Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan

Maddy summarySRES 596 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating February 2-6, 2026, as "National School Counseling Week." It directly recognizes school counselors and their role in supporting students' academic, social, emotional, and career development. The resolution encourages public awareness through ceremonies and activities to highlight counselors' contributions, addressing their critical but often underfunded role (with a national student-to-counselor ratio of 376:1). It does not create new programs or alter funding but formally acknowledges counselors' work in schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires companies that synthesize DNA or RNA (like those selling synthetic nucleic acids) to screen customer orders for dangerous sequences and verify customer identities. It mandates a federal system to maintain a list of "sequences of concern" (DNA patterns that could create harmful pathogens), with regular updates based on public input and rapid additions for emerging threats. The bill also creates a "biotechnology governance sandbox" for testing new security tools and streamlines federal oversight by having agencies coordinate under one plan to reduce duplication. These rules apply directly to biotech manufacturers and distributors of gene synthesis equipment, aiming to prevent misuse while supporting innovation.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends funding for family-to-family health information centers that support families navigating health systems, particularly for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. It authorizes two specific funding periods: partial funding for the last eight months of 2026 ($6 million annually) and $6 million each year from 2027 through 2030. The bill amends existing Social Security Act provisions to formalize these funding levels without creating new requirements or eligibility rules. It directly affects the 50+ centers currently receiving federal support under this program. The change ensures continued operation of these centers through 2030 without altering their core services.

Maddy summaryThe Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a workforce strategy for rural hospitals within one year of enactment. This strategy must address cybersecurity staffing challenges, create partnerships with educational institutions, and develop training materials tailored to rural hospital needs. The bill also mandates the creation of accessible cybersecurity instructional materials for hospital staff and annual congressional briefings on progress. It directly affects rural hospitals - defined as non-urban facilities providing inpatient, emergency, and diagnostic care - without authorizing new funding. Implementation must use existing resources, focusing on practical workforce development and training.

Maddy summarySRES 585 is a commemorative resolution honoring Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator from Colorado and the first Native American to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. It recognizes his military service, Olympic judo career, legislative work (including authoring the National Museum of the American Indian Act), and advocacy for tribal communities. The resolution has no policy impact - it formally expresses the Senate’s respect for his legacy, requests transmission to his family, and directs a moment of silence. It directly affects Campbell’s legacy and family, not any current policy or population. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with legislative provisions.)

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 summaryThis bill increases base pay for Federal correctional officers by 35% above their current General Schedule or law enforcement officer rates, replacing their existing base pay for all compensation purposes. It directly affects Bureau of Prisons correctional officers whose duties involve inmate custody, control, or routine direct contact in custodial settings, including certain supervisory roles. The pay increase is capped at the rate for Executive Schedule Level V (for officers) or Level IV (for Federal Wage System employees), and expires after five years unless the Department of Justice Inspector General certifies progress in reducing non-custodial staff "augmentation" and excessive overtime. The law requires a review 180 days before expiration to assess staffing changes and impacts on recruitment, retention, and safety.

Maddy summaryThis bill lowers the income threshold for the refundable child tax credit from $3,000 to $1 in the Internal Revenue Code. It directly affects low-income working families with children who previously earned above $3,000 but now qualify under the new $1 threshold. The key change simplifies eligibility, allowing more families to receive the credit, and takes effect for tax years starting after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySRES 288 is a Senate resolution condemning recent ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals, including a violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, 2025, and other incidents like the attack on Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C., and fires at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence. The resolution formally expresses the Senate’s condemnation of these acts as part of a growing pattern of antisemitism and politically motivated violence. It reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to protecting peaceful assembly and religious practice, while urging federal, state, and local law enforcement to thoroughly investigate such incidents and calling on community leaders to publicly oppose antisemitism. This resolution has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement of the Senate’s position.

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.