Maddy summaryThis bill, the Conscience Protection Act of 2025, strengthens protections for healthcare providers and organizations that refuse to participate in certain medical procedures (including abortion, assisted suicide, and sterilization) based on religious, moral, or ethical beliefs. It creates a private right of action allowing affected entities to seek legal remedies when their conscience rights are violated, addressing a gap in current law where victims could not defend their rights in court. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit discrimination against such healthcare entities and establishes clearer enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Health and Human Services, including administrative investigations and civil actions. It directly affects healthcare providers, hospitals, insurers, and other health-related organizations operating under federal funding. The bill aims to address inconsistent enforcement of existing conscience protections like the Weldon Amendment, which has been challenged in cases such as California's abortion coverage mandate.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Tribal personnel to conduct meat inspections at facilities that are at least 51% owned by Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations. Under the new provisions, Tribes could enter into contracts with the USDA to hire and train their own inspectors who would perform the same antemortem and postmortem inspections, sanitation checks, and recordkeeping currently done by federal inspectors. Meat products from these Tribal facilities would receive federal inspection labels and could be shipped in interstate commerce, though they could not be sold in foreign markets. The bill also requires Tribal inspectors to maintain insurance coverage and gives the USDA oversight authority to review, audit, and halt processing at facilities where violations occur.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 21-28, 2026, as "National FFA Week" to honor the National FFA Organization’s work in agricultural education. It recognizes FFA’s role in developing leadership and career skills for students (with over 1 million members nationally) and celebrates the 50th anniversary of Alaska’s State FFA Association, which has 19 chapters and 493 members. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect but formally expresses Senate support for FFA’s mission.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Tribal Firearm Access Act, would allow members of federally recognized Tribes to use their Tribal government identification documents when purchasing firearms from federally licensed dealers. Currently, federal law requires individuals to present a state-issued ID for firearm purchases, but this legislation would add Tribal government-issued identification as an acceptable alternative. The bill defines Tribal government to include recognized governing bodies of Indian or Alaska Native Tribes listed by the federal government. Changes would take effect 90 days after the law is enacted, giving dealers and Tribal governments time to adjust to the new requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Tribal Police Department Parity Act, would extend existing federal firearms access laws to Tribal law enforcement agencies, ensuring they have the same authority as Federal, State, and local agencies. The legislation amends Title 18 of the United States Code to explicitly include Indian Tribes and their departments in provisions related to machinegun transfers and the transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, and importation of firearms and ammunition. It also modifies the Internal Revenue Code to apply tax exemptions for firearms transfers to Tribal entities on the same basis as State governments. These changes would allow Tribal police departments to legally access and use firearms under the same federal regulations that currently apply to other law enforcement agencies.
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 summaryThe Stop Illegal Alien Cops Act amends a federal firearms law to adjust references to prohibitions on firearm possession. It replaces two existing references (to restrictions on illegal aliens and certain transfers) with four, including the current prohibition on illegal aliens (people without legal U.S. immigration status) from possessing firearms. The bill's title indicates it targets illegal aliens serving as police officers, as they would require firearm possession for their duties. However, the bill text does not explicitly state this application to law enforcement roles, only modifying the firearms law.
Maddy summarySRES 606 is a U.S. Senate resolution condemning the Iranian government for violently suppressing peaceful protests and the right to assemble, which has resulted in at least 6,126 reported deaths and 41,800 arrests since December 2025. It highlights Iran's use of internet blackouts, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and censorship to crush nationwide demonstrations sparked by economic hardship. The resolution calls on Iran to hold free elections, allow citizens to determine their future, and hold human rights violators accountable, while commending protesters' courage. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it expresses the Senate's stance without imposing new legal requirements.
Maddy summaryThe Drone Espionage Act (S 1809) amends existing law to explicitly include video recordings alongside photographs in the prohibition against taking or transmitting defense information. This technical update to Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 793 clarifies that video footage of defense-related information - such as from drones or other devices - falls under espionage laws, just like photographic images. The bill directly affects individuals or entities recording defense information via video, expanding the scope of prohibited activities under current espionage statutes. It does not create new penalties but ensures modern recording methods are covered by existing legal protections.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 2026 as "National Mentoring Month" to raise public awareness about mentoring programs. It recognizes the benefits of mentoring for youth - including improved academic performance, mental health, career development, and reduced risk of delinquency - and highlights that 40% of U.S. youth lack a mentor. The Senate encourages community, school, and workplace efforts to expand existing mentoring programs and recruit volunteers to support young people. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to promote existing mentoring initiatives across the country.