Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4302, "No HAMAS Act") suspends eligibility for federal student financial aid (grants, loans, work assistance) under the Higher Education Act of 1965 for students convicted of specific protest-related offenses at colleges. It directly affects students convicted under federal or state law for trespassing, damaging campus property, or participating in unlawful assemblies/riots during protests at higher education institutions. The key provision denies all Title IV financial aid to these individuals for aid provided on or after July 1, 2025. The bill amends Section 484 of the Higher Education Act to add this restriction, targeting conduct occurring during campus protests.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Amtrak to install baby changing stations in every ADA-compliant restroom on covered passenger trains (those owned and operated by Amtrak and purchased after the bill's enactment). It mandates that each ADA-compliant restroom must have a designated changing surface that supports children up to 30 pounds, clearly marked with signage. The law applies specifically to Amtrak trains acquired after the bill becomes law, excluding trains Amtrak operates but does not own. This is a concrete equipment requirement with no additional funding or enforcement mechanisms specified in the text.

Maddy summarySRES 679 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month (observed in March). It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally affirms the Senate’s backing for efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, promote family well-being, and support survivors. The resolution highlights key statistics on child abuse and emphasizes the importance of prevention, education, healing, and justice for affected children. It directly affects no individuals or entities but serves as a public statement of legislative support for existing child protection initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Act requires voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It defines acceptable proof as documents like U.S. passports, birth certificates, military IDs, or government-issued IDs showing U.S. birth. States must verify citizenship through these documents or use government databases like the Department of Homeland Security's SAVE system. The bill establishes processes for voters without required documentation to submit affidavits under penalty of perjury. It aims to ensure only U.S. citizens can register to vote in federal elections.

Maddy summarySRES 676 is a symbolic Senate resolution supporting National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6 to May 12. It recognizes nurses' contributions to healthcare, highlights their role in patient advocacy and public health, and acknowledges their status as the largest healthcare profession in the U.S. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but encourages the public to observe the week with recognition and activities. It was introduced by 25 Senators and refers to nurses' historical significance, including Florence Nightingale's birthday.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the FBI Director to add specific individuals to the No Fly List if they: (1) openly support designated foreign terrorist groups (like Hamas, Hezbollah, or Palestinian Islamic Jihad), (2) incite violence against Jewish people due to their race or religion, or (3) face university disciplinary action for conduct described in the first two categories. It directly affects students and professors at colleges who violate these standards, as their institutions must report such disciplinary actions to trigger placement on the list. The key mechanism is mandating FBI action based on existing State Department-designated terrorist groups and specific conduct, not new designations. This expands the No Fly List to include individuals at educational institutions whose behavior aligns with the bill's criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. government to strengthen enforcement of existing sanctions against Iran by targeting Chinese entities involved in evading oil sanctions. It mandates a 120-day strategy report detailing how China’s oil refining, transportation, and storage networks enable Iran’s oil smuggling, including specific assessments of Chinese refineries and smuggling patterns. The bill also directs the President to impose new sanctions within 180 days on Chinese companies and individuals facilitating Iran’s oil trade, expanding current sanctions to cover storage, shipping, and refining operations. The focus is on disrupting the flow of Iranian oil revenue that funds Iran’s government and its proxies, directly affecting Chinese oil companies and their supply chains.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly facilitate Iranian petroleum trade. It targets foreign port owners, vessel operators, refineries, and related individuals (including family members or entities owned by them) involved in transactions with Iranian oil, such as docking vessels carrying Iranian crude or conducting sea-to-sea transfers of petroleum products. Sanctions include banning sanctioned vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years, blocking U.S. assets of targeted entities, and denying visas to involved individuals. The bill also requires a detailed report on Iranian petroleum exports within 120 days, analyzing export volumes, revenue, and key participants.

Maddy summaryThe REPORT Act (S. 474) strengthens procedures for reporting online sexual exploitation of children by amending federal law. It extends the required preservation period for reports to the CyberTipline from 90 days to 1 year and establishes cybersecurity standards for vendors handling such reports. The bill creates limited liability protections for tech companies, NCMEC contractors, and individuals depicted in child pornography who report it. It also increases penalties for platforms failing to report violations, with higher fines for larger platforms (over $850,000 for major platforms). The law aims to improve handling and preservation of reports while encouraging reporting of child exploitation content.

Maddy summarySRES 673 is a commemorative Senate resolution honoring the late David Hampton Pryor, who served as a U.S. Senator for Arkansas from 1978 to 1997. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and deliver a copy to his family. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing Pryor’s career as a legislator, governor, and public servant. The resolution concludes with the Senate adjourning as a mark of respect for his legacy.