Sen. Shelley Moore Capito

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act, strengthens the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to better support children who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or blind or visually impaired. It requires schools to identify these students regardless of how they are currently classified and mandates that they receive specialized instruction in their primary language, such as American Sign Language or Braille, rather than being served only under general disability categories. The legislation also establishes a new national center within the Department of Education to fund research, provide professional training, and develop curricula specifically for educators serving students with visual disabilities. Additionally, the bill improves early intervention services for infants and toddlers by ensuring evaluations focus on unique language and communication needs and by increasing the availability of qualified teachers and interveners.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.

Maddy summaryThe Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 automatically provides federal funding for government programs if Congress fails to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. This mechanism supplies money for 14-day periods that can be extended as long as the shutdown continues, ensuring essential services like food assistance and loan programs keep running without interruption. To prevent political games during these shutdowns, the bill restricts official travel for government officials and limits what Congress can debate or vote on, except for passing a new budget or addressing the national debt limit.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes National Public Works Week, which runs from May 17 to May 23, 2026, to honor the work of public works professionals. The bill highlights the essential services these workers provide, including the construction and maintenance of transportation systems, water infrastructure, and facilities used for emergency response. By issuing a commendation, the resolution aims to increase public awareness of the importance of infrastructure and the dedicated workforce that keeps communities safe and functional. This measure does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the contributions made by these employees.

Maddy summaryThe Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2026 changes how Medicare counts time spent in hospital observation toward the three-day waiting period required for skilled nursing facility coverage. Starting in 2026, individuals receiving outpatient observation services will be treated as inpatients for this purpose, and the date they stop receiving such care will count as their official hospital discharge date. This provision applies to observation periods beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with limited exceptions for appeals made within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The law also allows the Department of Health and Human Services to implement these changes through interim regulations before the official start date.

Maddy summaryThe Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2026 makes the E-Verify employment eligibility verification system permanent and mandatory for all employers in the United States, including those who hire, recruit, or refer individuals for jobs. The bill requires employers to use the system within a phased timeline based on company size, ranging from six months for large businesses with 10,000 or more employees to 18 months for smaller businesses with fewer than 20 employees, while exempting agricultural labor verification until 18 months after enactment. Key provisions include increased civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance, the ability for the government to debar repeat violators from federal contracts, and a requirement that states sharing driver's license data with the system remain eligible for certain federal funding. Additionally, the act establishes a self-check feature for individuals to verify their own status, expands data sharing between federal and state agencies to prevent fraud, and creates a good-faith defense for employers who rely on the system's results.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of John Seymour, a late U.S. Senator from California, by formally acknowledging his public service and contributions. The document details his career highlights, including his roles as Mayor of Anaheim, his work in securing the relocation of the Los Angeles Rams, and his legislative achievements such as passing a major transportation bill. It also lists his committee assignments and advocacy for issues like special education, women's rights, and environmental protection. Finally, the resolution requests that the Senate Secretary communicate this tribute to the House of Representatives and send a copy to Seymour's family.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes Jewish American Heritage Month and urges leaders to combat antisemitism. It highlights the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States, including their military service and cultural impact. The bill calls on elected officials and civil society leaders to condemn hate acts, educate the public about Jewish heritage, and ensure the safety of Jewish communities. It also commits to protecting religious freedom for all Americans.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 2026 as National Foster Care Month to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the approximately 331,747 children currently in the U.S. foster care system. The bill highlights key issues such as high rates of placement instability, educational disruptions, and the specific needs of youth aging out of care without permanent family connections. While the measure does not create new laws or funding, it formally encourages Congress to implement policies that support family reunification, prevent unnecessary entries into the system, and improve outcomes for foster youth. Additionally, the resolution establishes May 31, 2026, as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day to honor the caregivers and social workers who support these children.