Sen. Jacky Rosen

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 663, DEFENSE Act) allows state and local police officers to use drone countermeasures at specific high-risk events. It authorizes deputized officers to protect stadiums, large public gatherings (like concerts or sports events), or other locations under temporary flight restrictions. Officers must complete required training, and federal agencies (Homeland Security, Transportation, FAA) will oversee the use of countermeasures. Only equipment on a government-approved list can be used for drone detection, identification, or tracking during these events.

Maddy summaryThe Protect the West Act of 2025 establishes a $60 billion Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund to support ecological restoration projects across western U.S. landscapes. It creates two main programs: a $20 billion grant program to help eligible entities like state governments, tribes, and nonprofits plan and coordinate restoration projects, and a $40 billion partnership program focused on carrying out projects on Federal and non-Federal lands with high wildfire risk. The bill requires projects to improve forest conditions, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and reduce wildfire risks while creating jobs in outdoor industries, with special priority for projects in the wildland-urban interface and underserved communities. Projects must be coordinated with existing conservation programs and follow scientific best practices, with annual reporting requirements to track environmental benefits and job creation.

Maddy summarySRES 53 is a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the February 19-26, 1945, Battle of Iwo Jima and the iconic U.S. flag-raising on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. It honors the service members who fought in the battle - including those who received the Medal of Honor - and recognizes the strategic importance of the victory in ending World War II. The resolution encourages public commemoration through ceremonies and events, while affirming U.S.-Japan reconciliation and honoring veterans' sacrifices. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on policy or beneficiaries.

Maddy summarySRES 80 is a Senate resolution introduced on February 13, 2025, expressing gratitude to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at Arms, the Secretary of the Senate, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It specifically acknowledges their work during the January 20, 2025 inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, noting their efforts to adapt to cold weather challenges that required relocating events indoors. The resolution has no policy impact and serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of their contributions to the inauguration's security and success.

Maddy summaryThis bill funds research at land-grant universities to study how grazing by hoofed animals (like cattle or deer) can reduce wildfire risks on public and private lands. It directs grants for developing grazing techniques that lower fire fuels, aid post-fire recovery, and protect soil, water, and native plants - while avoiding invasive species spread or erosion. Key research areas include rotational grazing, managed stocking rates, and water point management. The findings will be shared through educational materials and outreach to help landowners and managers adopt these practices. The bill focuses on research, not direct land management changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal U.S.-Israel defense partnership focused on joint development of counter-unmanned systems technology, authorizing $150 million annually from 2026-2030 for a dedicated program. It directly affects U.S. and Israeli defense departments, contractors, and military personnel through collaborative research, joint training, and shared procurement of counter-drone systems. Additional provisions include extending existing anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation with increased funding, creating a new emerging tech program for AI/cybersecurity collaboration, and establishing a U.S. Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on program progress and mandates semiannual financial oversight for all joint activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes new sanctions on foreign entities (including banks, insurers, and logistics companies) that knowingly facilitate Iran's oil, gas, LNG, or petrochemical exports. It blocks U.S. property of sanctioned entities and bars targeted individuals from entering the U.S. via visa restrictions or revocation. Exceptions cover goods imports and certain international obligations, while the President may grant limited 180-day waivers for national security reasons, subject to congressional reporting. The law aims to disrupt Iran's energy revenue streams used for terrorism, weapons programs, and repression, with enforcement coordinated through a new interagency working group.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs specifically for nonprofit child care centers that meet strict criteria, such as being tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations providing care for children from birth to school age. It makes these eligible centers qualify for standard SBA loans under sections 7(a) and 504, but requires loan guarantees for amounts over $500,000 and prohibits direct SBA lending (requiring partnerships with banks or financial institutions). The bill also mandates annual SBA reports to Congress tracking the number and value of these loans, while prohibiting loan denials based on religious associations and banning the use of funds for religious activities. This directly affects nonprofit child care centers seeking financing for facility improvements, staffing, or program expansion.

This resolution supports the designation of Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Wildfire Intelligence Center within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior to centralize wildfire data and coordination. The Center will provide real-time risk assessments, fire behavior modeling, and tools for evacuation planning to help communities, firefighters, and emergency responders. It aims to improve data sharing across federal, state, tribal, and local agencies managing wildfire response by creating standardized tools and a unified information platform. The Center will focus on pre-fire planning, active response, and post-fire recovery using aggregated scientific data and predictive services.