Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the EPA's 2024 emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles and amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future regulations from mandating specific technologies or limiting new vehicle availability based on engine type. It directly affects the EPA's regulatory authority and vehicle manufacturers by blocking technology mandates and restrictions on engine types in new vehicles. Key provisions require the EPA to revise regulations within 24 months to align with these changes, ensuring no federal rules limit vehicle choices based on engine technology. The bill's title is misleading, as it does not address automobile retail sales or consumer choice at dealerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals sections 70002 and 70003 of the Inflation Reduction Act (Public Law 117-169) and rescinds all unused funds allocated under those sections as of its enactment date. It directly affects the federal government's budget by canceling unspent money that was previously set aside for climate and energy programs. The key mechanism is a simple fiscal correction: it removes the authority to use those specific funds and redirects them away from future spending. This is a procedural budget adjustment with no direct impact on citizens or businesses.

Maddy summaryThe FARMLAND Act of 2025 strengthens oversight of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by requiring foreign persons to report land acquisitions and mandating due diligence for entities involved in agricultural land transactions. It creates civil penalties for noncompliance, establishes a database to track foreign ownership, and prohibits foreign persons from participating in Farm Service Agency programs. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on national security risks related to foreign ownership by countries like China, Russia, and state sponsors of terrorism, focusing particularly on strategic competitors. Key provisions include enhanced reporting requirements, public disclosure of noncompliant entities, and new requirements for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 5-year pilot program to increase workload at government-owned Army arsenals. It requires the Defense Secretary to give a 20% price preference in contract bids to non-public partners (like defense contractors) that use these arsenals as partners in their bids, plus extra preference for those using the Army's Advanced Manufacturing Center and ensuring 25% of work is done by DoD employees. The program aims to sustain these arsenals' capabilities for cost efficiency and rapid mobilization, directly affecting defense contractors competing for Army contracts. A report on the pilot's progress, including workload data and capital needs, must be submitted to Congress within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax benefits for working families by expanding child care tax credits. It raises the employer-provided child care credit from 25% to 50% of qualified expenses (with the maximum credit increasing from $150,000 to $500,000), and adds a new refundable household care credit allowing up to 50% of eligible expenses (capped at $5,000 for one child or $8,000 for two+ children). Small businesses receive enhanced benefits, with a 60% credit rate and higher maximum ($600,000) for qualifying employers. The changes directly affect working parents, caregivers, and small businesses that provide or support child care.

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 summarySCONRES 8 is a Senate concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act. It urges Congress not to impose a new fee or charge on local radio stations for playing music over the air, or on businesses like bars and restaurants that play radio broadcasts publicly. The resolution argues that such a fee would disrupt the current system where radio stations provide free promotional support to the music industry and essential local services like emergency weather updates. It claims the existing model has fostered a thriving music and broadcasting sector without harming small businesses or consumers. This resolution does not create law but expresses congressional support for maintaining the current fee-free system.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal task force to address U.S. reliance on countries like China for critical minerals essential to technology, renewable energy, defense, and infrastructure. The task force, composed of federal agency representatives and stakeholders, will assess supply chain risks, recommend domestic mining and processing solutions, and reduce dependence on "covered countries" (including China). It must report to Congress within two years with findings and strategies, including recommendations for domestic production, workforce development, and international partnerships. The task force operates without new funding and requires consultation with states, tribes, and industry throughout its work.

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.