Sen. Steve Daines

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration to install certified airborne position reference tools at certain air traffic control towers within one year of enactment. It specifically targets contract-operated towers that currently lack Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems or similar situational awareness tools. The legislation also mandates the FAA to fund and maintain these systems while establishing training programs for air traffic controllers to ensure proper use of the new technology. Additionally, the bill provides reimbursement for towers that independently purchase these systems before the FAA installs them.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Tribal Firearm Access Act, would allow members of federally recognized Tribes to use their Tribal government identification documents when purchasing firearms from federally licensed dealers. Currently, federal law requires individuals to present a state-issued ID for firearm purchases, but this legislation would add Tribal government-issued identification as an acceptable alternative. The bill defines Tribal government to include recognized governing bodies of Indian or Alaska Native Tribes listed by the federal government. Changes would take effect 90 days after the law is enacted, giving dealers and Tribal governments time to adjust to the new requirements.

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 summaryThis bill, known as the Tribal Police Department Parity Act, would extend existing federal firearms access laws to Tribal law enforcement agencies, ensuring they have the same authority as Federal, State, and local agencies. The legislation amends Title 18 of the United States Code to explicitly include Indian Tribes and their departments in provisions related to machinegun transfers and the transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, and importation of firearms and ammunition. It also modifies the Internal Revenue Code to apply tax exemptions for firearms transfers to Tribal entities on the same basis as State governments. These changes would allow Tribal police departments to legally access and use firearms under the same federal regulations that currently apply to other law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summaryThe Gun Owner Registration Information Protection Act (S 3916) prohibits federal funding for state or local databases that track lawfully owned firearms or their owners. It defines such databases as those listing firearms possessed by individuals or the individuals themselves who legally own firearms. The bill allows federal funding for databases tracking lost or stolen firearms and their owners, but not for general ownership records. This would require states and localities to cover costs for firearms ownership databases using non-federal funds, shifting financial responsibility away from federal support.

Maddy summaryThe Government Surveillance Transparency Act of 2026 requires federal, state, and tribal courts to publicly disclose criminal surveillance orders, applications, and inventories after a maximum 180-day sealing period, with strict requirements for extensions. The bill mandates courts to publish detailed public reports about surveillance requests, including the nature of investigations and the agencies involved, and requires electronic filing of all surveillance documents. It creates a unique case numbering system for surveillance orders and requires automatic unsealing of documents after the sealing period expires. The law applies to all courts conducting surveillance, with implementation phased to allow time for system upgrades, and aims to increase transparency around government surveillance activities while balancing legitimate law enforcement needs.

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 summaryThis bill, titled the Security and Freedom Enhancement Act of 2026, amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to reform how intelligence agencies collect and use information about Americans. It directly affects the FBI, intelligence agencies, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court by requiring stricter rules on searching communications of U.S. persons and limiting access to data about Americans located in the United States. Key provisions include mandatory audits of FBI queries, new approval requirements for searching sensitive individuals like elected officials, expanded reporting to Congress, and restrictions on purchasing personal data from data brokers. The bill also strengthens oversight by requiring the Inspector General to conduct periodic audits and mandates greater transparency through public reporting of surveillance activities.

Maddy summaryThe FUTURES Act (S 3855) establishes a formal U.S.-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative to accelerate joint development and integration of defense technologies. It directs the U.S. Secretary of Defense to identify Israeli-origin technologies for rapid adoption into American military systems, focusing on areas like counter-drone systems, missile defense, AI, cyber security, and directed energy. The bill authorizes $150 million annually (2027-2029) for this initiative, requiring regular reports to Congress on progress, technology transitions, and industry partnerships. This policy directly affects U.S. defense contractors, Israeli defense firms, and military acquisition programs by creating new pathways to incorporate Israeli innovations into U.S. systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage for telehealth services by adding new healthcare professionals to the list of providers eligible for payment. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries who use remote care and allows qualified audiologists, occupational therapists (including assistants), physical therapists (including assistants), and speech-language pathologists to bill Medicare for telehealth services. Key changes update Medicare rules to include these professionals under the definition of "practitioner" and specify that facilities can also provide telehealth services under Medicare. This policy change removes previous restrictions, making it easier for patients in rural or underserved areas to access these specialized telehealth services.