Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal program requiring developers of powerful AI systems (defined as those using over 10²⁶ computing operations) to participate in mandatory testing. The Department of Energy will evaluate these systems for risks like loss-of-control scenarios, weaponization threats, or harm to civil liberties, collecting data on safety and behavior. Developers must share code, training data, and technical details with the program and face $1 million daily fines for non-compliance. The program runs for seven years, producing annual reports and a final oversight plan for Congress to inform future regulations on advanced AI.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Orbit Act creates a new Bureau of Space Commerce within the Department of Commerce to manage space situational awareness and traffic coordination. It requires the Bureau to provide a free, public database of space object locations and behavior (like satellite positions and collision risks) and offer basic collision-avoidance services to satellite operators at no cost. The law ensures government services do not compete with private companies by mandating annual reviews and prioritizing commercial data sources while protecting proprietary information. It also grants legal immunity for entities sharing space data and establishes a 5-year transition plan to elevate the current Office of Space Commerce into a standalone Bureau.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 403) expresses support for designating October 14, 2025, as a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk." It recognizes Charlie Kirk as the founder of Turning Point USA and a advocate for free speech, civic education, and constitutional principles, noting his death on September 10, 2025. The resolution encourages educational institutions and civic organizations to observe this day with activities promoting the values Kirk championed, such as liberty and democracy. As a symbolic gesture, the resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents federal or state agencies from requiring duplicate permits for undersea fiber optic cables that already have valid federal or state licenses, leases, or permits. It directly affects telecommunications companies operating these cables, ensuring they don't face additional authorization hurdles in national marine sanctuaries. The key provision prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from blocking or demanding new permits for cable installation, maintenance, or repair if a prior federal or state permit exists. This streamlines operations for existing cable infrastructure without creating new regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThe CHOICE Act creates a new type of employer-funded health benefit called a "CHOICE arrangement," allowing small employers to reimburse employees for individual health insurance costs. It directly affects small businesses (not large employers under ACA rules) and their employees who choose individual marketplace coverage or specific government health programs. Key provisions include employer tax credits ($100/month for the first year, $50/month for the second year per employee), strict rules to prevent discrimination in plan access, and requirements for employees to maintain qualifying health coverage. The law takes effect for plan years beginning after December 31, 2025, providing a new option for small employers to offer health benefits without traditional group plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to produce an annual report detailing how federal agencies use radio frequencies between 225 MHz and 50 GHz. The report must cover current spectrum allocations, list authorized frequency assignments, describe major systems using each band, and outline future planned uses. It affects all federal agencies that operate radio spectrum equipment by mandating transparency in their spectrum usage. The reports will be published online (with a separate classified annex) to provide public access to federal spectrum management data.

Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the District of Columbia Judicial Nominating Commission. It changes the process for appointing D.C. judges by requiring the President to directly nominate candidates, removing the requirement to use a list recommended by the former commission. The key change is shifting the nomination authority from the commission to the President, with all appointments made after the bill's enactment subject to this new process. The bill also makes minor technical updates to related laws to remove references to the now-terminated commission.

Maddy summaryS 2907, the Chloe Cole Act, prohibits health care professionals, hospitals, or clinics from performing "chemical or surgical mutilation" on minors under 18. This includes using puberty blockers, sex hormones, or surgeries intended to alter a child's body to align with a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth. The law creates a private right of action, allowing victims or their guardians to sue providers in federal court for damages - including emotional distress and punitive damages - unless the treatment qualifies under specific exceptions (e.g., medically necessary care for disorders of sexual development, injuries, or detransition). It explicitly excludes counseling, referrals, or discussions of treatment options from liability, and sets a 25-year statute of limitations for lawsuits starting from the victim’s 18th birthday.

Maddy summaryS 2870, the "Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act," requires manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of tableting machines (used to make pills) and their key components (like punches and dies) to permanently affix serial numbers to these items. It mandates that regulated businesses report these serial numbers to the Attorney General and prohibits removing, altering, or trafficking in machines or parts with tampered serial numbers. This law directly affects businesses involved in producing, selling, or distributing pill-making equipment, aiming to improve tracking of machines potentially used for illicit drug manufacturing. The bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to create new recordkeeping and reporting requirements for these specific machines and parts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to pay 95% of complete medical claims within 14 days (for electronic claims) or 30 days (for paper claims) after receipt. If payments are late, MA plans must pay interest at the federal penalty rate and face civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. Plans must also publicly report annual data on payment timeliness, including breakdowns for claims under contract versus not under contract with providers. The rules apply to all MA organizations for services provided on or after January 1, 2027.