Maddy summaryThe Synthetic Biology Advancement Act of 2024 establishes a National Synthetic Biology Center within the USDA to award competitive grants to land-grant universities (1862, 1890, and 1994 institutions) and their partners. The center prioritizes research in areas like gene editing, fermentation, and AI-driven agricultural solutions to improve food system efficiency, sustainability, and climate resilience. Grantees must collaborate with entities like National Laboratories or nonprofits and report biennially on project outcomes, including metrics for innovation pipeline success. The bill authorizes $5 million annually for grants and $1 million for center operations from 2025-2029. It directly affects agricultural research institutions and aims to accelerate practical applications of synthetic biology in food production.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize national security in addition to homeland security for food and agriculture systems. It mandates creating a new Senior Advisor for National Security within the USDA to coordinate department-wide efforts, liaise with the National Security Council, and engage stakeholders on vulnerabilities. The bill also allows USDA to share staff with defense and intelligence agencies to improve information sharing and risk mitigation, and requires biennial reports to Congress assessing specific vulnerabilities like foreign influence, supply chain risks, and cybersecurity threats. These reports must detail actions taken, policy recommendations, and resource needs to address gaps in food and agriculture security.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Office of Biotechnology Policy within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to coordinate the department's work on biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and related emerging technologies. The office will develop policies, oversee research and regulation, and coordinate with agencies like the EPA and FDA. It directly affects USDA operations and stakeholders including biotechnology developers, farmers, and researchers by centralizing coordination of existing biotech activities. The bill requires the office to consult with affected entities and streamline the department's approach to biotechnology policy.
Maddy summaryThe GPA Act (S 4425) establishes U.S. sanctions against Georgian officials who obstruct Georgia's path to NATO and EU membership, including those involved in significant corruption or actions undermining Georgia's sovereignty. It requires the U.S. to review and potentially suspend foreign assistance to Georgia if the government continues policies that impede democratic development, such as the controversial "foreign agents bill" that restricts civil society. The legislation includes provisions to support Georgia's democratic institutions, free elections, and civil society while emphasizing U.S. support for Georgia's territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. It also mandates reports on disinformation, political prisoners, and corruption in Georgia, reflecting U.S. concerns about democratic backsliding and Georgia's relationship with Russia. The act includes a sunset provision, expiring five years after enactment.
Maddy summaryThe Biotechnology Oversight Coordination Act of 2024 establishes a federal committee to coordinate oversight of biotechnology products (such as those from plants, animals, and microorganisms) across agencies like the USDA, FDA, and EPA. The committee must create a unified process to determine if a product could have occurred naturally - reducing unnecessary regulation - and streamline regulatory timelines to cut delays and duplication. It will report annually to Congress on progress, including data on review durations and steps to improve efficiency for developers. The bill aims to enhance coordination without altering existing safety standards for biotech products, excluding human medical products regulated solely by the FDA.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires prime contractors working with the government to use plain writing when soliciting subcontractors, directly affecting small businesses seeking subcontract opportunities. It mandates that all subcontract solicitations and related subcontracts must be written clearly and simply, as defined by the 2010 Plain Writing Act. If a contractor fails to comply, they must provide a corrected solicitation in plain writing within 30 days of a Small Business Administration (SBA) determination. The SBA must issue regulations within 90 days to implement these requirements.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 696) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring the late Carl Daniel Erskine, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and community leader from Anderson, Indiana. It commemorates his MLB career with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, his coaching at Anderson University, his extensive philanthropy (including work with the Special Olympics), and his recognition as Indiana's highest honor recipient (Sachem Award). The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for his lifelong contributions to baseball, Indiana, and charitable causes, and requests that a copy be sent to his family. As a symbolic gesture with no policy impact, it directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging his legacy.
Maddy summarySRES 697 is a commemorative resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 2024, as "National Police Week" in the U.S. Senate. It aligns with the 1962 law authorizing the President to designate this week, honoring law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for officers, recognizes their service in protecting communities, and encourages public observance to honor their mission and sacrifices. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely ceremonial.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 83) seeks to block a rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that redefined who qualifies as a "dealer in firearms" under federal law. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024, would have changed how the ATF identifies and regulates firearm sellers. If passed, the resolution would make the rule invalid, preventing it from taking effect and leaving current dealer regulations unchanged. This directly affects firearm dealers (particularly small businesses and hobbyists) and the ATF’s enforcement authority under existing law.
Maddy summarySRES 687 is a non-binding Senate resolution clarifying that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) only addressed which government represented China at the UN, not Taiwan's sovereignty. It explicitly states the U.S. "One China Policy" does not accept China's "One China Principle" (which claims Taiwan as part of China) and rejects China's misuse of Resolution 2758 to pressure other nations into severing ties with Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally by falsely conflating the UN resolution with its territorial claims. It reaffirms U.S. support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations where statehood is not required and urges partners to counter China's misleading narratives. This resolution does not alter U.S. policy but formally distinguishes between the UN resolution and China's political stance.