Sen. Alex Padilla

This joint resolution directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities within or against Venezuela unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force for such purpose has been enacted. The joint resolution specifies that it shall not be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from an armed attack or threat of an imminent armed attack.

Maddy summaryThe "No Political Enemies Act" (S 3646) prohibits federal officials from taking enforcement actions against individuals or groups that are substantially motivated by their constitutionally protected speech, such as criticism of government policies. It creates legal defenses for those targeted, requiring courts to dismiss enforcement actions if proven to be politically motivated, and establishes new remedies including the ability to seek injunctions and sue for damages. The bill also requires the Justice Department to report quarterly to Congress on sensitive investigations and prohibits using government funds for politically motivated enforcement actions. This legislation directly affects federal enforcement agencies, officials, and anyone engaging in protected speech who might face government action.

Maddy summaryThe EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to change its food procurement practices to prioritize foods supporting local farmers, worker well-being, environmental sustainability, and equitable food systems. It mandates the USDA to purchase more foods produced by beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veterans, and those using sustainable practices, while requiring transparency through annual reports on procurement spending. The bill sets specific targets for increasing such purchases by 2032, allocates $2 million annually from 2026-2031 for covered producers, and creates a $25 million grant program to help small producers meet USDA requirements. The legislation also establishes a pilot program to evaluate "best value" procurement that considers factors beyond price, such as environmental impact and labor practices.

Maddy summarySJRES 84 is a joint resolution seeking to block a rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Affordable Care Act. The rule, published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2025, aimed to improve affordability and integrity in health insurance marketplaces. If approved, this resolution would invalidate the rule under a federal disapproval process, preventing its implementation. This directly affects how health insurance plans are structured and priced for consumers using ACA marketplaces.

Maddy summaryS 3622, the SERVE Act, prohibits naming or renaming any federal building, land, or asset after a sitting president. It directly affects all federal property currently named for a sitting president and prevents future naming during a president's term. The bill bans using federal funds for such naming and requires reverting any existing presidential-named property to its prior official designation. This applies to all federal assets covered by existing law, without exception.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 577) commemorates the one-year anniversary of the 2025 Southern California wildfires. It honors the 31 people who died in the fires, recognizes the bravery of over 7,500 first responders from multiple states, countries, and tribal nations who fought the fires, and affirms the Senate's commitment to supporting ongoing rebuilding efforts in affected communities like Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The resolution has no policy or funding provisions - it is a symbolic gesture of remembrance and support. It was introduced by Senators Schiff and Padilla on January 8, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to change how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) affect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. It revises the date when COLAs stop counting toward income from July 1 to January 1, potentially increasing SNAP benefits earlier for some recipients. The bill also adds a new exclusion for specific Social Security supplementary payments under Section 1616(a) of the Social Security Act. These changes take effect October 1, 2027, directly impacting SNAP recipients whose income calculations include Social Security benefits.

Maddy summaryThe Community Protection and Wildfire Resilience Act (S 3609) establishes a federal grant program to help communities reduce wildfire risks. It provides up to $1 billion annually (2025-2029) for eligible entities - like states, tribes, local governments, and fire departments - to develop or implement community wildfire resilience plans. These plans must include strategies for early detection, infrastructure hardening (like making homes ember-resistant), protecting vulnerable populations, and coordinating with local agencies. Grants fund specific projects (up to $10 million per project) or plan development (up to $250,000), requiring a 25% non-federal cost share, with priority for high-risk areas identified by federal maps.

Maddy summaryThe National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes and updates the federal program to reduce earthquake risks, explicitly including Tribal governments in program requirements. Key provisions require seismic evaluations for high-risk buildings, improve earthquake early warning systems, and provide technical assistance to state and local governments for building retrofits. The bill authorizes $10.59 million annually for the program, $100.9 million for the US Geological Survey, and $58 million for the National Science Foundation through 2028. This legislation directly affects federal agencies, state and local governments, Tribal governments, and communities in earthquake-prone areas by strengthening earthquake resilience measures and response planning.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and honors the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and Capitol staff (including custodial, janitorial, and maintenance personnel) who protected the building during the assault. It recognizes their bravery in defending Congress during the attack, which injured over 100 officers and contributed to five officer deaths, and acknowledges their ongoing essential work in maintaining Capitol operations. The resolution expresses Senate gratitude for their service and reaffirms commitment to protecting democratic processes. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or funding.