Sen. Christopher Murphy

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.

Maddy summaryThe Save Our Small Farms Act of 2025 amends the Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NCAP) to better support small-scale and diverse farming operations, including urban, small-scale, and direct-to-consumer producers. It creates a streamlined application process with reduced paperwork, offers 25% to 50% premium discounts for transitioning to whole farm revenue insurance, and extends the deadline for reporting crop losses (for hand-harvested crops) beyond 120 hours. The bill also allows remote appraisals using drone footage or photos when loss adjusters are unavailable and increases payment limits to 100% for limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers. Additionally, it requires USDA outreach to these groups through extension offices and state agricultural departments.

Maddy summaryThe IDEA Full Funding Act (S 1277) mandates specific annual funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) starting in fiscal year 2026. It sets fixed dollar amounts or percentage-based funding (ranging from 11.6% to 40% of a calculated base) for states providing special education services to children with disabilities aged 3-21. Funding becomes available on July 1 each year and remains accessible through September 30 of the following year, with amounts increasing annually through 2035. This directly affects all states receiving IDEA grants by guaranteeing minimum federal funding tied to the number of eligible students and national per-pupil spending averages.

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 Fair Day in Court for Kids Act of 2025 requires the government to provide free legal counsel at no cost to unaccompanied children in immigration court proceedings, starting as soon as possible after a notice to appear is issued. It mandates that children receive their complete immigration file within 7 days and have at least 10 days to review it before court proceedings continue, unless they waive this time. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress on the number of children represented, their nationalities and ages, and the effectiveness of legal representation programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires businesses that sell whole human bodies or body parts for non-transplant purposes (like medical education or research) to register with the federal government. It mandates detailed record-keeping about donor consent, chain of custody, and medical history, along with strict labeling standards showing donor identity and safety information. The law specifically excludes medical schools, funeral homes, and organ networks from these requirements. It aims to ensure transparency, safety, and respect for donors by regulating for-profit entities handling donated remains. Violations can result in fines or loss of registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. (including domestically manufactured, imported, or shipped vehicles) to include AM radio as standard equipment, meaning it must be built into the vehicle at no extra cost to buyers. It mandates that manufacturers install AM radio receivers that can access both traditional and digital AM broadcast stations, with compliance deadlines set 2-4 years after the rule is issued. During a transition period before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must clearly label vehicles without AM radio but cannot charge extra for AM access. The bill also prohibits states from creating their own requirements about AM radio access in vehicles, aiming to ensure consistent emergency alert capabilities through AM radio in cars.

Maddy summarySRES 150 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating April 2025 as "Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month" to raise public awareness about the issue. It urges Congress to focus on educating the public about the emotional, psychological, and physical harm caused to children and parents affected by international parental child abduction. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies, but emphasizes the Senate's longstanding support for efforts to prevent and address such abductions, referencing previous resolutions and the work of agencies like the Department of State's Office of Children’s Issues. It directly affects public awareness efforts, advocacy groups, and families impacted by cross-border child abduction cases.

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.