Sen. Charles E. Schumer

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program to expand access to mental health evaluations and correct funding mechanisms. It allows licensed mental health providers (not just physicians) to certify mental health conditions for WTC responders and survivors, and extends the timeframe to add new health conditions from 90 to 180 days. The bill also modifies how annual funding is calculated - using a 7% annual increase plus a population-based adjustment - to ensure long-term program sustainability through 2090. Additionally, it removes deceased individuals from enrollment counts to improve program accuracy and clarifies provider credentialing rules for the nationwide health network. These changes directly affect WTC responders and survivors seeking health coverage under the program.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 93) expresses the Senate's view that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) should not face funding disruptions or operational delays that violate existing law. It specifically highlights the importance of uninterrupted NIH work on research for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease. The resolution emphasizes that NIH scientists and researchers are essential to medical progress and public health efforts. As a symbolic resolution, it does not change funding laws or create new policies - it solely states the Senate’s position on protecting NIH operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the fund supporting victims of state-sponsored terrorism by directing specific funds into the compensation pool. It requires $898 million from the Binance forfeiture case and annual transfers of 50% of excess balances from DOJ and Treasury forfeiture funds to the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. Payments to eligible claimants must be distributed by March 14, 2025, for the fifth round, with future annual payments starting in 2026. The bill mandates detailed annual reports on fund activity from the Attorney General and a GAO report on forfeiture proceeds, focusing on transparency and accountability for victims.

Maddy summaryS 726, titled "Ethan's Law," requires gun owners to store firearms securely in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals ineligible to own guns (per federal/state law) reside. It makes unsecured storage unlawful if a person "knows or reasonably should know" access is possible, with exceptions for gun safes, secure locations, or carrying firearms on one's person. Violations incur $500 fines per offense, and enhanced penalties apply if injury or death occurs. The bill also creates a federal grant program to support states with similar secure-storage laws and states that non-compliance constitutes negligence. This law directly affects households with minors or prohibited individuals, aiming to reduce accidental shootings, youth access, and firearm thefts.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish the African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center at the African Burial Ground National Historic Landmark in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The museum would serve as a permanent memorial honoring enslaved Africans buried at the site, examining their cultural traditions and the history of slavery in the United States. The National Park Service would operate the museum, which would be associated with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and would include provisions for site acquisition, development, and public programming. The bill creates an Advisory Council with representation from federal, state, and local governments, as well as community stakeholders, to guide the museum's planning and operation. It authorizes $15 million for fiscal year 2025 and ongoing funding for the museum's development and operation.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025, authorizes Congress to award a gold medal to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., the first African American astronaut candidate in U.S. history, recognizing his service, his example of excellence amid racial discrimination during the Civil Rights Era, and his later contributions as a renowned sculptor. The Secretary of the Treasury will design and strike the medal, with duplicate bronze versions available for sale to cover production costs. The medal will be presented to Dwight or, if he is unavailable, to his heir, Curtis Christopher Dwight. This is a ceremonial honor with no direct policy impact beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryS 677, the Border Airport Fairness Act of 2025, would require the President to designate qualifying airports within 30 miles of the U.S. northern or southern border as official ports of entry. These airports must be primary airports (as defined by federal law) and formally connected to a border crossing or seaport within 30 miles, meeting U.S. Customs and Border Protection's established criteria. The bill's key provision removes user fees currently applied to these airports under the 1984 Trade and Tariff Act. This change directly affects eligible border-area airports by eliminating a specific fee obligation, streamlining their status as ports of entry.

Maddy summarySRES 80 is a Senate resolution introduced on February 13, 2025, expressing gratitude to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at Arms, the Secretary of the Senate, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It specifically acknowledges their work during the January 20, 2025 inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, noting their efforts to adapt to cold weather challenges that required relocating events indoors. The resolution has no policy impact and serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of their contributions to the inauguration's security and success.

Maddy summaryThe Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 enhances the Department of Energy's quantum research program by creating new initiatives to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology. It establishes National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, a Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program to develop domestic quantum supply chains, and a Quantum User Expansion program to enable software development for quantum systems. The bill includes specific funding levels through 2030 ($175 million annually for the main program, $50 million annually for instrumentation), requires coordination with other federal agencies, and includes restrictions on funding for quantum research involving certain foreign entities of concern. It also includes provisions for workforce development through traineeships focused on underrepresented students in quantum fields. These changes aim to accelerate U.S. leadership in quantum technology development and commercialization.

Maddy summarySRES 64 is a Senate resolution honoring the 67 victims of a mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army aircraft near Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. It directly affects the families, friends, and communities of the victims, who were from multiple U.S. states and several countries. The resolution formally commemorates the lives lost, offers condolences to grieving families, and expresses gratitude to the 42 emergency response agencies that assisted in rescue and recovery efforts. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy or legal effect beyond expressing collective mourning and recognition.