as Mifeprex) with the 2011 risk management plan, reversing recent changes. It bans the importation of mifepristone into the U.S. (including by mail) and creates a federal civil liability for entities that illegally import or transport the drug, allowing individuals harmed by the drug to sue for damages. The law directly affects drug manufacturers, importers, telehealth providers, and pharmacies that handle mifepristone, and would make it illegal to import the drug regardless of state laws. It does not change how the drug is prescribed or dispensed within the U.S. but targets its importation and imposes new legal consequences for violations.

Maddy summaryThe No RTO Act prohibits the U.S. Postal Service from implementing its Regional Transportation Optimization (RTO) initiative or similar programs if the Postal Regulatory Commission determines such action would negatively impact rural communities. It requires the Postal Regulatory Commission to issue an advisory opinion under 39 U.S.C. § 3661 before the USPS can proceed with RTO. This law directly affects the USPS's operational planning and aims to protect rural mail delivery services from potential disruptions. The policy change blocks RTO implementation based on the Commission's findings, not on a blanket ban.

Maddy summarySRES 201 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating the week of May 4-10, 2025, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across all U.S. communities for their economic contributions, citing that small businesses support over 59 million jobs. The resolution recognizes their resilience and celebrates their role in strengthening local economies. This symbolic gesture, consistent with annual presidential proclamations since 1963, does not create new laws or affect any specific group through policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Fair Prescription Drug Prices for Americans Act would cap the U.S. list price for prescription drugs and biological products at the average price in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Drug manufacturers must annually report U.S. and international prices to the Health and Human Services Secretary, who calculates the six-country average. If a U.S. price exceeds this average, manufacturers face a civil penalty of 10 times the price difference per unit sold. The bill directly targets drug pricing practices without altering drug approval processes or insurance coverage.

Maddy summaryS 1589, the Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2025, updates U.S. immigration parole rules to allow temporary entry for specific groups under strict criteria. It permits parole for urgent humanitarian reasons (like life-threatening medical emergencies or family reunification) or significant public benefit (such as assisting law enforcement), but only on a case-by-case basis - not for entire groups. The bill specifically expands eligibility for military family members, Cuban nationals under historical migration agreements, and those needing urgent medical care or organ transplants. Parole lasts up to one year (with possible one-year extensions) and does not grant work authorization except for military families and Cuban nationals, while requiring detailed annual reporting to Congress.

Maddy summaryThe Stand with Israel Act would prohibit U.S. federal funds from being used to pay the U.S. share of United Nations dues or contributions to UN programs, specialized agencies, or related entities if the UN or a UN entity expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or restricts Israel's full and equal participation as a member state. This means the U.S. government would withhold payments to the UN in cases where the UN takes such actions against Israel. The bill directly affects the Department of State and other federal agencies responsible for UN funding, requiring them to block these payments under specified conditions. It does not compel the UN to act but would prevent U.S. financial support in response to UN decisions impacting Israel's membership status.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "aggravated felonies" by adding "sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence" to the list of crimes triggering mandatory deportation for non-citizens. It directly affects non-citizens convicted of these specific sexual offenses, making them subject to automatic deportation under immigration law. The key change is adding this provision to Section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which defines aggravated felonies. This policy shift would expand the scope of offenses classified as deportation triggers without creating new enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryThe Safeguarding Charity Act (S 1428) clarifies that tax exemptions for charitable organizations (including those under IRS 501(c)(3)) are not considered "Federal financial assistance" under federal law, rules, or regulations. This directly affects tax-exempt charities, religious organizations, and retirement plans (covered under IRS sections 501(c), 501(d), and 401(a)) by excluding their tax benefits from the definition of federal aid. The bill amends the U.S. Code to add a new section explicitly stating this exclusion and includes a rule of construction to prevent retroactive application to tax exemptions before the law's enactment. The legislation aims to prevent regulatory confusion about whether tax exemptions qualify as federal financial assistance in policy contexts.