Sen. Markwayne Mullin

Maddy summaryS 3178 requires the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Agriculture Secretaries to withdraw a specific energy efficiency rule for HUD- and USDA-financed housing. It prevents these agencies (and also the Veterans Affairs and Federal Housing Finance Agency) from implementing or enforcing that rule or similar standards, mandating a return to pre-existing energy efficiency requirements for covered housing programs. The bill also updates a provision to allow states with energy efficiency codes meeting or exceeding the withdrawn standard (at least 26 states) to continue using them. This directly affects federal housing agencies and the housing projects they fund.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3179, the "Halo Act") makes it a federal crime to approach within 25 feet of a Federal immigration enforcement officer after being verbally warned not to, if the person intends to impede the officer's work, threaten them with physical harm, or harass them. The law defines "harass" as causing substantial emotional distress with no legitimate purpose and specifies that the warning must be given by the officer. Violators face fines, up to 5 years in prison, or both. It directly affects individuals who interfere with immigration enforcement activities, not the officers themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare drug plan sponsors and Medicare Advantage plans to pay long-term care pharmacies (pharmacies serving nursing homes and assisted living facilities) a mandatory $30 supply fee per prescription in 2026, increasing annually in 2027 based on inflation. The fee must be paid separately from existing reimbursements for drug costs or dispensing, and sponsors face $10,000 penalties for non-payment. The government will later reimburse sponsors for these fees through subsidies, paid within 18 months after each plan year. The bill also directs a GAO study on pharmacy payment sustainability in Medicare Part D, focusing on rural access and cost analysis. It directly affects long-term care pharmacies and Medicare drug plan sponsors, aiming to ensure uninterrupted pharmacy services for nursing home residents.

Maddy summaryThe Small Businesses before Bureaucrats Act raises the dollar threshold that determines when the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) declines jurisdiction over labor disputes involving small businesses. Starting in 2026, the threshold will be set at 10 times the current threshold, and for future years, it will adjust annually using the Personal Consumption Expenditure Per Capita Index to account for inflation. This change means more small businesses will fall below the threshold and avoid NLRB oversight for labor disputes, directly affecting small business owners and the NLRB's jurisdictional decisions. The bill takes effect on or after January 1, 2026, or the bill's enactment date, whichever is later.

Maddy summaryS 107, the Lumbee Fairness Act, extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. This bill directly affects the Lumbee Tribe and its members residing in Robeson, Cumberland, Hoke, and Scotland counties, North Carolina. Key provisions include making the Tribe eligible for all federal services and benefits provided to federally recognized tribes, authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe, and establishing that members in those counties are deemed to reside near an Indian reservation for service delivery. The bill amends the 1956 Act to remove previous restrictions and formally recognize the Tribe under federal law.

Maddy summarySRES 482 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 3-7, 2025, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges veteran-owned small businesses, which employ nearly 3.3 million people and generate over $952 billion in annual sales. The resolution expresses support for these businesses and appreciation for veterans' entrepreneurship, while highlighting the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s annual observance of this week. It has no direct impact on regulations, funding, or veteran business operations.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week to promote public and healthcare provider education about TD symptoms and the importance of routine screening for patients on long-term antipsychotic medications. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the need for early detection of tardive dyskinesia - a movement disorder linked to antipsychotic use - amidst high rates of undiagnosed cases. The resolution supports existing clinical guidelines recommending regular TD screenings for at-risk individuals, including those over 55, Black patients, women, and those with specific health conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures military personnel and their support staff continue receiving pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2026. It authorizes funds from the Treasury to cover pay and allowances for active-duty service members, reserves, military support civilians (including Coast Guard staff), and qualifying contractors if regular budget appropriations aren't approved. The funding remains available until the earliest of: a new budget passing, a continuing resolution without this funding, or January 1, 2027. It directly affects all active-duty military, reserve components, and civilian/contractor support staff within the Department of Defense and Coast Guard.

Maddy summarySRES 475 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating November 1, 2025 (the first Saturday of November) as "National Bison Day." It directly affects all Americans by officially recognizing this date for public observance. The resolution acknowledges bison's historical, cultural, and economic significance, particularly to Native American tribes and rural communities, and builds on an existing annual tradition celebrated since 2012. The Senate encourages the public to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, though the resolution contains no new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures the U.S. Capitol Police continue receiving pay during fiscal year 2026 funding gaps by authorizing temporary funds for salaries, benefits (including hazard pay and retirement), and contractor support. It directly affects Capitol Police officers (classified as "excepted employees" during emergencies), their civilian support staff, and contractors providing essential services. The funding mechanism provides immediate payments for the period starting October 1, 2025, and lasts until Congress passes regular appropriations for the Capitol Police or September 30, 2026, whichever comes first.