Sen. Tom Cotton

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 summaryThis bill prohibits federally funded schools and athletic programs from allowing individuals assigned male at birth to participate in women's or girls' sports teams. It defines "sex" for this purpose solely based on biological sex assigned at birth, including reproductive anatomy and genetics. The law amends Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to make such participation a violation of federal civil rights law. It directly affects all schools, colleges, and organizations receiving federal funds that operate athletic programs for women or girls.

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 summaryThe FDIC Act of 2023 would amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require the FDIC to consider terminating the insurance of large banks (with over $50 billion in assets) that deny banking services to qualifying federal contractors. A qualifying contractor is defined as an entity with a federal contract that has met all legal requirements and passed standard credit checks. If such a bank refuses service, the FDIC must issue a notice and hold a hearing to determine whether to terminate the bank's insurance. This provision directly affects large financial institutions and federal contractors by creating a new process for addressing denied banking services.

Maddy summaryS 558, the "Stop CRT Act," prohibits federal funding for elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions that promote defined "race-based theories" or compel students/staff to adopt such beliefs. The bill defines "race-based theories" as concepts like inherent racial superiority, the U.S. being fundamentally racist, or assigning moral worth based on race. It blocks federal funds to schools or colleges that "promote" these theories (e.g., including them in curricula with implied endorsement) or require adherence to them contrary to civil rights law. The law explicitly allows educational discussion of such theories in context (e.g., for research or critical analysis without school endorsement) and does not restrict speech outside school settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to reduce European reliance on Russian energy by promoting U.S. natural gas exports to NATO allies and partners. It requires the State Department to develop a transatlantic energy strategy within 180 days and expedites LNG export approvals for qualifying countries, including NATO members and Japan. The bill also mandates sanctions on companies investing over $1 million in Russian energy pipelines, targeting projects like Nord Stream 2. These provisions directly affect NATO members, U.S. energy exporters, and entities involved in Russian pipeline development.

Maddy summaryS 556, the Combating Racist Training in the Military Act of 2023, prohibits the U.S. military and Defense Department-operated schools from promoting specific theories defined as "anti-American and racist" in training programs. It bans including such theories (like claims the U.S. is "fundamentally racist" or the Constitution is "racist") in curricula, workshops, or by hiring trainers who advocate them. The bill explicitly allows protected speech, research access to such materials, and educational contexts that clarify the military does not endorse these theories. This directly affects military training content and DoD academic institutions, aiming to align training with the military's mission to defend the Constitution.

Maddy summaryThe National Right-to-Work Act would amend federal labor law to prohibit requiring employees to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. It removes existing provisions in the National Labor Relations Act that allowed for "union security agreements" (such as agency shops) and similarly amends the Railway Labor Act for railroad workers. This change would mean private sector and railroad workers nationwide would not face mandatory union fees to retain their jobs, applying to all new or renewed employment agreements after enactment. The bill directly affects all covered employees in the private workforce and railroad industry by eliminating forced financial contributions to labor unions.

Maddy summaryS 529, "Eric's Law," amends federal death penalty sentencing procedures to address jury deadlocks. It requires courts to impanel a new jury if the original jury fails to reach a unanimous sentencing recommendation (death, life without parole, or a lesser sentence) in capital cases. If the new jury also cannot agree unanimously, the court must impose a non-death sentence authorized by law. This directly affects federal defendants facing capital charges where juries cannot unanimously agree on sentencing.

Maddy summarySJRES 15 is a joint resolution disapproving a rule issued by the Department of Commerce. The rule established procedures for suspending import duties under Presidential Proclamation 10414, which relates to trade measures affecting goods entering the U.S. This resolution, if enacted, would nullify the Commerce Department's rule (published at 87 Fed. Reg. 56868), meaning the suspended duty procedures would no longer apply to importers and customs operations. The bill directly affects businesses and importers subject to these customs procedures.