Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 890) condemns Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people - including 40 U.S. citizens - and took hostages. It supports three specific outcomes: ensuring Israel's long-term security, preventing Hamas from regaining power in the region, and securing the safe return of U.S. hostages held in Gaza. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's position. The resolution was introduced by 45 Senators and passed unanimously on September 25, 2024.

Maddy summaryS 5183, the "BE GONE Act," amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "aggravated felonies" by adding "sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence." This change directly affects non-citizens (immigrants without citizenship) convicted of these specific crimes, making them subject to mandatory deportation under current immigration law. The bill adds these offenses to the existing list of serious crimes triggering deportation, without creating new penalties or programs. It is a definitional change within existing immigration enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. federal agencies to annually report detailed information about biomedical research projects funded with federal money and conducted in China or involving Chinese entities. It directly affects agencies like the NIH and research institutions receiving U.S. grants for projects such as disease research, drug testing, or vaccine development in China. The report must include specifics like project purpose, locations (including military or intelligence ties), security measures, costs, and whether the work involves pathogens or dual-use research. Agencies must submit these reports within one year of the bill's enactment, creating a standardized system for tracking federally funded biomedical research in China.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award Robert M. Gates, former Director of Central Intelligence and Secretary of Defense, a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his 27 years of public service to the United States. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, honors his roles in ending the Cold War, leading military transitions in Iraq/Afghanistan, and supporting veterans' welfare. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct effects beyond honoring Gates' career.

Maddy summarySRES 842 designates the week beginning October 20, 2024, as "National Character Counts Week" in recognition of the importance of character development in youth. The resolution calls upon schools, families, community organizations, and the public to observe this week by promoting core character values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship through educational activities and events. This is a symbolic Senate resolution with no legal requirements, aiming to encourage voluntary focus on character education across communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the CARES Act to extend the termination date for certain pandemic spending provisions from 5 to 10 years. It directly affects federal programs authorized under the CARES Act that had a 5-year sunset period. The key mechanism is changing a specific reference in Section 4018(h) from "5" to "10" years, delaying when these spending authorities expire. This is a procedural adjustment to existing law, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal regulations to require agencies to better assess how proposed rules impact small businesses, including indirect costs like supply chain effects. It creates a formal process allowing small businesses or their representatives to petition the Small Business Administration (SBA) to review agency claims that a rule won’t significantly affect them. The SBA must then evaluate these petitions within 10 days, potentially ordering agencies to redo their analysis or face penalties. This directly affects small businesses (as petitioners) and federal agencies (as rulemakers), making regulatory impact assessments more transparent and accountable.

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 summaryThe SIMSA Act of 2024 creates a new Schedule A for synthetic drugs that have chemical structures substantially similar to existing controlled substances but aren't yet listed in the Controlled Substances Act. It allows the Attorney General to temporarily or permanently schedule these substances based on their chemical structure and effects, with a 30-day notice period and a maximum 5-year temporary period. The bill increases penalties for violations involving Schedule A substances (up to 20 years in prison for first offenses), requires specific labeling for Schedule A substances, and establishes registration requirements for importers and exporters. It also includes provisions for research on substances newly added to Schedule A and allows for sentencing review if a substance is later descheduled.

Maddy summaryThe AI ACCORD Act of 2024 requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a strategy within 180 days for improving defense cooperation with Middle Eastern allies through shared network capabilities, focusing on using artificial intelligence to enhance data sharing, analysis, and security. It also mandates the creation of a military AI forum to coordinate near-term AI tool applications, risk management, training needs, and collaboration with allies on commercial AI procurement. The strategy must address implementation challenges, recommend actions, and include metrics for progress, while the forum must report annually on its efforts and suggest legislative steps to accelerate AI adoption. This bill directly affects U.S. combatant commands, defense operations in the Middle East, and partnerships with allied nations through concrete policy mechanisms.