Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution states that the U.S. Senate believes Israel has the inherent right to defend itself and take necessary steps to eradicate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas. It also declares that any U.S. government official calling for elections in Israel would constitute electoral interference. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but expresses congressional support for Israel’s security actions and sets a position on U.S. involvement in Israeli electoral matters. The resolution was introduced in March 2024 by multiple senators.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 620) demands that the international community hold accountable those responsible for sexual violence and sexual torture during and after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. It cites a UN report (released March 4, 2024) that found "reasonable grounds" to believe such violence occurred at multiple locations, including kibbutzim and the Nova music festival site, involving rape, murder, and sexualized torture. The resolution specifically calls on the U.S. to urge the UN Security Council to open an official investigation into these allegations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but seeks to mobilize international accountability efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the export of petroleum products drawn from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to specific countries and entities, including China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Cuba, and any entity controlled by those nations or the Chinese Communist Party. It amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to add this export restriction, requiring the Secretary of Energy to issue implementing rules within 60 days of enactment. The Secretary may grant waivers if exports are certified as serving U.S. national security interests. This directly affects U.S. energy exports and entities involved in international oil transactions with the listed countries or their designated affiliates.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 21, 2024, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors, highlighting their role in farming operations, agricultural sales (accounting for 36% of U.S. farm sales in 2022), and workforce development. The resolution encourages all citizens to acknowledge women's impact on the agricultural industry and support their participation in the field through initiatives like mentorship and education. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not create new policies or obligations but aims to raise awareness of women's roles in agriculture.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3992) prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from making new direct loans under its 7(a) program, which previously allowed the SBA to lend directly to small businesses. It specifically stops the SBA from issuing new direct loans after the bill's enactment, though it requires the SBA to continue servicing any existing direct loans made before the law took effect. The key mechanism is a clear prohibition on new direct lending, shifting future 7(a) credit access to rely on SBA-guaranteed loans through private lenders instead. This directly affects the SBA's operational authority and the structure of how small businesses access certain types of federal credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires USAID to prioritize direct funding and partnership with local organizations in developing countries for humanitarian and development programs. Key mechanisms include increasing USAID’s de minimis indirect cost rate for local partners to 15%, allowing applications in local languages, streamlining reporting requirements, and ensuring local entities can lead program design and evaluation. It directly affects local community groups, NGOs, and informal organizations working in recipient countries by reducing bureaucratic barriers to accessing U.S. aid. USAID must also submit annual reports tracking direct funding amounts and progress toward local leadership in all programs.

Maddy summarySRES 596 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 112th birthday of Girl Scouts of the United States of America. It celebrates the organization's century-long mission of providing girls with a secure, inclusive environment to explore, build relationships, and develop leadership skills through programs in STEM, civic engagement, and global citizenship. The resolution specifically acknowledges Girl Scouts' role in fostering confidence, mental wellness, and community impact for over 50 million alumnae worldwide. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but honors the organization's contributions to girls' leadership development.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 65) seeks to disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have revised national air quality standards for tiny air particles (particulate matter), which are pollutants linked to health issues like asthma and heart disease. The EPA rule, published on March 6, 2024, proposed updating these standards to tighten pollution limits. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, maintaining the current standards without changes. This directly affects the EPA’s ability to implement the proposed revisions to air quality regulations, impacting public health protections and industry compliance requirements.

Maddy summaryS 3955, the Taxpayer-Funded Union Time Transparency Act, requires federal agencies to publicly report annually on the use of taxpayer-funded "official time" (paid time for union activities by government employees). Agencies must detail costs, the purpose of each authorization, employee positions and pay, hours spent on union activities, and use of agency resources by unions. This affects all federal agencies and their employees who utilize official time under existing law (section 7131 of Title 5, U.S. Code). The bill mandates transparent disclosure of how taxpayer funds are used for union-related work, without changing existing rules on official time.

Maddy summaryS 3933, the Laken Riley Act, amends immigration law to require mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with certain crimes like theft or burglary, rather than allowing release. It directly affects individuals facing these charges and gives state attorneys general the legal standing to sue federal agencies (like DHS or the State Department) if they claim immigration policies caused the state or residents financial harm exceeding $100. Key provisions include requiring Homeland Security to take custody of such individuals and establishing new court procedures for states to seek injunctions against federal immigration enforcement actions. The bill does not change border policies but focuses on detention requirements and state legal challenges to federal immigration enforcement.