Sen. Tim Scott

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes a federal program supporting pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders. It increases annual funding from $29.9 million to $38.9 million for fiscal years 2025-2029, updates terminology to "health care services," and requires applicants to include outreach plans targeting women disproportionately impacted by maternal substance use disorder. The program directly affects eligible women seeking treatment during pregnancy and postpartum, ensuring continued access to care through expanded funding and targeted outreach. The changes apply to the existing Public Health Service Act program (Section 508) without altering its core purpose.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that would have prohibited creditors and credit reporting agencies from using medical debt in credit reports. The CFPB rule, published in January 2025, aimed to prevent medical information from affecting consumers' credit scores. If approved, this resolution would nullify the rule, meaning creditors and credit bureaus could continue using medical debt in credit decisions. The measure directly affects credit reporting practices and consumer credit evaluations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 952) creates a single uniform tariff subheading (2208.30.00) for all whiskies in the U.S. tariff schedule, replacing multiple existing subheadings. It sets a flat duty rate of $2.04 per liter for all whiskies under this new category and requires the U.S. International Trade Commission to add specific statistical suffixes to distinguish between whisky types (like Irish/Scotch, Bourbon, Rye) and container sizes. The change directly affects whisky importers and customs officials who process these goods, standardizing how whiskies are classified for duty calculation. The new system takes effect 15 days after the bill is enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Natural Gas Act to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) exclusive authority to approve or deny applications for LNG terminals (including those for export or import). It requires FERC to deem such projects "consistent with the public interest" when making decisions. The bill also clarifies that the President retains existing authority under laws like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to block LNG exports to countries designated as "state sponsors of terrorism." This directly affects LNG terminal developers and FERC, streamlining approval processes while preserving presidential sanctions powers.

Maddy summaryThe SBA Disaster Transparency Act (S 371) requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publish specific disaster assistance reports on its website. It amends existing law to mandate that the SBA "publish on the website of the Administration" reports related to disaster loans and assistance, which previously only needed to be submitted to Congress. This change directly affects the SBA by altering its reporting process and makes disaster aid data more accessible to the public without creating new programs or eligibility rules. The bill focuses solely on increasing transparency through online publication of existing reports.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to relocate at least 30% of its Washington, D.C.-based headquarters employees to offices outside the Washington metropolitan area within one year of enactment. Employees moving must switch to local pay rates for their new location and can no longer work full-time remotely. The SBA must also reduce its Washington headquarters office space by 30% within two years. The bill mandates annual reports to Congress detailing employee locations, telework status, and compliance with these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act (DLARA), requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to improve transparency and oversight of disaster loans. Key provisions include mandating monthly reports on loan funding status (e.g., notifying Congress when unobligated funds drop below 10% of the latest appropriation), requiring detailed budget explanations for disaster loan costs, and prohibiting loan forgiveness without congressional authorization. It also restricts the SBA from issuing rules that increase program costs and mandates reviews by the GAO and SBA Inspector General into recent loan program changes and funding shortfalls. The bill directly affects SBA operations and reporting to Congress, focusing on accountability rather than altering loan eligibility or benefits for borrowers.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal education law to prohibit federally funded athletic programs from allowing individuals assigned male at birth to participate in sports designated for women or girls. It defines "sex" for this purpose as biological sex at birth, based on reproductive anatomy and genetics. The law directly affects schools, colleges, and sports organizations receiving federal funding. Violations would constitute a breach of Title IX, requiring programs to exclude individuals whose sex is male from women's or girls' athletic teams.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 104) designates February 27, 2025, as "Rare Disease Day" to formally recognize efforts related to rare diseases. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs, but highlights the importance of raising awareness, improving early diagnosis, and supporting research for conditions affecting millions in the U.S. (estimated at over 30 million people with rare diseases). The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture aligning with the global observance of Rare Disease Day.

This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."