Sen. Cory A. Booker

Maddy summarySRES 612 is a non-binding Senate resolution acknowledging the fourth anniversary of Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its 1991 borders, condemns Russia’s attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and emphasizes the need for sustained U.S. and transatlantic security guarantees. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but expresses congressional support for Ukraine’s defense and calls for continued international cooperation. It specifically highlights Russia’s targeting of Ukrainian children and U.S. companies as part of its aggression. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect on policy or funding.

Maddy summaryThe American Homeownership Act restricts tax deductions for interest and depreciation on residential properties owned by institutional investment entities or "large owners" (defined as those holding 50+ single-family units). It creates exceptions for new construction, rehabilitation of uninhabitable properties, sales to individuals for primary residence, and properties serving affordable housing through tax credit programs. The bill also prohibits federal housing agencies from selling properties or providing mortgage loans to these large investors and allocates savings from these tax changes to fund affordable housing programs. These provisions aim to encourage homeownership by limiting tax benefits for large-scale rental property ownership while directing resources toward affordable housing development.

Maddy summaryThe SAVES Act of 2025 establishes a five-year pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to eligible veterans with specific disabilities, such as blindness, mobility issues, PTSD, or traumatic brain injury. Nonprofits must apply competitively, meet training and animal welfare standards (including ADA compliance), and provide service dogs at no cost to veterans, with the VA covering all program expenses. The VA will also provide ongoing veterinary insurance for the dogs, which continues even after the pilot ends. This program is funded with $10 million annually for five years, targeting veterans as defined by VA medical criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Security and Freedom Enhancement Act of 2026, amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to reform how intelligence agencies collect and use information about Americans. It directly affects the FBI, intelligence agencies, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court by requiring stricter rules on searching communications of U.S. persons and limiting access to data about Americans located in the United States. Key provisions include mandatory audits of FBI queries, new approval requirements for searching sensitive individuals like elected officials, expanded reporting to Congress, and restrictions on purchasing personal data from data brokers. The bill also strengthens oversight by requiring the Inspector General to conduct periodic audits and mandates greater transparency through public reporting of surveillance activities.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 25) commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. It honors the victims (such as Judge John Roll, Gabriel Zimmerman, and 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green), survivors like Giffords and Ron Barber (who later became a U.S. Representative), and the community's response. The resolution expresses support for survivors, recognizes Giffords’ advocacy against gun violence, and reaffirms commitment to respectful dialogue and opposing political violence. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe SPARK Act establishes the Spark Program to support underserved small businesses by providing grants to eligible organizations like incubators, accelerators, and community development financial institutions. It directly affects minority-owned businesses (which face twice the denial rate for financing), women-owned businesses, rural businesses, and businesses in economically distressed areas by offering free mentorship, counseling, and access to capital. The program requires participating organizations to provide 5-year services with no fees for businesses and track metrics including jobs created, capital accessed, and business growth. It also creates a Spark Financing Program that provides grants up to $20,000 and low-interest loans to covered small businesses. Annual reports will track outcomes including demographic breakdowns of participants and business retention rates.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy Families Act would require most private employers and certain government entities to provide employees with earned paid sick time, allowing workers to take up to 56 hours per year for their own health needs, caring for family members, or addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Employees would earn 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, with the ability to use it for medical appointments, caring for family members with health needs, or seeking safety from violence. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who use this time and requires employers to post clear notices about the policy. It applies to most private employers, with specific provisions for government entities like the Library of Congress and Government Accountability Office.

Maddy summaryS 3868, the Count the Crimes to Cut Act, requires the Attorney General and specific federal agencies to compile detailed reports on federal criminal offenses. The bill mandates that agencies submit lists of all criminal statutory offenses (under federal law) and criminal regulatory offenses (enforceable via regulations), including their penalties, annual prosecution numbers over 15 years, and mental state requirements. These reports will be made publicly accessible via online indexes on government websites within two years. The bill directly affects agencies like the DOJ, EPA, FTC, and others listed, aiming to increase transparency about the scope of federal criminal law without changing existing penalties or enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study firearm advertising and marketing for unfair or deceptive practices, such as ads targeting people under 18, implying illegal use, or promoting semiautomatic assault weapons. Within two years, the FTC must report findings to Congress and then create regulations to ban these practices within 18 months of the report. These regulations would apply to firearm manufacturers, dealers, and importers, prohibiting specific deceptive marketing tactics. Violations would be enforced under existing FTC authority, with penalties matching current unfair business practice violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities. The 12-member council, appointed by the President with Senate approval, must include equal numbers of Democratic and Republican members, prioritize diverse representation (women, people of color, individuals with disabilities), and feature experts in African American history and culture. The council’s duties include evaluating National Endowment programs, gathering information on African American cultural preservation, and making recommendations to improve policies supporting this history and culture. The council will operate for 10 years and requires 9 members to meet.