Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act of 2026, strengthens campaign finance transparency by requiring corporations, labor organizations, Super PACs, and other entities to disclose more information about their spending and funding sources. It closes loopholes that allow foreign nationals to contribute to U.S. elections by expanding disclosure requirements and prohibiting foreign money in ballot initiatives and referenda. The legislation also mandates that certain advertisements include lists of top funders and requires reporting of spending related to federal judicial nominations. Additionally, it streamlines administrative processes for challenging campaign finance laws and ensures coordination between the Federal Election Commission and financial authorities to enforce these rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill, called the BRAVE Burma Act, extends the existing sanctions law on Burma by ten years and requires the President to annually assess whether specific Burmese entities and individuals should face sanctions. It mandates the creation of a Special Envoy for Burma with ambassadorial rank to coordinate U.S. diplomatic efforts, including working with international partners to impose sanctions and arms embargoes on the Burmese military. The legislation also directs the Treasury Department to limit Burma's shareholding benefits at the International Monetary Fund if the State Security and Peace Commission remains in power, while allowing the President to waive this restriction for national interest reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill would transition Puerto Rico from its current nutrition assistance block grant system to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), aligning it with how other U.S. states receive food aid. The legislation requires Puerto Rico to submit an operational plan within 180 days, with the Department of Agriculture providing technical assistance and approval or feedback on the plan. During a five-year transition period, Puerto Rico would continue receiving consolidated block grant funds while gradually shifting to SNAP, with annual reports tracking funding adjustments needed for the change. Once the transition is complete, Puerto Rico would be formally recognized as a state for SNAP purposes and would receive funding based on the same cost-of-living adjustments applied to other states.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026, requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to update cybersecurity and digital service regulations for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The law mandates that states issue chip-enabled EBT cards within four years, ban magnetic stripe cards on new cards, and eliminate replacement fees for cards lost, stolen, or damaged due to fraud. It also requires online transaction security measures, provides funding for retailers to upgrade payment terminals, and establishes reporting requirements to track fraud and system performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 to require the Treasury Secretary to testify annually before Congress about the Fund's operations. It also strengthens the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program by adjusting guarantee limits and extending the program's authorization period. Additionally, the bill expands capital assistance options for community development financial institutions and creates a new lending program specifically for Native community development financial institutions to support homeownership in Tribal and Native communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online platform for taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. It requires the Treasury Department to create a user-friendly system that uses IRS data to simplify the process, offers customer support, and is available in multiple languages and on mobile devices. The legislation also prohibits the Treasury from entering into agreements that would limit its ability to provide these tax preparation and filing services. Additionally, the bill allows eligible states to integrate their state tax filing with the federal system and provides funding to states that meet certain standards for doing so.

Maddy summarySRES 615 is a Senate resolution celebrating Black History Month, acknowledging the historical contributions of African Americans to U.S. society across fields like civil rights, arts, science, and leadership. The resolution encourages all citizens to reflect on this history as part of the nation's ongoing journey toward equality, without creating new laws or policies. It specifically recognizes figures such as Frederick Douglass, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks, and emphasizes the importance of Black History Month in February as a time for communal learning and inspiration. This ceremonial resolution was introduced by multiple senators and passed unanimously by the Senate in 2026.

Maddy summarySRES 602 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams (Team USA) competing in the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. It formally applauds Team USA athletes, coaches, and their supporters, commends Italy for hosting the event, and commits to ensuring safety for future U.S. host events (2028 Los Angeles Summer Games and 2034 Utah Winter Games). The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it is purely a statement of congressional support. It directly affects Team USA athletes and organizers by acknowledging their efforts and achievements. This is a procedural resolution with no binding effect on government actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the Pride flag as an authorized flag eligible for display at all National Park System units. It specifically expresses the Senate's sense that the Pride flag should be restored at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City, which commemorates the 1969 LGBTQ rights uprising. The bill aims to affirm the monument's historical significance to LGBTQ rights while establishing the Pride flag as a standard display option across National Parks.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to obtain explicit approval from local governments before building or operating new ICE detention centers or processing facilities. It mandates a 30-day public comment period, a signed written agreement with local officials and the state governor, and a congressional report before any new facility can proceed. The law directly affects DHS, local elected leaders (mayors, councils), and state governors by requiring their consent prior to facility construction or operation. Key provisions include public notice with detailed impact analysis, local government agreement, and mandatory reporting to specific congressional committees. This creates a formal process for community input on new immigration detention infrastructure.