Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 or the GLRI Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which carries out programs and projects to protect and restore the Great Lakes.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to create new rules improving how new "dispatchable power" projects (like natural gas plants or battery storage that can be turned on when needed) connect to the grid. Transmission providers (utilities, grid operators) must propose prioritizing these projects in the interconnection queue to boost grid reliability and resilience, demonstrating how this improves service and allowing public input before submitting proposals. FERC must complete this rulemaking within 180 days of the bill's enactment, with regular updates every five years. The bill directly affects transmission providers and developers of new power projects by changing interconnection procedures to speed up reliable grid upgrades.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to produce a report within one year of enactment, analyzing how minors access fentanyl (including fake pills) through social media platforms. The report must cover the prevalence of this access, health and safety risks to minors, how sellers use platform features to market drugs, and current measures by platforms and law enforcement. It also mandates consultation with stakeholders like parents, platforms, and medical experts before publishing. The bill does not create new laws or penalties but focuses on gathering data to inform future policy decisions.
Maddy summaryThe National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 reauthorizes and expands federal efforts to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology through 2034. The bill establishes new workforce development programs, including quantum education initiatives, traineeships, and a Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce Coordination Hub to address talent needs. It creates an International Quantum Cooperation Strategy to foster partnerships with allies and addresses quantum supply chain vulnerabilities through mapping and planning efforts. The act includes specific funding allocations for quantum research centers, testbeds, and post-quantum cryptography development, with annual evaluations required to assess program effectiveness. The legislation directly affects federal agencies, research institutions, and the quantum industry by providing structured funding and coordination for quantum technology advancement.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update regulations to encourage pilots and air traffic controllers to seek and disclose mental health care without fear of losing their medical certification. It mandates an annual review of the "special issuance" process (for medical certification) to consider new treatments, improve examiner training, and reduce backlogs, while allocating $15 million annually (2026-2029) to recruit more medical examiners and provide mental health training. Additionally, it funds a $1.5 million annual public campaign to destigmatize mental health care in aviation, improve trust with workers, and make resources easily accessible at aviation medical offices and training facilities. The FAA must consult with industry stakeholders and report progress to Congress on implementation.
Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 This act permanently extends and expands judicial authority under the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016. The law allows and establishes procedures for civil claims and causes of action to recover artwork and other property lost between 1933 and 1945 because of Nazi persecution. Among the changes, the act removes the deadline for filing civil claims or causes of action. Currently, the filing deadline is December 31, 2026. (Claims must still be filed within six years of the claimant's discovery of the property in question.) The act permits courts to exercise jurisdiction over civil claims or causes of action against a foreign state without regard to the nationality or citizenship of the alleged victim. The art or property at issue must still have a connection to the foreign state's commercial activities in the United States. Additionally, the act authorizes nationwide service of process, which allows courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over defendants in any judicial district where they may be found, reside, have an agent, or transact business. Finally, the act limits the defenses that may be asserted against civil claims or causes of action, including by prohibiting defenses based on the passage of time, including equitable defenses such as laches (i.e., unreasonable delays); and discretionary bases for dismissal that are unrelated to the merits of the claim, including international comity (i.e., deference to the laws of other countries). These changes apply to pending and future civil claims or causes of action.
10 Years of ICE Funding Act This bill provides appropriations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through FY2036. Specifically, the bill provides specified appropriations to ICE for operations and support, including for the purchase and lease of police-type vehicles, for overseas vetted units, and for maintenance, minor construction, and minor leasehold improvements at owned and leased facilities. The bill also provides appropriations to ICE for procurement, construction, and improvements, including for acquisition of necessary additional real property and facilities, construction and ongoing maintenance, facility improvements, equipment, and related expenses. The appropriations provided to ICE by this bill are available until September 30, 2036.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the six Ohio Air National Guard airmen who died in a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury on March 12, 2026. It specifically recognizes the sacrifice of Captain Seth R. Koval, Captain Curtis J. Angst, and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, along with their fellow crew members. The Senate expresses condolences to the families and friends of the fallen and acknowledges the critical role of mid-air refueling missions in supporting U.S. military operations. The resolution also recognizes the high readiness and professionalism of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, which was recently awarded the National Guard Association of the United States Distinguished Flying Unit plaque.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the memory and sacrifice of six Air Force personnel who died in a KC-135 Stratotanker accident over Iraq on March 12, 2026. The bill formally recognizes the service members from Alabama and Ohio who were killed while supporting Operation Epic Fury. It expresses condolences to their families and directs a copy of the resolution to the two Air National Guard units where the fallen served. The measure serves as a commemorative gesture rather than establishing new policy or funding.
Maddy summaryThe Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act establishes a regulatory framework for digital commodity exchanges, brokers, and dealers that handle digital assets like cryptocurrencies. It requires these entities to register with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), implement customer protection measures including the use of qualified digital asset custodians, and meet transparency and reporting requirements. The bill defines key terms like "digital commodity" and creates new rules for how these entities must operate, while also establishing an Office of the Digital Commodity Retail Advocate to represent retail investors in digital commodity markets.
