Sen. Brian Schatz

Maddy summaryThis bill provides emergency financial relief for federal employees affected by government shutdowns. It allows workers on furlough or working without pay during a shutdown lasting at least two weeks to withdraw up to $30,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) from their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement accounts without the usual 10% tax penalty. The bill also prevents missed TSP loan payments during shutdowns from being treated as taxable distributions, protecting employees from unexpected tax bills. These provisions apply to withdrawals and loan payments made after September 30, 2025, directly supporting federal workers facing income disruption during funding lapses.

Maddy summarySRES 428 is a Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, 2025. It formally acknowledges the cultural heritage, historical contributions, and economic impact of Latino communities across the United States. The resolution urges all Americans to observe the month through programs and activities celebrating Latino achievements. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations but serves as a symbolic recognition of Latino contributions to U.S. society.

Maddy summarySRES 423 is a Senate resolution recognizing October 2025 as Filipino American History Month. It celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States, building on prior congressional recognition that began in 2009. The resolution encourages public observance through educational programs and activities, highlighting Filipino Americans' roles in U.S. history, military service, and fields like healthcare and the arts. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their enduring impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow federal employees who must work during government shutdowns (called "excepted employees") to receive unemployment benefits for those weeks in 2026-2027. If an employee later receives pay from the government for the same period, they must repay the state unemployment fund. The federal government will reimburse states 100% of the unemployment benefits paid to these employees plus related administrative costs. The bill directly affects federal workers required to work during shutdowns and state unemployment systems managing these claims. It creates a clear process for benefits and repayment during shutdowns in 2026-2027.

Maddy summarySRES 419 is a Senate resolution expressing support for designating September 2025 as "Hawaiian History Month" to honor Native Hawaiian history, culture, and contributions to the United States. It reaffirms the federal government's trust responsibility to support Native Hawaiian well-being and encourages federal agencies, schools, and community organizations to observe the month with educational programs and events. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness of Native Hawaiian heritage and reconciliation efforts. It builds on existing recognition, including Public Law 103-150, which acknowledged the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 418) expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating September 20-27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week." It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about the ecological and economic importance of estuaries. The resolution highlights estuaries' role in supporting jobs, economic output, and coastal protection, while acknowledging ongoing threats like pollution and habitat loss. It is a symbolic gesture directed at the public, government officials, and organizations working to protect estuaries.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of September 14-20, 2025, as "Telehealth Awareness Week" to highlight the role of telehealth in expanding access to healthcare. It recognizes telehealth's importance for rural communities, seniors, and patients with mobility barriers, noting its increased use in Medicare programs. The Senate urges stakeholders to raise awareness about telehealth benefits, share resources for providers and patients, and promote continued access to telehealth services. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or alter healthcare policies but aims to foster broader recognition of telehealth’s value.

Maddy summarySRES 408 is a commemorative resolution designating September 20, 2025, as "National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day." It honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals who served in the U.S. military despite historical discrimination, including policies like Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and bans on transgender service. The resolution acknowledges past harms, such as discharges based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and urges federal agencies to address ongoing inequities in benefits and healthcare access. It does not create new laws or alter policies but formally recognizes contributions and regrets historical injustices. This is a symbolic gesture to celebrate LGBTQ+ military service and promote awareness of ongoing challenges.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 405) symbolically designates September 22-28, 2025, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week" to honor institutions serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. It recognizes these institutions' role in enrolling over 46% of such students despite representing only 7.1% of U.S. higher education institutions. The resolution encourages eligible schools to seek funding and promotes public awareness of their contributions through activities during the designated week. It has no funding or policy changes - only a symbolic acknowledgment of these institutions' educational impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new research and extension grant program focused on protecting tropical crops from pests and diseases. It directly affects growers of specific tropical plants like coffee, cacao, bananas, mangos, and vanilla by funding science-based tools to combat plant pests and noxious weeds. Key provisions include developing pest control treatments, establishing area-wide pest management programs, collecting production data, and researching plant biology and threats. The program is authorized through 2030 and aims to improve the health and sustainability of these crops.