Sen. Dan Sullivan

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2820) would amend the Antiquities Act to impose time limits on national monument designations. It requires that any new national monument or land reservation under the Act expire 6 months after creation unless Congress passes a new law extending it. If a monument expires without extension, the same land cannot be re-designated as a national monument for 25 years. This directly affects the President’s authority to establish monuments under the Antiquities Act and limits the permanence of such designations without congressional action.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries to withdraw three specific proposed rules related to the Endangered Species Act. The rules would have changed how species are listed, habitats designated, and interagency cooperation is handled under the Act. The bill prohibits these agencies from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the withdrawn proposals. It directly affects federal agencies' regulatory process for endangered species protection, halting these specific rulemaking efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to assess how energy regulations and policies impact at-risk communities, including low-income, rural, elderly, minority, and tribal populations. It mandates studies to identify barriers to affordable energy access in these communities and requires agencies to certify that new energy rules won't cause energy poverty. The Comptroller General and OMB must jointly report on energy poverty impacts and recommend solutions, such as improving infrastructure access or lowering fees. Agencies must also include "energy poverty statements" in new energy rules, stating they won't worsen energy poverty in vulnerable areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Coast Guard personnel receive continued pay and benefits during funding gaps specific to the Coast Guard, without requiring new appropriations. It directly affects all active-duty Coast Guard members (including reserves), qualified civilian employees, and contract workers who perform duties during such gaps. Key provisions mandate payment of military pay, death gratuities, funeral expenses, and housing allowances for dependents of service members who die on duty, using existing funding mechanisms. The law applies only when Coast Guard funding is delayed but Department of Defense funding is secured, preventing service disruptions during government shutdowns. It does not create new benefits but guarantees existing ones remain accessible during Coast Guard-specific funding lapses.

Maddy summarySRES 335 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating September 23-October 1, 2023, as "Blue Star Welcome Week." It directly affects military families (including active duty, transitioning veterans, and their dependents) who relocate annually during permanent change-of-station moves. The resolution expresses gratitude for their service, acknowledges challenges in community belonging (citing a 2022 survey), and encourages civilians to welcome military-connected families into their communities. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes this annual observance initiated by Blue Star Families.

Maddy summaryS 2766, the Honoring National Recovery Month Act, authorizes $1 million annually (2024-2028) for federal activities to support National Recovery Month. The bill directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to fund toolkits, public service announcements, websites, and community engagement efforts that celebrate people in recovery from substance use disorders or mental illness, combat related stigma, and educate the public. It does not change eligibility for services or create new benefits but focuses on awareness through federally funded communications. The primary direct effect is on the Department of Health and Human Services, which will implement these activities, while the broader impact supports communities and individuals affected by mental health and substance use challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires car manufacturers to include AM radio receivers as standard equipment in all new vehicles sold in the U.S., without additional cost to buyers. It mandates that AM radio controls be clearly visible on the dashboard for drivers. For vehicles sold before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must label them to disclose the absence of AM radio. The bill aims to maintain access to AM radio broadcasts, which are used for emergency alerts, but does not mandate new emergency systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2757) freezes current payment rates for veterans' transportation services provided through "special modes" (like non-emergency medical transport) starting January 1, 2023, preventing the VA from lowering these rates without strict conditions. It directly affects veterans relying on these transportation services and the contractors providing them. The key provision allows rate increases but requires the VA to conduct a detailed economic impact review, consult with veterans' groups and industry experts, and ensure new rates cover actual costs before any decrease can occur. This aims to protect veterans' access to care by preventing rate cuts that could disrupt transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow schools to use existing federal funds for student sports clubs, teams, training, and related outdoor wellness activities. It directly affects K-12 schools by removing a previous restriction that barred such uses of ESEA funds. The key mechanism is an exception added to Section 8526(7), explicitly permitting these activities before the period ending that section. The change applies to funds already allocated under the ESEA, not creating new spending.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 16, 2023, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history of U.S. airborne forces. It recognizes the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, and highlights the service of airborne units from World War II through modern conflicts. The resolution calls for the American public to observe the day with appropriate activities, but it does not create new laws or affect any specific group or policy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond the symbolic recognition.