Maddy summaryS 731, the Time to Choose Act of 2025, prohibits U.S. federal agencies from awarding consulting contracts (specifically those under NAICS code 5416) to firms that simultaneously provide consulting services to "covered foreign entities," such as China’s military or Russian government entities. The bill requires contractors to certify they have no such foreign contracts before bidding, directly affecting consulting firms with ties to these specified foreign governments. Exceptions are limited to case-by-case waivers approved by agency heads with strict reporting requirements, including congressional notifications and public disclosure of foreign clients. The law aims to eliminate conflicts where firms aid U.S. adversaries while working with U.S. agencies, with penalties for false certifications under the False Claims Act.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill defines "sanctuary jurisdiction" as a state or local government that prohibits sharing immigration status information with federal authorities or refuses to comply with federal immigration detainers (requests to hold individuals for immigration enforcement). It makes such jurisdictions ineligible for specific federal grants, including Economic Development Administration funds and Community Development Block Grants, by requiring that grant projects be located in areas not designated as sanctuary jurisdictions. Jurisdictions found to be sanctuary jurisdictions must return any grant funds received during the period they were designated as such and cannot receive future funds until compliance is achieved. The bill takes effect on October 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySRES 89 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating February 15-22, 2025, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization’s role in developing student leadership through agricultural education and celebrates two milestones: the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America (a historically Black agricultural youth group) and the 75th anniversary of the Federal charter for Future Farmers of America (signed by President Truman in 1950). The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but formally expresses congressional support for these observances. It affects no specific group or policy, serving solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.
Maddy summaryThe Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025 establishes seven regional research centers at colleges and universities across specific U.S. regions (Alaska, California, Northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Pacific Islands, Southeast, and Southwest) to advance wildland fire research. These centers will coordinate with federal fire management agencies, develop predictive tools for fire behavior and smoke impact, and create open data-sharing protocols following FAIR principles (findability, accessibility, interoperability, reusability). The law authorizes $60 million to $64 million annually for the centers from 2026-2030, plus $1 million yearly for a National Center Coordination Board that oversees research priorities and avoids duplication. It requires annual reports to Congress on research progress and establishes advisory boards with representation from tribal organizations, state agencies, and fire management professionals. This law directly affects land-grant universities, federal fire management agencies, Tribal organizations, and state wildfire management entities.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two federal programs that provided funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. It eliminates the grant program for charging/fueling stations under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and terminates the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. The bill specifically removes authorization for new grants, cancels unspent funds, and prohibits future use of federal money for these programs. As a result, the federal government will no longer fund or support the development of EV charging networks through these specific mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThe MERIT Act of 2025 makes significant changes to federal employee disciplinary procedures and personnel management. It repeals Section 4303 of Title 5 (which governed performance-based actions) and establishes a "preponderance of evidence" standard for disciplinary actions instead of the previous higher standard. The bill shortens response periods for employees from 14 to 7 business days, extends probationary periods for Senior Executive Service positions and competitive service positions from 1 year to 2 years, and adds provisions allowing agencies to recoup bonuses from employees with adverse findings or reduce annuities for employees convicted of felonies related to their job performance. These changes primarily affect federal employees, supervisors, and senior executives across the government.
The resolution urges the E3 (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) to invoke the snapback of United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 before the option expires on October 18, 2025. This resolution also (1) recognizes that Iran's possession of a nuclear weapon would threaten U.S. and global security, (2) condemns Iran's repeated violations of certain international commitments related to nuclear weapons, and (3) reaffirms that the United States maintains the right to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Maddy summaryS 583, the Reorganizing Government Act of 2025, updates federal reorganization rules to focus on executive departments rather than agencies. It adds specific goals like reducing unnecessary operations, cutting federal employee numbers, and eliminating burdensome regulations. The bill revises Title 5 of the U.S. Code to require that reorganization plans avoid increasing federal worker counts or spending, and extends deadlines for implementation to December 31, 2026. These changes directly affect how federal departments are structured and managed under executive reorganization authority.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the federal estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax for estates of people who die on or after the bill's enactment date, directly affecting heirs of large estates (typically valued over $13 million for 2025). It also modifies the gift tax by establishing a $10 million lifetime exemption (adjusted for inflation), replacing the current exemption amount. The bill sets new tax brackets for gifts exceeding this threshold and adjusts the calculation method for gift tax liability. These changes apply to gifts made or estates settled after the bill becomes law, with no impact on existing estate plans or transfers before enactment.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution would block a Department of Energy rule setting new efficiency standards for gas-fired instant water heaters. The rule, published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2024, would have required manufacturers to produce more energy-efficient models. If passed, the resolution would prevent this rule from taking effect, keeping current efficiency standards in place. The direct impact is on water heater manufacturers and consumers purchasing these products.