Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThe Good Jobs for Good Airports Act establishes new federal standards to ensure that workers at small, medium, and large hub airports receive a living wage and adequate health benefits. It defines "covered service workers" to include employees in roles such as baggage handling, passenger assistance, security, ticketing, and concession services, regardless of whether they are directly hired by the airport or work for a contractor. Under the bill, employers must pay these workers at least the higher of the federal Service Contract Act wage rates or applicable state and local minimum wages, and they must provide similar fringe benefits. To enforce these rules, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Transportation will have the authority to investigate violations, issue penalties, and require employers to submit monthly compliance certifications. Additionally, the law allows private individuals to file lawsuits against non-compliant employers and mandates annual reports to Congress on the implementation of these labor standards.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to formally disapprove a specific rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Affordable Care Act and the Basic Health Program for 2027. If passed, the measure would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking legal effect. The bill directly impacts the administration of healthcare benefits and payment parameters for the upcoming year. It is sponsored by a group of Democratic senators and is intended to halt the implementation of the agency's proposed changes.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from ongoing hostilities with Iran that were not previously authorized by Congress. The bill relies on the War Powers Resolution, asserting that military actions since February 2026 constitute unauthorized hostilities because no formal declaration of war or specific statutory authorization exists. While ordering a withdrawal, the measure explicitly allows the U.S. to continue defending against attacks on American personnel, sharing intelligence, assisting partner nations, and evacuating U.S. citizens. It applies expedited legislative procedures to ensure the directive is considered quickly by both the House and Senate.

Maddy summaryThe Health and Location Data Protection Act of 2026 prohibits data brokers from buying, selling, or sharing personal location and health information, while allowing exceptions for authorized disclosures, HIPAA-compliant activities, and newsworthy public interest reporting. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with defining specific data categories and enforcing these rules, with penalties including civil fines up to 15 percent of a company's revenue and the ability for the FTC, state attorneys general, and private individuals to sue for violations. This legislation applies to entities that trade data collected from others rather than directly from individuals, and it preempts only state laws that require the disclosure of data this bill forbids.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution condemns China's new Ethnic Unity and Progress Law for allegedly enforcing cultural assimilation and restricting the rights of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, and other minority groups. The bill directly addresses concerns about the law's provisions, which it claims criminalize dissent, limit religious freedom, and allow for extraterritorial enforcement against individuals outside China. It calls on the Chinese government to repeal the law, imposes sanctions on officials involved in human rights violations, and urges the U.S. to coordinate with allies to monitor these policies. Additionally, the resolution reaffirms support for the Dalai Lama's role in Tibetan religious succession and demands that China resume dialogue with his representatives.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes June 2026 as LGBTQ Pride Month to honor the history, contributions, and ongoing struggles of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in the United States. The document outlines the community's achievements in civil rights and public service while highlighting persistent challenges such as discrimination in employment and housing, as well as hate crimes. It also acknowledges the global context of LGBTQ rights, noting both international progress and the persecution faced by individuals in various countries. Ultimately, the resolution expresses support for equal treatment and encourages the public to use the month to learn about and celebrate the LGBTQ community.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Banking Act of 2026 aims to reduce legal risks for banks and credit unions that provide financial services to businesses operating marijuana or hemp industries under state laws. It establishes a "safe harbor" that prevents federal regulators from penalizing, terminating insurance for, or restricting these institutions solely because they serve state-sanctioned marijuana or hemp companies. The bill also clarifies that income from these businesses can be used to qualify for federally backed mortgages and protects banks from liability regarding money laundering charges when dealing with compliant state operations. Additionally, the legislation requires federal agencies to update guidance on how to handle suspicious activity reports for these sectors and mandates annual studies on access to financial services for minority and small businesses in the industry.

Maddy summaryThe Investor Choice Act of 2026 aims to give retail investors more control over how they resolve disputes with financial companies by banning mandatory arbitration clauses. Specifically, the bill prohibits stock exchanges from listing securities issued by companies that force shareholders into arbitration, and it makes it illegal for brokers, dealers, and investment advisers to require clients to use arbitration or restrict their ability to join class-action lawsuits. These rules apply to new agreements made after the law is passed, while existing contracts are only voided if no arbitration process has already started. By removing these forced arbitration requirements, the legislation allows investors to choose whether to settle disputes in court or through arbitration based on their own judgment.

Maddy summaryThe EBOLA Act directs the President to rejoin the World Health Organization within 30 days and immediately collaborate with the agency to address the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central and Eastern Africa. This legislation authorizes funding to cover the financial obligations required to restore U.S. membership and to support global response efforts aimed at preventing the virus from spreading internationally. The bill is based on the finding that infectious disease outbreaks pose significant threats to national security and public health, and that participation in the WHO is essential for effective disease monitoring and coordination.

Maddy summaryThe Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2026 authorizes $350 million over five years to provide grants to nonprofit organizations for covering travel and practical support costs associated with accessing abortion services. These funds can be used for round-trip transportation, lodging, meals, childcare, translation services, and other logistical needs, but they explicitly cannot pay for the abortion procedure itself. The legislation prioritizes grants for groups serving people in states with abortion bans or those traveling across state lines and requires that recipients do not discourage individuals from seeking abortions. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to prevent federal agencies from cooperating with anti-abortion legal proceedings and mandates annual reporting to Congress without revealing individual identities.