Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Maddy summaryThis bill changes U.S. tax law by removing abortion expenses from the list of medical costs taxpayers can deduct. It specifically states that amounts paid for abortions cannot be counted toward medical expense deductions on federal tax returns, affecting individuals who pay for abortions and might have claimed them as deductible medical expenses. Exceptions apply for abortions needed to treat life-endangering physical conditions related to pregnancy, or in cases of rape or incest, as certified by a physician. The law would take effect for tax years beginning after its enactment. This is a tax policy change, not a restriction on abortion access.

Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act This bill prohibits the provision of funding for purposes outside the United States to certain foreign or domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish or develop items intended to procure abortions, or provide financial support for an entity that conducts such activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts health savings accounts (HSAs), Archer MSAs, health flexible spending accounts, and health reimbursement arrangements from covering most abortion expenses. It allows exceptions only for abortions resulting from rape or incest, or when a pregnancy poses a life-endangering risk to the woman (as certified by a physician). The law amends tax code provisions to exclude non-exempt abortion costs from being treated as qualified medical expenses for tax purposes. These changes take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, directly affecting individuals using these specific tax-advantaged health accounts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 31) calls on Panama's government to end Chinese influence at key Panamanian ports, specifically demanding the termination of Chinese management at Balboa and Cristobal ports and the expulsion of Chinese officials from these facilities. It urges Panama to reaffirm the Panama Canal's neutrality under the 1977 Neutrality Treaty and reduce reliance on Chinese-affiliated entities. The resolution also directs the U.S. government to support Panama in transitioning away from Chinese infrastructure partnerships and to develop U.S.-led alternatives for canal operations. The resolution is non-binding but seeks to align Panama's infrastructure management with U.S. security interests and democratic values.

Maddy summaryS 199 would create special tax rules for "qualified residents of Taiwan" with income from U.S. sources. It would lower tax rates on interest, dividends, and royalties from 30% to 10% (15% for some dividends), provide tax relief for certain wages paid to Taiwan residents working in the U.S., and exempt income from entertainment or athletic activities up to $30,000. The bill establishes specific requirements for entities to qualify for these benefits, including ownership and income criteria. It also creates a process for the U.S. to negotiate a formal tax agreement with Taiwan to further address double taxation concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. It directly affects Planned Parenthood by banning all federal money from being allocated to them under any circumstances. The key provision is a clear, explicit ban on using federal funds for these organizations, overriding any other existing laws that might allow such funding. This is a straightforward policy change that would immediately halt federal financial support to Planned Parenthood.

Maddy summaryThe SWAG Act prohibits federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to purchase or distribute "swag" (free promotional items like stickers, hats, or candy) or to create/maintain mascots for advertising purposes, with limited exceptions. Exceptions include items that generate a positive return on investment for agency goals, military recruitment materials, and Census Bureau items. Agencies must annually report their public relations and advertising spending to Congress, including estimated return on investment. The bill specifically defines prohibited items (e.g., keychains, stress balls) and excludes items like military challenge coins or informational brochures. It applies directly to all federal agencies and entities using federal funds for promotional activities.

Maddy summaryS 213, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, makes the qualified business income deduction permanent for small business owners. It directly affects pass-through business owners (like sole proprietors and small partnerships) who currently benefit from this tax break. The bill removes the temporary expiration of Section 199A of the tax code, providing long-term certainty for these taxpayers by ensuring they can continue deducting up to 20% of their qualified business income.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Military Academy's mission statement to include the phrase "Duty, Honor, Country" within 30 days of enactment. It directly affects the Academy's official mission statement, mandating a specific textual change without altering cadet training or policies. The provision is procedural, focusing solely on updating the Academy's written mission to reflect these principles.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Social Security Act to require states to establish and enforce child support obligations from biological fathers for unborn children, directly affecting mothers expecting a child and the fathers of those children. Key provisions include allowing mothers to request support starting from the month of conception (as confirmed by a physician), permitting retroactive payments even after birth if paternity is later established, and requiring court determination of payment amounts considering the mother's and child's best interests. The bill prohibits mandatory paternity testing without the mother's consent and bans any procedures posing risk to the unborn child. It defines "unborn child" as any human fetus at any developmental stage carried in the womb, with the law taking effect two years after enactment.