Sen. Tammy Duckworth

Maddy summarySenate Resolution SRES 406 designates September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Impact Aid program. The program reimburses school districts near federal properties (such as military bases, Indian lands, and federal facilities) for lost tax revenue, ensuring they can provide quality education. This resolution formally recognizes the program’s role in supporting over 1,100 school districts serving more than 8 million students across 4.7 million acres of federally owned land. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new policy changes or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices for contractors affected by government funding lapses (like shutdowns), ensuring contractors can cover costs for employees who were furloughed, laid off, or had reduced hours. It mandates that contractors receive reimbursement for paying employees at their standard rate during the lapse or restoring paid leave used instead of work. The reimbursement is capped at $1,442 per week (pro-rated for part-time workers), and contractors must provide proof of costs to the agency. Agencies must report to Congress within a year on how many contractor employees were impacted and how compensation was handled.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the U.S. Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund from providing financial support to Argentina's government or financial markets. It specifically blocks the use of the fund for currency swaps, purchasing Argentine debt, or any credit instruments intended to bail out Argentina. The restriction applies until December 10, 2027, and requires any existing contracts violating this rule to be terminated within seven days of the bill's enactment. The law directly affects the Treasury Department's use of its financial tools, not Argentina itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides emergency financial relief for federal employees affected by government shutdowns. It allows workers on furlough or working without pay during a shutdown lasting at least two weeks to withdraw up to $30,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) from their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement accounts without the usual 10% tax penalty. The bill also prevents missed TSP loan payments during shutdowns from being treated as taxable distributions, protecting employees from unexpected tax bills. These provisions apply to withdrawals and loan payments made after September 30, 2025, directly supporting federal workers facing income disruption during funding lapses.

Maddy summarySRES 428 is a Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, 2025. It formally acknowledges the cultural heritage, historical contributions, and economic impact of Latino communities across the United States. The resolution urges all Americans to observe the month through programs and activities celebrating Latino achievements. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations but serves as a symbolic recognition of Latino contributions to U.S. society.

Maddy summarySRES 423 is a Senate resolution recognizing October 2025 as Filipino American History Month. It celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States, building on prior congressional recognition that began in 2009. The resolution encourages public observance through educational programs and activities, highlighting Filipino Americans' roles in U.S. history, military service, and fields like healthcare and the arts. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their enduring impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2943, the ACE Veterans Act) requires the VA to allow veterans enrolled in its healthcare system to receive a full-year supply of prescribed contraceptive pills, patches, rings, or other approved contraceptive products instead of monthly refills. It directly affects veterans prescribed these products who are enrolled in VA care, ensuring they can access a year’s supply with a single prescription. Medical providers must inform veterans about this option, and the bill defines "contraceptive product" broadly to include FDA-approved methods for pregnancy prevention. The change aims to improve access and convenience for veterans managing contraceptive needs within VA healthcare.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow federal employees who must work during government shutdowns (called "excepted employees") to receive unemployment benefits for those weeks in 2026-2027. If an employee later receives pay from the government for the same period, they must repay the state unemployment fund. The federal government will reimburse states 100% of the unemployment benefits paid to these employees plus related administrative costs. The bill directly affects federal workers required to work during shutdowns and state unemployment systems managing these claims. It creates a clear process for benefits and repayment during shutdowns in 2026-2027.

Maddy summarySRES 408 is a commemorative resolution designating September 20, 2025, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day." It honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals who served in the U.S. military despite historical discrimination, including policies like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and bans on transgender service. The resolution acknowledges past harms, such as discharges based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and urges federal agencies to address ongoing inequities in benefits and healthcare access. It does not create new laws or alter policies but formally recognizes contributions and regrets historical injustices. This is a symbolic gesture to celebrate LGBTQ+ military service and promote awareness of ongoing challenges.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 405) symbolically designates September 22-28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week" to honor institutions serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. It recognizes these institutions' role in enrolling over 46% of such students despite representing only 7.1% of U.S. higher education institutions. The resolution encourages eligible schools to seek funding and promotes public awareness of their contributions through activities during the designated week. It has no funding or policy changes - only a symbolic acknowledgment of these institutions' educational impact.