Sen. Tom Cotton

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. (including domestically manufactured, imported, or shipped vehicles) to include AM radio as standard equipment, meaning it must be built into the vehicle at no extra cost to buyers. It mandates that manufacturers install AM radio receivers that can access both traditional and digital AM broadcast stations, with compliance deadlines set 2-4 years after the rule is issued. During a transition period before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for AM access. The bill also prohibits states from creating their own requirements about AM radio access in vehicles, aiming to ensure consistent emergency alert capabilities through AM radio in cars.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands an existing federal rule allowing aquaculture facilities to manage double-crested cormorants that damage fish stocks. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to reissue the 2016 depredation order within one year, applying it to aquaculture facilities in 12 additional states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin) and to licensed lake and pond managers. The key change adds these new states and facility types to the existing rule without altering the original management procedures. This directly affects private aquaculture operations and water managers in those states who currently face cormorant-related fish losses.

Maddy summaryThe Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, within two years of enactment, specific contamination limits for morphine, codeine, and other opiates in poppy seeds. Poppy seeds exceeding these limits would be banned from interstate commerce as adulterated food under federal law. The bill also clarifies that contaminated poppy seeds above these thresholds remain subject to the Controlled Substances Act. This directly affects poppy seed producers, food manufacturers, and retailers by setting new safety standards for poppy seed products.

Maddy summaryThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for telehealth services by removing geographic restrictions that previously limited where patients could receive telehealth care. It allows more healthcare providers to offer telehealth services, including expanding eligibility for practitioners and removing the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health. The bill also includes specific provisions for Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, and Native American health facilities to better integrate telehealth into their services. Additionally, it establishes program integrity measures to address billing patterns and requires the posting of telehealth service data to improve transparency and quality measurement. These changes aim to make telehealth more accessible for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in rural areas and for underserved populations.

Maddy summaryS 1224, the RIFLE Act, eliminates the federal tax on firearm transfers by repealing Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code. This directly affects firearm sellers and buyers, removing a tax they previously paid on transactions. The bill includes technical adjustments to other tax code sections to reflect the repeal and clarifies that firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act remain outside the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The changes take effect after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 44) seeks to block a Department of Energy rule that set new energy efficiency standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. It directly affects businesses that manufacture, sell, or operate these commercial refrigeration units, which would have been required to meet the new standards. The resolution uses a specific legal process (under Chapter 8 of Title 5 U.S. Code) to formally disapprove the rule, meaning it would prevent the rule from taking effect. The rule in question was published in the Federal Register on January 21, 2025 (90 Fed. Reg. 7464). If passed, the rule would have no force or effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows state and federal correctional facilities (like jails and prisons) to operate cellphone jamming systems to block wireless signals used for contraband devices or by incarcerated individuals. It restricts the FCC from preventing this use, but requires jamming systems to be limited to housing areas within the facility. Facilities must fund the systems entirely themselves (if state-run), consult local law enforcement before implementation, and notify the Bureau of Prisons about operations. The law specifically targets blocking signals to/from contraband devices or inmates, not general cellphone use.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities receiving federal student aid to comply with U.S. immigration law regarding employment of unauthorized workers. Specifically, it mandates that institutions participate in the E-Verify program (which checks employment eligibility) and prohibits them from receiving federal funds if they violate immigration employment rules. The Department of Homeland Security will monitor E-Verify participation every six months and notify the Education Department if an institution fails to comply. This directly affects any accredited college or university seeking federal student aid or institutional grants under the Higher Education Act.