Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summaryThe Foreign Service Workforce Retention Act amends the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to improve the reappointment process for career members who retire or leave the service. Under the new rules, former career members have a five-year window to request reappointment, and the Department of State must approve and process these requests within 180 days. Additionally, the law requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress detailing how many individuals were recalled, their previous and current ranks, and their positions. These changes directly affect retired Foreign Service officers by providing a clearer path to return to their roles while increasing transparency through mandatory reporting.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE for Survivors Act of 2026 establishes new federal protections for individuals experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other gender-based violence by mandating that employers provide up to 40 work days of leave per year, including at least 10 paid days, to address these incidents. This legislation also prohibits employers and insurers from discriminating against victims or retaliating against them for seeking leave, requesting workplace safety accommodations, or filing related claims, while ensuring that any information about the abuse remains strictly confidential. Additionally, the bill expands access to unemployment compensation for those who leave their jobs due to violence, strengthens insurance rules to prevent denial of coverage based on victim status, and authorizes funding for public education campaigns and workplace resource centers to support survivors.

Maddy summaryThe Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act creates a new funding program to hire more counselors, psychologists, and social workers for schools with high numbers of low-income students. These funds are distributed to states, which then award subgrants to local school districts to help them reach recommended staffing ratios of 250 students per counselor, 500 per psychologist, and 250 per social worker. To qualify for the money, states must match the federal grant with their own funds and submit detailed plans showing how they will prioritize high-need schools. The bill also requires regular reporting on how many mental health staff are hired and the current student-to-staff ratios in participating schools.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act bans the imposition of the death penalty for any federal crime committed on or after the date the law takes effect. It directly affects individuals currently facing or serving federal death sentences by requiring that all such cases be resentenced to a penalty other than death. This legislation removes the death penalty as a sentencing option for federal offenses and mandates a review for those already sentenced to die before the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the corporate tax rate on stock buybacks to 25 percent for large oil and gas companies that meet specific revenue and operational criteria. It targets corporations with an average annual gross receipt of at least $1 billion that are primarily engaged in producing, refining, processing, transporting, or distributing oil or natural gas. The higher tax rate applies only to stock repurchases made after the bill is enacted and before gasoline prices fall below $2.937 per gallon for five consecutive weeks. If gasoline prices drop below this threshold, the special tax provision ceases to apply, and companies may claim a partial reduction in their tax liability based on the duration of the high-price period.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to reject a specific rule issued by the Department of Education concerning the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If passed, it would nullify the rule and prevent it from taking effect, directly impacting federal student loan policies. The measure uses a congressional disapproval process under Title 5 of the United States Code to override the department's regulatory decision. It does not create new policies but instead stops an existing proposed regulation from being implemented.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and legacy of John Seymour, a late U.S. Senator from California, by formally acknowledging his public service and contributions. The document details his career highlights, including his roles as Mayor of Anaheim, his work in securing the relocation of the Los Angeles Rams, and his legislative achievements such as passing a major transportation bill. It also lists his committee assignments and advocacy for issues like special education, women's rights, and environmental protection. Finally, the resolution requests that the Senate Secretary communicate this tribute to the House of Representatives and send a copy to Seymour's family.

Maddy summaryThe Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act prohibits Amtrak from using mandatory arbitration agreements for consumer and civil rights disputes involving its customers. This legislation invalidates any pre-existing contracts that require passengers to resolve issues like discrimination claims or personal injuries through private arbitration instead of court. Additionally, the bill ensures that customers retain the right to participate in joint, class, or collective legal actions against Amtrak. Courts, rather than arbitrators, will determine whether these arbitration clauses are valid, while disputes covered by the Railway Labor Act remain unaffected.

Maddy summaryThe Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2026 expands existing federal programs to offer debt relief for teachers and early childhood educators who work in high-need schools or specific early education programs. To qualify for full cancellation of their student loans, eligible educators must complete five years of service, which can be consecutive or non-consecutive, in designated schools serving at least 30% low-income students or in Head Start and other qualifying early childhood settings. The bill also introduces a monthly payment assistance feature that covers a portion of loan obligations during the service period and allows parents to receive forgiveness if their children or they themselves are qualifying educators. Verification of service is handled by school administrators or program directors, with simplified self-certification options available for family child care providers, and the law ensures that educators who leave their positions early are not required to repay any forgiven amounts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses the non-binding opinion that federal laws regarding medication abortion should rely on scientific evidence rather than political influence. It specifically calls for the FDA to maintain its approval of mifepristone, a drug proven safe and effective over 25 years, and to allow patients to access it through telemedicine or mail-order pharmacies. The measure highlights that current restrictions disproportionately harm marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income individuals, and those in rural areas. By stating these points, the resolution aims to encourage policymakers to ensure equitable and transparent access to abortion care based on medical consensus.