Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.

Maddy summarySRES 364 is a procedural Senate resolution establishing specific rules for Senate operations during a federal government shutdown. It mandates that the Senate convene daily at 8:00 a.m. without exception, requires roll calls every hour to verify a quorum, and creates a process for compelling absent Senators to attend (including symbolic "arrest" language as a procedural step). The resolution applies solely to Senate members during shutdowns and requires votes to adjourn or recess, with strict requirements for two-thirds approval. This is an internal Senate procedural rule, not a law affecting the public or government operations.

Maddy summaryS 2913, the "Denying Pensions to Convicted Child Molesters Act of 2023," denies federal retirement benefits (annuities) to current or former federal employees convicted of specific child molestation crimes under U.S. law (e.g., sexual abuse of a minor). It directly affects federal workers and their survivors/beneficiaries who receive retirement pay, blocking payments if convicted of qualifying offenses committed after the bill’s enactment. Key provisions include requiring the Attorney General to notify agencies of convictions, allowing foreign convictions to trigger denial if certified as meeting U.S. due process standards, and directing denied pension funds to victims via court-ordered restitution. The bill makes concrete policy changes by cutting retirement benefits for these offenders and redirecting funds to victims, without speculation about broader impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act to change how states handle SNAP payment errors. Starting in fiscal year 2024, states must exclude all small payment errors (setting a $0 tolerance level) and actively seek to recover any overpayments made to recipients. It also ties a state agency’s liability for payment errors to the percentage of overpayments they successfully recoup, requiring states to recover excess payments as a condition for reducing their error rate calculations. The bill directly affects state SNAP agencies, changing their quality control processes and financial accountability for payment accuracy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires standardized presentations about Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits during preseparation counseling for service members transitioning from military to civilian life. It mandates that these presentations be reviewed by the VA and veterans service organizations before use, include information on how to file claims, and cannot promote specific organizations. The VA must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing which veterans service organizations participated, attendance numbers, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects service members receiving transition assistance, ensuring they receive consistent, accurate information about VA benefits.

Maddy summaryS 2911, the "Protecting the Right To Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023," prevents federal officials from using emergency declarations to impose gun control. It bans the President from declaring emergencies under the National Emergencies Act or the Stafford Act for gun control purposes, and stops the Health and Human Services Secretary from declaring public health emergencies for the same reason. The bill also amends the Stafford Act to explicitly prohibit emergency declarations that would restrict firearm possession, sale, or transfer of firearms, ammunition, or related accessories. This directly affects how federal emergency powers can be used during crises, limiting actions that could impact gun rights under the Second Amendment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of State to notify Congress before entering, renewing, or extending any science and technology agreement with China. It mandates a 30-day waiting period after submitting detailed documentation to congressional committees, including the full agreement text, national security justification, risk assessments of technology transfer, human rights considerations, and monitoring plans. Existing agreements with China must be revoked unless the Secretary submits this notification within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The law directly affects U.S. diplomatic negotiations with China on scientific and technical collaborations.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses Congress's support for Israel by declaring it is not a racist or apartheid state, rejecting antisemitism and xenophobia, and affirming the U.S. as a steadfast partner. It serves as a symbolic statement of bipartisan backing without creating new laws, funding, or obligations. Introduced by Senators Cotton, Cruz, and others in July 2023, it reflects congressional sentiment rather than policy change.

Maddy summaryThe SEVER Act of 2023 requires U.S. officials to deny visas to United Nations representatives who are subject to U.S. sanctions under Executive Order 13876 (relating to Iran-related sanctions) as of September 10, 2023. This bill directly affects UN officials personally sanctioned by the U.S. government for Iran-related activities. The key provision amends existing visa denial law to add this new category of individuals for whom visas must be denied. The bill does not create new sanctions but integrates existing Iran sanctions into visa enforcement procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires car manufacturers to include AM radio receivers as standard equipment in all new vehicles sold in the U.S., without additional cost to buyers. It mandates that AM radio controls be clearly visible on the dashboard for drivers. For vehicles sold before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must label them to disclose the absence of AM radio. The bill aims to maintain access to AM radio broadcasts, which are used for emergency alerts, but does not mandate new emergency systems.