Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for Event Ticketing Act or the MAIN Event Ticketing Act This bill expands measures to protect the security and integrity of online ticket sales. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of applications that perform automated tasks to purchase event tickets from online ticket sellers in circumvention of the seller's posted ticket purchasing order rules. This includes using software applications that circumvent access control systems or security measures. In addition, online ticket sellers must establish, implement, and maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the seller's website or service.  Further, online ticket sellers must report known incidents of circumvention to the Federal Trade Commission and take reasonable steps to address any such incidents. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of the provisions of this bill (and related prohibitions under current law) and authorizes the commission to bring civil actions for such violations. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies must coordinate as appropriate with the commission to share information about known instances of cyberattacks against the websites or online services used by ticket sellers. The commission must report to Congress on the status of enforcement actions taken under this bill.

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide quarterly budget briefings to Congress, prohibits the VA from providing specified pay incentives to senior-level employees, and establishes an office to carry out customer service initiatives of the VA. Protecting Regular Order for Veterans Act of 2025 or the PRO Veterans Act of 2025 (Sec. 1) This section requires the VA to provide quarterly budget briefings to Congress, which must include information on any budget shortfalls the VA may be experiencing. The VA must present its plans to address or mitigate shortfalls during such briefings. Next, the section prohibits the VA from providing certain senior-level employees with a critical skill incentive, which is generally a payment bonus for employees possessing a high-demand skill or skill that is at a shortage. Specifically, the VA may not provide such an incentive to an employee in a Senior Executive Service position or other comparable position in the VA Central Office, regardless of the actual location where the employee performs the functions of the position.  Senior-level employees whose positions are primarily in the VA Central Office but perform some portion of their job function based out of non-Central Office VA facilities are eligible for an incentive for their non-Central Office work. The section also provides that an incentive may only be provided to senior-level employees on an individual basis and upon approval by specified officers (e.g., the Under Secretary for Health). The VA must report to Congress annually regarding senior-level employees who were provided a critical skill incentive. Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2025 (Sec. 2) This section establishes the Veterans Experience Office through FY2028 to carry out the key customer experience initiatives of the VA relating to veteran and beneficiary satisfaction with and usage of VA benefits and services. The Government Accountability Office must complete an analysis of and report on the methodology, effectiveness, and implementation of findings and feedback of veterans and beneficiaries used by the VA, including the Veterans Experience Office, to improve customer experience and satisfaction.

Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 This bill makes several changes to the administration of bankruptcy cases, particularly by increasing certain fees, extending the sunset date of various fees, and extending the term of specified bankruptcy judgeships. The bill increases the fees paid to the trustee in Chapter 7 (liquidation) cases. The bill extends for an additional five years the fees paid quarterly to the U.S. trustee in Chapter 11 (reorganization) cases. The bill also increases the fee percentage for cases with large disbursements, subject to limitations.  Finally, temporary bankruptcy judgeships in various districts are extended for an additional five years.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the one-year anniversary of the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. It condemns the attack and other threats against political officials, honors victims Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch, and James Copenhaver (who were injured), and expresses gratitude to first responders. The resolution also condemns incitement of violence against elected officials and calls for unity against political violence. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but formally states the Senate’s position.

Maddy summarySRES 340 designates July 30, 2025, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to honor individuals who report government waste, fraud, or misconduct. The resolution directs federal agencies to inform employees, contractors, and the public about their legal right to report wrongdoing and to recognize whistleblowers' contributions to saving taxpayer funds and upholding ethical standards. It commemorates the first U.S. whistleblower law passed on July 30, 1778, by the Continental Congress. This is a symbolic recognition measure with no new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance - such as loans or guarantees - to firearm-related businesses solely based on their industry. It directly affects firearm entities (manufacturers, sellers, and distributors), firearm entity affiliates (like shooting ranges), and firearm trade associations by requiring the SBA to treat them equally under existing programs. The key provision bans SBA policies that discriminate against these applicants, ensuring they can access standard SBA support without industry-based barriers. The bill does not create new funding but mandates equal treatment for eligible applicants already covered by SBA law.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Comptroller General to study foreign purchases of U.S. residential real estate since 2015, focusing on ownership structures (like shell companies), geographic patterns, and impacts on housing affordability. It requires a report to Congress within one year, analyzing how foreign buying affects housing markets and data gaps. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must then assess these findings and propose recommendations to improve transparency and protect housing access for U.S. residents within 180 days of the study’s completion. The bill itself does not change laws but mandates data collection and policy analysis to inform future decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits noncitizens from voting in all District of Columbia elections, including local elections for public office and ballot initiatives. It directly affects noncitizen residents of Washington D.C. who previously could vote under the repealed 2022 law. The bill repeals the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, restoring the prior rule that limited voting in D.C. elections to U.S. citizens. This change would require noncitizen D.C. residents to obtain citizenship to vote in local elections.

Maddy summaryS 2574, the *Prohibition of Agricultural Land for Foreign Adversaries Act*, bans individuals or entities linked to the governments of North Korea, Iran, China, or Russia from purchasing farm or ranch land in the United States. The bill directly affects foreign government-associated persons seeking to buy agricultural property, with exceptions for participation in USDA food safety programs. The President would enforce this prohibition using existing authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, including penalties for violations. This law creates a specific restriction on land ownership without altering broader agricultural programs.

Maddy summaryS 2565, the District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act, prohibits the District of Columbia government from establishing new sister city relationships with foreign adversary countries as defined in U.S. law. It requires the District to terminate any existing sister city relationships with such countries within 180 days of the bill's enactment or per the existing agreement's terms. The bill also states that DC cannot use federal funds for diplomatic liaison services unless it certifies compliance with these restrictions. This directly affects the District of Columbia government's international partnerships and diplomatic funding eligibility. The law focuses on restricting ties with designated foreign adversaries through specific termination timelines and funding conditions.