Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

Maddy summaryS 726, titled "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners to store firearms securely in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals ineligible to own guns (per federal/state law) reside. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a person "knows or reasonably should know" access is possible, with exceptions for gun safes, secure locations, or carrying firearms on one's person. Violations incur $500 fines per offense, and enhanced penalties apply if injury or death occurs. The bill also creates a federal grant program to support states with similar secure-storage laws and states that non-compliance constitutes negligence. This law directly affects households with minors or prohibited individuals, aiming to reduce accidental shootings, youth access, and firearm thefts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 91) commemorates the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine (launched February 24, 2022) and expresses U.S. Senate support for Ukraine. It symbolically affirms U.S. solidarity with Ukraine, rejects Russia's territorial seizures, reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its 1991 borders, and encourages continued international efforts to counter Russian aggression. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or groups but serves as a formal statement of congressional support for Ukraine.

Maddy summaryS 696 creates "Ukrainian guest status" for individuals paroled into the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine program (announced April 2022). This status, effective from their initial parole date, grants eligible Ukrainians employment authorization and temporary legal presence. The status expires 120 days after the Secretary of State certifies that Ukraine hostilities have ended and safe return conditions exist. It can be revoked if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines an individual meets specific grounds under immigration law. This bill directly affects Ukrainians admitted through the Uniting for Ukraine parole process.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for Executive Order 14160 (and any successor policies), which attempted to deny U.S. citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. It directly affects the executive branch by blocking financial support for the controversial order, which contradicted the 14th Amendment and established court precedent like *United States v. Wong Kim Ark*. The bill’s key mechanism is a funding ban, ensuring no government resources can be used to implement policies that undermine birthright citizenship guaranteed by the Constitution and immigration law. It does not alter citizenship rules but prevents enforcement of the challenged executive order.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 641 (Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2025), would allow U.S. individuals to import certain prescription drugs from Canada under specific conditions. It requires drugs to come from FDA-certified Canadian pharmacies, match U.S.-approved drugs in active ingredients and form, be for personal use (not resale) in 90-day quantities, and include a U.S. physician's prescription. The bill excludes controlled substances, biologics, infused drugs, and other high-risk medications. It directly affects U.S. patients seeking lower-cost prescriptions who meet these criteria. The FDA would establish the certification process for Canadian pharmacies within 180 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 614) designates a specific street area in Washington, D.C. (Sumner Row NW between 16th Street and L Street NW) as "Alexei Navalny Way." It directly affects the physical location by requiring the District of Columbia to install new street signs bearing this name, replacing references to the area in official records. The bill honors Alexei Navalny, a Russian anti-corruption activist and dissident who died in a Russian prison in February 2024 after enduring government persecution, including poisoning attempts. The designation serves as a symbolic gesture of U.S. solidarity with Russian citizens advocating for democratic freedoms.

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 summaryThe I CAN Act aims to expand healthcare access by removing barriers for nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Key provisions include allowing nurse practitioners to certify patients for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs without physician supervision, expanding coverage for services provided by certified nurse-midwives in home health care, and removing unnecessary supervision requirements for nurse anesthetists. The bill changes Medicare rules to permit these advanced practice nurses to provide more services directly to patients in settings like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care. This would directly affect millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who receive care from these healthcare providers. The changes would take effect 90 days after enactment, with some provisions applying to services furnished on or after that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Internal Revenue Service to conduct audits of the income tax returns of Presidents and certain related individuals (including spouses, estates, and trusts) and to publicly disclose specific information about those audits. The IRS must provide an initial report within 90 days of a tax return being filed, followed by periodic reports every 180 days, and a final report within 90 days of audit completion. The bill also requires Presidents to include their three most recent tax returns in required reports, and presidential candidates to include them within 15 days of nomination. The IRS would provide these returns to the Office of Government Ethics or Federal Election Commission upon request, with certain personal information redacted before public disclosure.

Maddy summaryThe Age 21 Act (S 597) would prohibit individuals under 21 years old from purchasing certain firearms and related items. The bill specifically targets semiautomatic assault weapons, certain pistols, shotguns, and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices by amending Section 922 of Title 18. It defines detailed categories of firearms that would be covered, including specific models like AR-15s and AK-47s, as well as features like detachable magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The bill would require sellers to verify that buyers are at least 21 years old for these specific firearms and ammunition types. This would directly affect young adults aged 18-20 who would no longer be able to purchase these defined firearms.