Sen. Mitch McConnell

This resolution authorizes (1) Daniel Schwager, a former employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Grillo , except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Mr. Schwager and any current or former officer or employee of his office in connection with this case.

Maddy summaryThe National Labor Relations Board Reform Act increases the NLRB's membership from 5 to 6 members, requiring 3 members to represent each of the two major political parties and establishing staggered terms for appointments starting in 2028. It changes the required Board majority for decisions from 3 to 4 members and adds a 30-day window for employers or employees to seek federal court review of General Counsel complaints if they lack substantial evidence. The bill also mandates that the NLRB issue final orders within one year of a case filing or the case is automatically discharged, becoming final without further action. These changes directly affect NLRB operations, employers, and employees involved in labor disputes under the National Labor Relations Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 20) seeks to block a 2023 rule from the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that classified certain firearms with stabilizing braces as rifles under federal law. If passed, it would nullify the rule, meaning firearms equipped with these braces would no longer be subject to the rule’s classification requirements. The resolution uses the congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to stop the rule from taking effect, directly affecting firearm manufacturers and owners who use stabilizing braces on weapons.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summarySRES 57 is a Senate resolution honoring David Ferdinand Durenberger, a former U.S. Senator from Minnesota (served 1978-1989). It commemorates his life and career, highlighting his role as the lead Republican sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act and his work protecting Minnesota's natural resources like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The resolution directs the Senate to formally recognize his passing and transmit a copy to his family. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryThe "Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act" (S 600) amends federal drug laws to automatically classify a broad range of fentanyl-like substances as illegal under Schedule I. It defines "fentanyl-related substances" to include any compound with specific structural changes to fentanyl - such as modifications to its ring structures or chemical groups - making these analogues automatically controlled without needing individual bans. This directly affects drug manufacturers, distributors, and users of these substances, as well as law enforcement agencies tasked with identifying and regulating new fentanyl variants. The bill aims to close loopholes that allow dangerous, unregulated fentanyl analogues to enter the market before being specifically prohibited. It takes effect one day after enactment.

Maddy summaryS 614, the *Protecting Americans from Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023*, adds "fentanyl-related substances" to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This directly affects individuals, businesses, and researchers handling new fentanyl variants not yet approved for medical use. The bill defines these substances broadly to include any structurally modified versions of fentanyl (e.g., changes to its chemical groups or rings), making them illegal without authorization. This expands the legal definition to target emerging synthetic fentanyl analogs created to evade current drug laws.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic Senate resolution (SRES 69) designates February 18-25, 2023, as "National FFA Week" to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the National FFA Organization. It recognizes FFA’s role in developing future agricultural leaders through its educational programs, which serve over 850,000 students across all 50 states and territories. The resolution has no legal effect - it is a ceremonial expression of support, not a policy change. It directly affects the FFA organization and its members by highlighting their educational mission during a designated week.

Maddy summaryS 444 requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness treaty before it becomes binding on the United States. The bill mandates that agreements resulting from the WHO’s pandemic treaty negotiations (currently led by the International Negotiating Body) must be treated as treaties under the U.S. Constitution, requiring Senate ratification with a two-thirds vote. It directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation by ensuring congressional oversight of international pandemic agreements. The bill responds to concerns about WHO’s pandemic management and aims to prevent executive agreements from bypassing Senate review.