Sen. Mike Crapo

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1159) extends compliance timelines for small lenders under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. It requires the Bureau to grant a 3-year period for lenders to meet new data reporting rules, followed by a 2-year safe harbor where lenders aren't penalized for non-compliance during that time. The bill defines "small business" as entities with under $1 million in annual revenue and "financial institution" as lenders originating at least 500 small business loans annually over the prior two years. It directly affects small lenders (those meeting the 500-loan threshold) and small businesses (under $1M revenue), reducing immediate regulatory pressure through phased implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the gross receipts threshold for most nonprofits from $5,000 to $50,000 before they must file detailed annual reports with the IRS. It exempts certain organizations, like those focused solely on investments (not lobbying or political activity), from reporting donor names and addresses. The changes apply to tax years beginning after the bill's enactment, reducing reporting burdens for smaller nonprofits and protecting donor privacy for qualifying groups. These provisions directly affect thousands of local nonprofits and community organizations that previously faced higher administrative costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to revise its occupational classification system to properly count dual-role firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics as EMS practitioners. It directs the Secretary of Labor to add four specific job categories (including "Firefighter/EMTs" and "Firefighter/Paramedics") to the Standard Occupational Classification System within 120 days. This change directly affects the accuracy of national workforce data for EMS personnel, who respond to over 22 million emergency calls annually. The bill aims to ensure government agencies have reliable data to inform emergency preparedness and policy decisions related to public health crises and disasters. A report on implementation must be submitted to Congress within 270 days.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 133) honors the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. It recognizes the program’s work providing free alternative education and structured discipline to at-risk youth aged 16-18, commends over 200,000 graduates, and reaffirms Senate support for the program’s mission. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges the program’s role in helping youth develop skills through residential and mentoring phases. It was introduced by Senators Baldwin, Capito, Cassidy, and others in March 2023.

Maddy summaryThe Natural GAS Act of 2023 requires the Department of Energy to conduct a full fuel cycle analysis and disclose the results on appliance labels when developing new energy efficiency standards for water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and gas cooktops/ranges/ovens. It mandates that the Department certify new rules won’t cause a significant shift from gas to electric appliances in residential, commercial, or replacement markets. The bill exempts small manufacturers (as defined by federal regulations) from the rule application and requires the analysis results to be prominently displayed on energy efficiency labels at the point of sale. This directly affects federal agencies, appliance manufacturers, and consumers by shaping how future efficiency standards are created and communicated.

Maddy summaryThe FAST Fix Act of 2023 amends the Small Business Act to prioritize federal technology funding for small businesses in states that historically receive fewer Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I awards. It defines "underperforming States" as the 18 states with the lowest SBIR/STTR Phase I awards and requires the Small Business Administration to prioritize applications from businesses in these states. The bill also sets a $500,000 funding cap per award over two years, waives matching requirements for underperforming states, and mandates biennial reporting on program outcomes and state performance. This directly affects small businesses in 18 specific states and the Small Business Administration’s administration of the FAST program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public colleges and universities from denying religious student groups access to campus facilities or official recognition that is available to other student organizations. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and religious student organizations by requiring equal treatment based on the institution's policies for non-religious groups. The key provision states that no federal funds can be withheld from an institution that denies a religious group access to facilities or recognition due to its religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or conduct codes. The law applies to all public colleges receiving funds under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study whether the Universal Service Fund (USF) - which helps fund broadband access in rural and low-income areas - should expand who pays into it. Within 120 days of enactment, the FCC must complete this study and report findings to Congress, then propose new rules within a year to reform the USF contribution system. The key mechanism is expanding the USF's funding base to ensure costs are shared fairly between consumers and businesses, while considering impacts on seniors. It directly affects telecom companies currently required to contribute to the USF, but does not change how the fund distributes support.

Maddy summaryThe CURD Act (S 981) defines "natural cheese" in federal law to clarify labeling standards. It specifies that natural cheese must be made by coagulating milk proteins (without added non-milk ingredients that alter its core composition) and excludes processed cheeses like pasteurized process cheese, cheese spreads, and grated American cheese. This directly affects cheese manufacturers, who must label products consistently with the new definition, and consumers, who gain clearer information about product types. The bill requires labels using "natural cheese" to comply with this definition, ensuring transparency without restricting terms like "all-natural" in other contexts.