Maddy summaryS 2298, the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act of 2025, requires employers to prevent heat-related harm to workers. It mandates the Secretary of Labor to create binding standards within one year of enactment, including requirements for employers to provide cool water, scheduled rest breaks, shade, heat illness training, and engineering controls (like ventilation) to reduce heat exposure. These standards directly affect workers in high-heat occupations (e.g., construction, agriculture) and their employers, who must implement specific protective measures like hydration plans, cooling equipment, and supervisor training on recognizing heat illness symptoms. The bill also includes whistleblower protections for workers reporting safety violations and requires ongoing data collection to assess the standards' effectiveness.
Sponsored bills
Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act This act permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Under the act, offenses involving fentanyl-related substances are triggered by the same quantity thresholds and subject to the same penalties as offenses involving fentanyl analogues (e.g., offenses involving 100 grams or more trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum prison term). Additionally, the act establishes a new, alternative registration process for certain schedule I research. The act also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, including permitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances, waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, and allowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration. Finally, the act expresses the sense that Congress agrees with the interpretation of the Controlled Substances Act in United States v. McCray , a 2018 case decided by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. In that case, the court held that butyryl fentanyl, a controlled substance, can be considered an analogue of fentanyl even though, under the Controlled Substances Act, the term controlled substance analogue specifically excludes a controlled substance.
Maddy summarySRES 322 designates June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about post-traumatic stress, particularly among veterans and military personnel. The resolution supports efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense to educate about symptoms, treatment, and stigma reduction, while encouraging cultural change and appropriate care. This symbolic gesture has no legal effect or funding implications but aims to reduce stigma and promote mental health support for those affected.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal program providing child care assistance to working families with children under age 6 through direct child care certificates that parents can use to pay for high-quality child care services. States must develop plans with payment rates covering provider costs and wages, sliding fee scales based on family income (with no copayment for families earning under 85% of state median income), and policies prioritizing vulnerable children including those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, or from low-income families. The program requires providers to meet quality standards, prohibit suspensions/expulsions, and implement quality improvement activities while ensuring accessibility for underserved populations. It is funded through significant federal appropriations for fiscal years 2026-2031.
Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating July 10, 2025, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors journeyman lineworkers who maintain the nation’s power grid 24/7, restore electricity during disasters, and work in hazardous conditions. The resolution specifically recognizes the 129th anniversary of Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died while restoring power in 1901. The Senate encourages the public to observe this day to reflect on lineworkers’ contributions and sacrifices. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution with no legal force or funding impact.)
Maddy summaryThis bill codifies the Federal Trade Commission's existing "negative option" rule into law, making it permanently binding as of July 7, 2025. It requires companies to get explicit customer consent before automatically renewing subscriptions or services, rather than assuming consent through inaction. The rule directly affects consumers who use recurring payment services (like streaming, software, or memberships) and the businesses that offer them. This change prevents companies from charging customers for continued service without clear, affirmative action from the user to renew.
Maddy summarySRES 312 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating June 2025 as "LGBTQ Pride Month" to honor the LGBTQ community's historical struggles and contributions to U.S. society. The resolution expresses symbolic support for LGBTQ rights and highlights ongoing challenges like discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare, without creating new laws or policies. It serves as a formal acknowledgment by the Senate to promote awareness of LGBTQ history and advocacy, but has no legal effect on government actions or individual rights. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and includes a preamble detailing key milestones in LGBTQ equality efforts.
Maddy summaryThe Investing in Main Street Act of 2025 amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the required investment percentage for small business investment companies (SBICs) from 5% to 15% in two specific provisions. This change requires SBICs to direct a larger share of their capital toward supporting small businesses. The bill directly affects SBICs, which are private investment firms that provide financing to small businesses. The policy change adjusts the investment requirements for these companies without altering other aspects of the law.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes two existing federal diabetes programs through 2027. It provides $160 million annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for the Special Diabetes Program for Type I Diabetes (serving people with Type I diabetes) and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (serving Native American communities through Indian Health Services). A final $40 million is allocated for October-December 2027 for both programs, with all funds remaining available until expended. The bill extends current funding levels without changing program eligibility or structure.
Maddy summaryThe Senate resolution SRES 306 supports designating June 26 as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day" to commemorate three landmark Supreme Court rulings on that date: *Lawrence v. Texas* (2003, ending criminalization of same-sex intimacy), *United States v. Windsor* (2013, striking down DOMA), and *Obergefell v. Hodges* (2015, guaranteeing same-sex marriage). It encourages public celebrations to educate about ongoing LGBTQI+ discrimination while acknowledging these court victories were not enough to eliminate barriers. The resolution is symbolic - non-binding and non-enforceable - focusing on raising awareness rather than creating new laws. It explicitly calls for future legislation to address discrimination in areas like employment, housing, and public accommodations.