Maddy summaryThe Background Check Expansion Act requires most private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals to go through a licensed dealer, who must conduct a background check as if the dealer were selling the firearm. Exceptions include transfers between close family members (like parents and children), law enforcement, temporary safety-related transfers (e.g., preventing domestic violence), and transfers for hunting or target shooting with specific safeguards. Licensed dealers must provide a notice about the background check requirement and have the buyer sign a certification form. The bill does not create a national gun registry and preserves states' authority to enact stricter firearm laws. It takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 501 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 2025 as National Native American Heritage Month. It encourages the American public to observe the month through programs and activities that celebrate Native American cultural contributions, heritage, and history. The resolution does not create new legal obligations or funding, serving solely as a symbolic acknowledgment of Native American communities' enduring impact on U.S. society.
Maddy summaryThe Biomanufacturing Excellence Act of 2025 establishes a National Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Center of Excellence under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It directly affects U.S. biopharmaceutical manufacturers, research institutions, and workers by funding a competitive grant program to create a center focused on advancing biomanufacturing technologies. Key provisions include improving manufacturing processes, reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, supporting workforce training, and requiring annual progress reports to Congress. The bill authorizes $120 million for fiscal year 2026 to build facilities, conduct collaborative research, and develop training programs, with the center required to prioritize national security, health security, and economic security needs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new safety standards to protect wildland firefighters from harmful smoke exposure. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture (and the Secretary of the Interior for their firefighters) to develop and provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment when smoke levels exceed current safety limits, within one year of the bill's enactment. Firefighters and supporting staff must use this equipment in high-exposure situations, with standards periodically reviewed and updated based on the latest guidelines. The bill also authorizes funding to cover the costs of implementing these safety measures for wildland firefighting personnel.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (the main federal civil rights statute) by adding "of the United States" before "of any State" in its text. It would directly affect individuals seeking to sue federal officials for constitutional violations committed while acting under federal authority. The key mechanism is a narrow textual change to clarify that lawsuits can be brought against federal actors under this statute, similar to existing provisions for state officials. This is a procedural adjustment to existing law, not a new policy. (Note: This bill does not create new rights but modifies how an existing legal remedy applies.)
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3196) gives most Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employees the right to have a representative (like a union member or chosen person) present during any VA examination that might lead to disciplinary action, if the employee requests it. It directly affects VA workers in covered positions, excluding senior executives, certain appointed staff, and political appointees. The key provision requires the VA Secretary to provide this representation opportunity during such examinations, using the employee’s work time if needed. The bill aims to ensure VA employees have support during potentially disciplinary proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3195) repeals a specific section (Section 213) from the 2026 appropriations law and restores an older provision (Section 10 of the 2005 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act) as if the repealed section had never existed. It directly affects how legislative branch funding is administered, correcting a technical error in the appropriations process. The bill makes no new policy changes but restores the original funding mechanism that was inadvertently altered by the 2026 law. It is purely procedural, with no direct impact on public programs or citizens' daily lives.
Maddy summaryThe Constitutional Accountability Act (S 3186) amends Section 1983 to expand liability for constitutional violations by law enforcement. It directly affects state/local governments, police departments, and federal entities by removing barriers that currently limit their accountability for officers' actions. Key provisions require municipalities to be held liable for constitutional violations by their officers (similar to private employers under "respondeat superior"), eliminate sovereign immunity for states under the 14th Amendment, and clarify that federal entities waive sovereign immunity. This change aims to strengthen enforcement of constitutional rights by making oversight mechanisms more consistent and accessible to victims.
Maddy summaryThe UNLOCK Housing Act (S 3169) updates federal housing law to expand eligibility for existing funding. It allows metropolitan cities, counties, states, local governments, insular areas, and tribes receiving Section 106 housing funds to build new residential housing for low- and moderate-income people. This change applies directly to jurisdictions already managing federal housing assistance programs. The bill adds this specific housing type as an approved use of funds, without requiring nonprofit partnerships, making it easier to develop affordable housing options.
Maddy summarySJRES 90 is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. military forces from Venezuela when their actions lack congressional authorization. It requires the President to withdraw troops unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military force against Venezuela. The resolution applies to all current military operations in Venezuela not covered by existing congressional approval. It includes an exception allowing military action for self-defense against imminent attacks.