Maddy summaryThe NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023 requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a task force within 180 days to review and improve the system for delivering flight safety notices (NOTAMs) to pilots. The task force, including representatives from airlines, airports, pilot and dispatcher unions, and aviation safety experts, will evaluate current practices and recommend ways to make notices more accurate, timely, and user-friendly. The FAA must also implement a new Federal flight safety notice system by September 30, 2024, including a backup system and a plan for global standardization with international aviation formats. The task force must submit its recommendations to Congress within one year, focusing on enhancing safety information delivery for pilots and air traffic operations.
Sponsored bills
This bill generally prohibits Title X grants for family planning services, research, and training from being used for a hotline, website, or other system that provides individuals with counseling and referrals regarding abortion services. However, the prohibition does not apply (1) in cases of rape or incest, or (2) when a physician certifies that the individual suffers from a physical condition that is life-threatening unless an abortion is performed.
VA Canine Reporting Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the average time it took to provide a veteran with a service or guide dog in the prior year. The report must also include legislative recommendations to reduce such wait time.
Maddy summaryThe HALT Fentanyl Act expands the definition of fentanyl-related substances in the Controlled Substances Act to include many structurally similar compounds, making it easier to regulate new fentanyl analogs without individual listing. It defines these substances based on specific chemical modifications to fentanyl, with limited exceptions for substances already controlled or listed elsewhere. The bill also streamlines research procedures for schedule I substances by creating expedited registration processes and allowing multiple studies under one registration, while requiring the Attorney General to publish a list of substances meeting the new definition.
Maddy summaryHR 3723, the Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act, allows medical device manufacturers to provide required labeling exclusively through electronic means instead of physical labels. This change directly affects manufacturers of prescription devices and in vitro diagnostic devices, removing the prior requirement for physical labeling at the point of use in healthcare facilities or blood establishments. The bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to replace outdated language about physical labeling with a general requirement for "devices (including in vitro diagnostic devices)." This simplifies compliance by enabling digital solutions like QR codes or online portals for labeling information. The policy change is a direct regulatory update with no new funding or enforcement mechanisms.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets strict deadlines for the EPA to review state applications for primary control over Class VI wells (used for underground carbon storage). It requires the EPA to approve state programs automatically if no decision is made within 210 days (180 days for review plus 30 days), unless the EPA provides a detailed written explanation of delays. States must already have authority over other well types to qualify for automatic approval. The bill also prohibits the EPA from adding new conditions to state applications and mandates regular reporting on staffing needs for implementation. It applies to all new state submissions after enactment and resets timelines for pending applications.
Maddy summaryHR 3684, the Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act of 2023, authorizes the Department of Defense to fund research on using psychedelic substances for treating specific conditions in active-duty military personnel. The bill creates a grant program to support phase II clinical trials (using substances like MDMA, psilocybin, or ibogaine) or training for treating PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, with participants including active-duty service members. It removes barriers for military personnel to join these trials, regardless of federal scheduling of the substances or military justice rules. The bill appropriates $15 million annually from 2024 to 2028 for this research and requires regular reports to Congress on grant recipients and trial findings.
Maddy summaryHR 3612, the "No ESG at TSP Act," prohibits the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - the federal retirement plan for government employees - from offering investment funds that use environmental, social, or governance (ESG) criteria in their investment decisions. It specifically bans mutual funds, ETFs, or other vehicles marketed with ESG criteria (such as climate policies, diversity metrics, or gun industry focus) from the TSP's "mutual fund window." The bill requires the TSP Board to remove existing ESG-linked funds within 90 days, notify participants about switching to non-ESG options, and automatically move unselected funds to a government securities fund. This directly affects federal employees and retirees who use the TSP for retirement savings.
Tribal Gaming Regulatory Compliance Act This bill allows the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta tribes to conduct gaming activities on their land in Texas if certain conditions are met. Currently, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act prohibits the tribes from conducting gaming activities on their land if those activities are prohibited by Texas law. The bill repeals those provisions and instead applies the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) to gaming activities on Indian lands of the tribes.
Maddy summaryHR 3319, the Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act, streamlines approval for minor modifications to existing cell towers and wireless infrastructure. It requires state and local governments to approve such requests within 60 days or deem them approved, limits documentation requirements to only what's necessary for review, and explicitly includes modifications that improve network resiliency (like backup power or hardening structures) or benefit public safety. The bill directly affects wireless providers seeking to make small, non-structural upgrades to existing towers without lengthy local permitting delays. Key provisions include automatic approval after 60 days, restrictions on excessive documentation demands, and enforcement allowing providers to sue for violations in federal court.