Sen. Richard Blumenthal

Maddy summaryThis bill closes tax loopholes by equalizing excise tax rates across all tobacco products. It increases cigarette taxes to $100.66 per pack, matches pipe tobacco tax to $49.56 per pound, sets smokeless tobacco at $26.84 per pound (with a new $100.66 tax per thousand single-use units), and imposes a new tax of $50.33 per 1,810 milligrams on nicotine for vaping products. The bill also establishes an annual inflation adjustment for tax rates starting in 2026 and requires manufacturers of nicotine to pay the tax unless products are FDA-approved for medical use. These changes primarily affect tobacco manufacturers and importers who will pay higher taxes on their products.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 104) designates February 27, 2025, as "Rare Disease Day" to formally recognize efforts related to rare diseases. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs, but highlights the importance of raising awareness, improving early diagnosis, and supporting research for conditions affecting millions in the U.S. (estimated at over 30 million people with rare diseases). The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture aligning with the global observance of Rare Disease Day.

Maddy summaryThe Invest to Protect Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to support local law enforcement agencies with fewer than 175 officers. Eligible communities - including counties, municipalities, and Tribal governments - can use funds for de-escalation training, mental health and domestic violence response training, officer retention bonuses, graduate education stipends, and access to behavioral health services for officers. The program requires grantees to report on outcomes and publicly disclose bonus amounts, with strict audit requirements to prevent misuse of funds. It authorizes $50 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to advance these concrete safety and support initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes existing federal grant programs focused on restoring and stewarding the Long Island Sound through 2029. It extends the funding period for two key programs: the Long Island Sound Grants (under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act) and the Long Island Sound Stewardship Grants (under the 2006 Stewardship Act), changing their authorization from 2019-2023 to 2025-2029. These grants directly support states (Connecticut and New York), local governments, and non-profits working on water quality, habitat restoration, and public education projects in the Sound. The bill makes no new policy changes but continues current funding mechanisms for these established environmental programs.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive lending practices in small-dollar credit transactions. It prohibits unauthorized remotely created checks (checks not created by the consumer's bank and without their signature), requires written consumer consent for such checks (which can be revoked anytime), and bans fees for overdrafts on prepaid accounts. The bill also establishes a registration requirement for small-dollar lenders (those offering credit under $5,000 with specific repayment terms) and restricts lead generation activities that collect sensitive financial information without directly providing credit. Additionally, it mandates a study on small-dollar credit availability and impact on Native American Tribal members.

Maddy summaryS 786, the Public Health Funding Restoration Act, restores annual funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund under the Affordable Care Act to $2 billion starting in fiscal year 2026. This bill directly affects federal health programs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as well as state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments. The key provision amends the Affordable Care Act to set this specific funding level, reversing prior cuts and ensuring resources for evidence-based prevention programs like immunizations, tobacco cessation, chronic disease prevention, and pandemic preparedness. The restored funding aims to support community health initiatives that have demonstrated cost savings - such as $16.50 saved per $1 spent on childhood vaccines - while strengthening public health infrastructure nationwide.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Coast Guard personnel and support staff continue receiving pay and benefits during specific funding gaps. It directly affects active-duty and reserve Coast Guard members, qualified civilian employees, and contract workers providing essential support. The key mechanism mandates automatic funding - without new appropriations - to cover pay, benefits, death gratuities, funeral costs, and housing allowances for dependents during a "Coast Guard-specific funding lapse" (when Coast Guard funding isn't enacted before a fiscal year starts but Defense funding is covered). This maintains equitable treatment with other military branches during such lapses.

Maddy summaryS 803, the Keep Americans Safe Act, prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices (devices holding more than 10 rounds, excluding specific .22 caliber tubular devices) in interstate or foreign commerce. It directly affects the general public, while exempting law enforcement officers (including campus police), retired officers with agency-issued devices, nuclear security personnel, and manufacturers testing under federal authorization. Key provisions include requiring serial numbers on new devices, expanding forfeiture for violations, and allowing federal Byrne grants to fund buy-back programs for surrendered devices. The bill takes effect upon enactment, with existing devices lawfully owned before enactment remaining legal.

This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Senate's disapproval of the U.S. delegation's February 24, 2025, vote at the United Nations General Assembly against a Ukraine peace resolution (A/ES-11/L.10). It condemns the vote as the first U.S. alignment with Russia on Ukraine since 2014, criticizing the refusal to identify Russia as an aggressor or demand its withdrawal from Ukraine. The resolution has no binding effect but formally urges future UN cooperation with Ukraine and allies while reaffirming support for Ukraine's sovereignty.