Maddy summaryS 1310, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act, denies tax deductions for employer spending aimed at influencing workers' decisions about union organizing or collective bargaining. It amends the tax code to block deductions for expenses like anti-union consultant fees, captive audience meetings, and other tactics that interfere with labor rights under the National Labor Relations Act. Employers must report such spending on tax returns with specific details, including dates, amounts, and whether activities relate to unfair labor practice charges. This directly affects businesses that engage in anti-union organizing tactics, removing a tax incentive for these activities while preserving deductions for standard union negotiations.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1289 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The bill specifies coin specifications (e.g., 90% gold/silver content, design requirements including "Never Forget"), sets a one-year issuance window (January 1, 2027-2028), and requires surcharges of $35 per gold coin and $10 per silver coin. These surcharges will be paid directly to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance, with coins sold at a price covering face value, surcharge, and production costs. The legislation does not impose new regulations or affect public policy but focuses on commemoration and funding for the museum.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow workers to deduct union dues directly from their taxable income (an "above-the-line" deduction) and restore deductions for other work-related expenses like uniforms or tools that were disallowed after 2017. It affects employees who pay union dues or incur job-specific costs, particularly those in unionized workplaces or professions requiring specialized equipment. The key mechanism creates a new deduction for union dues under existing tax code sections and revives the ability to itemize other work expenses, excluding them from the 2% floor on miscellaneous deductions. These changes would apply to tax returns filed for years beginning after December 31, 2024.
Maddy summaryThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for telehealth services by removing geographic restrictions that previously limited where patients could receive telehealth care. It allows more healthcare providers to offer telehealth services, including expanding eligibility for practitioners and removing the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health. The bill also includes specific provisions for Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, and Native American health facilities to better integrate telehealth into their services. Additionally, it establishes program integrity measures to address billing patterns and requires the posting of telehealth service data to improve transparency and quality measurement. These changes aim to make telehealth more accessible for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in rural areas and for underserved populations.
Maddy summarySRES 153 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in U.S. agriculture, citing that women operate over 1.2 million farms (36% of total sales, $222 billion in 2022) and work across diverse roles from farming to education and advocacy. The resolution encourages public acknowledgment of women’s impact on the agricultural workforce and food systems, urging support for women entering the field, leadership opportunities, and global food security. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally honors this group during National Women’s History Month and National Ag Week.
Maddy summaryS 1231, the IVF for Military Families Act, requires TRICARE to cover fertility treatments - including in vitro fertilization (IVF) - for active-duty military members and their dependents starting October 1, 2027. The bill limits IVF to three completed egg retrievals per patient but allows unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines. It also establishes a new program to coordinate fertility care, training providers on military families' unique needs. This policy directly affects military families seeking assisted reproductive services by mandating coverage for IVF and related treatments under TRICARE Prime and Select.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care and social service employers to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans for their employees. The plans must include risk assessments, hazard prevention measures, incident reporting procedures, and annual evaluations. Employers must provide specific training to employees, maintain incident records for 5 years, and protect employees from retaliation for reporting violence. The bill applies to hospitals, residential treatment facilities, clinics, and other covered facilities that provide health care or social services. It establishes specific definitions for types of workplace violence and requires employers to follow detailed safety protocols.
Maddy summaryThis bill raises the asset limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program eligibility. It increases the maximum allowable savings for individuals from $2,250 to $20,000 (in 2025, with future inflation adjustments) and for couples from $1,500 to $10,000 (also starting in 2025). The bill adds a specific inflation adjustment mechanism using the Consumer Price Index to automatically update these limits annually after 2025. This change directly affects low-income SSI recipients who currently lose benefits when their savings exceed the current, low thresholds.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires group health plans and individual health insurance plans to cover a full year's supply (up to 365 days) of contraceptives without any cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles), for any contraceptive already mandated by law. It directly affects individuals enrolled in these health plans who use prescribed contraceptives, ensuring they can access a full year's supply in one transaction. The key provision eliminates cost barriers for a 365-day supply, applying to all contraceptives covered under existing law. The requirement takes effect for plan years starting January 1, 2026, and includes a requirement for federal agencies to inform enrollees and providers about the new coverage rules.
Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.