Maddy summaryThe Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2024 would require federal agencies to submit detailed reports to Congress before implementing new regulations, including cost-benefit analyses, economic impact assessments, and information about how the public can access the supporting data. Major regulations (those with significant economic effects) would need congressional approval through a joint resolution within 70 legislative days, while nonmajor regulations would follow a simpler disapproval process. The bill would also require agencies to publish all guidance documents online and create a regulatory budget system to track regulatory costs. This would increase transparency in the regulatory process and give Congress more formal oversight over federal regulations. The bill would affect all federal agencies that issue regulations and would require them to comply with these new review procedures.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 823 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2024) and celebrating the cultural contributions and achievements of Latinos in the United States. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges the public to observe the month through activities honoring Latino heritage. The resolution highlights Latinos' economic impact (e.g., $3.4 trillion purchasing power), demographic significance (19.5% of U.S. population), and historical military service, but these statistics serve as context, not policy changes. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal force and is intended to raise awareness, not alter government programs or funding.
Maddy summaryS 5074, the PRO Veterans Act of 2024, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide quarterly briefings to Congress about its budget and any shortfalls for three years after enactment. It prohibits bonuses for senior VA and Office of Management and Budget employees during fiscal years when the VA requests additional funding outside standard budget processes, aiming to prevent spending during budget gaps. The bill also mandates a report to Congress detailing all VA positions created since October 2022, including job descriptions, pay, bonuses, and remote work policies. These provisions apply directly to VA and OMB senior leadership and end after three years.
Maddy summaryS 5076, the Iran Internet Freedom Act, requires the U.S. State Department to update its strategy for promoting internet access in Iran every 120 days after the bill’s enactment, with periodic reviews thereafter. It authorizes $15 million annually (2025-2026) for grants to private organizations developing tools that help Iranians bypass online censorship and access the open internet. Key provisions include funding programs to expand secure internet tools, research repressive tactics, and provide digital safety resources to activists and journalists in Iran. All funded technologies must undergo security audits to prevent misuse. The bill directly affects U.S. agencies (State Dept, Treasury) and private grantees, aiming to improve internet freedom for Iranian citizens.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 819) designating September 25, 2024, as "National Lobster Day." It does not create new laws or policies, but formally recognizes the cultural and economic significance of the lobster industry in the U.S. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day with appropriate activities, highlighting lobster's role in coastal communities, sustainability efforts, and culinary traditions. It directly affects no specific group or entity, as it is a symbolic designation with no binding requirements.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 816) commemorates the 73rd anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed on August 30, 1951. It symbolically affirms the U.S. commitment to the Philippines' security alliance amid recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, including incidents like the August 2024 ramming of Philippine vessels. The resolution condemns China's "persistent and unprovoked aggression," reaffirms the treaty's relevance to attacks on Philippine military assets, and urges stronger U.S. support for Philippine defense. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policy but publicly reinforces the existing security partnership.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires investment companies and their transfer agents to implement safeguards for "specified adults" (individuals aged 65+ or with mental/physical impairments that limit their ability to protect their interests). It mandates that these firms request and retain contact information for a trusted person when a customer holds a direct-at-fund account, and allows them to postpone redemptions for up to 15 business days (extendable by 10 days) if they reasonably suspect financial exploitation during a redemption request. Firms must document all delays, notify designated contacts within 2 days of an extension, and hold funds in a demand deposit account during the delay. The law also requires firms to establish internal procedures for handling such cases and include redemption delay notices in prospectuses.
Maddy summarySRES 808 is a Senate resolution expressing gratitude to Commander Jeremy Robertson and the crew of the USS Carney for their 235-day deployment in the Middle East. It specifically recognizes their interception of 51 Houthi-launched threats (including missiles and drones), protection of commercial shipping lanes, and assistance in extinguishing a fire on a civilian vessel. The resolution formally acknowledges their role in defending U.S. allies and international waters during a period of heightened conflict. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations.
Maddy summaryThe VALOR Act of 2024 establishes specific criteria for determining when a democratically elected government exists in Venezuela, requiring the President to submit such determinations to Congress. The bill imposes sanctions on the Maduro regime and blocks transactions involving Venezuelan government debt instruments, cryptocurrency, and property, while requiring regular reports on sanctions implementation and foreign entities doing business with the Maduro regime. It outlines a plan for U.S. assistance to Venezuela once a democratically elected government is recognized, including humanitarian aid and support for democratic institutions, with the President required to submit determinations to Congress when such a government is in place. The act affects U.S. engagement with international financial institutions regarding Venezuela and sets conditions for lifting sanctions as democratic progress is made.
Maddy summaryThe Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to join the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) when reviewing transactions involving U.S. agricultural land, biotechnology, or agricultural industry sectors (including transportation, storage, and processing) with foreign entities from China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran. It mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture notify CFIUS about transactions where a foreign person from one of these "covered countries" is acquiring agricultural land, and CFIUS must then determine whether to initiate a review. This applies only to transactions already reportable under the 1978 Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act and expires for any covered country once it is removed from the official list of foreign adversaries. The law directly affects foreign investors from specified countries seeking to purchase U.S. agricultural assets and the federal review process for such transactions.