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 summaryThis bill amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to create an exception preventing lawsuits against the President (or someone who becomes President while a case is pending) for any tort claim, regardless of when the incident occurred. It directly affects the President and future presidential candidates who might face civil lawsuits during their presidency. The key provision adds a new exception to federal law, blocking all such claims from proceeding in court. This is a procedural change to existing tort law, not a new policy affecting the general public. The bill would apply to any pending or future lawsuits against the President.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 494) is a commemorative Senate measure observing the 50th anniversary of the November 10, 1975, sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior, which resulted in the loss of all 29 crew members. It formally recognizes the tragedy, honors the deceased crew and their families, and acknowledges the storm that caused the disaster - the "storm of the century" with 100 mph winds and 50-foot waves. The resolution also highlights the ship's historical significance as a record-breaking freighter and its cultural legacy through Gordon Lightfoot's song, while reaffirming support for Great Lakes shipping safety. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new policies or affect any specific groups directly.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 487) expresses support for designating the week beginning November 3, 2025, as "National School Psychology Week." It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the role of school psychologists in supporting students' mental health and academic success. The resolution honors school psychologists for their work in assessing learning barriers, implementing evidence-based strategies, and collaborating with educators and families. It encourages the public to observe the designated week through activities raising awareness of their contributions. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no direct impact on individuals or existing programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures uninterrupted funding for Head Start programs in fiscal year 2026 by appropriating necessary funds from the Treasury if regular or continuing appropriations for that year are not enacted by September 30, 2026. It directly affects Head Start programs and the children and families they serve by preventing service disruptions during funding gaps. The key mechanism requires funding to continue under the same conditions as fiscal year 2025 (as established by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025) until either regular appropriations are passed, a specific appropriations resolution is enacted, or September 30, 2026. The bill does not create new funding but maintains current levels to avoid program interruptions.
Maddy summaryThe Housing for All Veterans Act of 2025 creates a new federal rental assistance program specifically for veterans. It provides rental subsidies to "qualified veteran families" meeting income thresholds that gradually increase from 50% of area income limits in 2026 up to 100% of area median income by 2030. The bill prohibits landlords from refusing vouchers based on veteran status, excludes VA disability benefits from income calculations, and requires public housing agencies to refer eligible veterans to supported housing programs. It also authorizes permanent funding to cover all eligible applicants without reducing existing rental assistance programs.
Maddy summaryThe Insurance Fraud Accountability Act (S 976) amends the Affordable Care Act to strengthen penalties for insurance agents and brokers who provide incorrect or fraudulent information during health plan enrollment. It imposes civil penalties of $10,000-$50,000 per violation for negligent errors and up to $200,000 for knowing fraud, with criminal penalties including up to 10 years in prison for willful violations. The bill requires new verification processes for agent- or broker-assisted enrollments by January 2029, including mandatory documentation, consent forms, and delayed commission payments until enrollment issues are resolved. These provisions directly affect agents, brokers, third-party marketing organizations, and consumers enrolled in qualified health plans through federal or state marketplaces.
Maddy summarySRES 482 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 3-7, 2025, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges veteran-owned small businesses, which employ nearly 3.3 million people and generate over $952 billion in annual sales. The resolution expresses support for these businesses and appreciation for veterans' entrepreneurship, while highlighting the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s annual observance of this week. It has no direct impact on regulations, funding, or veteran business operations.
Maddy summarySRES 481 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging the Trump administration to use the USDA’s existing $4.5 billion contingency funds and interchange authority to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November 2025. The resolution states that SNAP is an entitlement program requiring government funding, and the USDA legally has the authority to draw from these reserves to avoid benefit disruptions. This would directly support the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. The resolution does not change the law but calls for immediate action to maintain food assistance during a potential funding gap.