Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

Maddy summaryThe SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026 strengthens protections for veterans by increasing penalties for unauthorized fees and requiring that only recognized agents or attorneys assist with benefit claims. It mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide clear online tools for veterans to search for accredited representatives and report unaccredited individuals who charge fees. The bill also requires the department to update its website warnings to explicitly discourage veterans from sharing login credentials and to include questions on claim forms about any coaching or assistance received. Additionally, the legislation expands restrictions on automated telephone equipment to prevent unsolicited calls from automated systems to federal agencies. Finally, the act directs the VA to conduct a review of its current recognition processes and establish a more accessible digital system for managing agent accreditation and complaints.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan U.S. policy toward Taiwan. It explicitly upholds provisions such as maintaining defensive arms sales to Taiwan and opposing any efforts to determine Taiwan's future by force or coercion. The measure also reiterates the U.S. commitment to regional peace and stability while recognizing Taiwan's role as a significant economic partner and democracy. By restating these principles, the bill aims to clarify the United States' position without altering existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally expresses support for designating May 2026 as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month. The bill aims to increase public understanding of these rare neurodegenerative disorders and highlights the need for better research, diagnosis, and treatment options for the approximately 32,000 Americans affected. By recognizing the challenges faced by patients and their families, the measure encourages healthcare professionals and communities to focus on improving care and finding cures. Ultimately, the resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to bolster awareness rather than implementing new laws or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThe 9-8-8 Connect Act establishes a new grant program to help crisis centers provide follow-up care to individuals who contact the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat. These grants, totaling $30 million for fiscal year 2026, will fund activities such as well-being check-ins, outreach to ensure continued support, and referrals to appropriate care, all of which require the individual's informed consent. The bill also directs the Federal Communications Commission to create rules ensuring that all mobile phone calls and texts are routed to 9-8-8, including those from devices without a service plan. Additionally, the legislation updates federal communications laws to officially include 9-8-8 alongside 9-1-1 as a dialable number on multi-line telephone systems.

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 Exchange Stabilization Fund Transparency Act requires the Treasury Secretary to notify Congress at least 24 hours before using the Exchange Stabilization Fund to provide financial assistance to foreign governments or entities. This notification must include detailed information about the nature and cost of the aid, an explanation of how it serves U.S. national interests, risk assessments, and any conditions attached to the funding. Additionally, the bill mandates a briefing for Congress within seven days of such assistance and requires a comprehensive report within 30 days covering all similar actions taken in the four years prior to the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Stars and Stripes Editorial Independence Act of 2026 codifies existing rules to ensure the military newspaper remains free from censorship and political influence by the Department of Defense. It requires the newspaper's editor to be a civilian with professional journalism experience and mandates that stories unfavorable to the government cannot be withheld for publication. The law also guarantees that defense journalists can cover events accessible to military personnel without needing special permission and allows the paper to hire civilian staff or purchase content from commercial news sources. These provisions aim to maintain public trust and provide accurate information to service members and their families, particularly those stationed overseas.

Maddy summaryThe Manufactured Housing Community Sustainability Act of 2026 creates a new federal tax credit to encourage the sale of manufactured home communities to residents or nonprofit organizations. This bill directly affects current owners of manufactured home parks who wish to sell their land and the buyers who want to preserve these communities as affordable housing. Under the law, a seller can claim a tax credit equal to 75 percent of their profit if they sell the property to a qualified resident-owned cooperative or nonprofit that agrees to keep the community affordable for at least 50 years. To prevent abuse, the bill includes a penalty requiring the buyer to pay 20 percent of the sale proceeds if the community is later sold for profit or fails to maintain its affordable status. The provisions take effect for sales occurring after December 31, 2026, aiming to stabilize housing costs for low-income families living in these communities.

Maddy summaryThe SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act of 2026 directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to launch a national public awareness campaign focused on type 1 diabetes detection, screening, and management. This initiative affects healthcare providers, schools, public health departments, and the general public by requiring the creation of culturally and linguistically competent educational materials and public service announcements across various media channels. To support these efforts, the bill authorizes $5 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for grants to nonprofit organizations and state and local health departments to develop effective screening strategies and disseminate information. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the CDC consult with diverse community groups and submit a report to Congress within one year detailing the campaign's progress and impact.