Sen. Todd Young

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 20) seeks to block a 2023 rule from the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that classified certain firearms with stabilizing braces as rifles under federal law. If passed, it would nullify the rule, meaning firearms equipped with these braces would no longer be subject to the rule’s classification requirements. The resolution uses the congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to stop the rule from taking effect, directly affecting firearm manufacturers and owners who use stabilizing braces on weapons.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service. It specifies three coin types: up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (90% gold), 400,000 $1 silver coins (90% silver), and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins, all to be issued in 2025. A surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollars) will be added to each coin's sale price, with all funds going directly to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to support its diplomatic history preservation work. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring all design, production, and marketing expenses to be recovered through coin sales.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses Congress's support for the Local Radio Freedom Act by opposing new fees for local radio stations playing music over the air. It states that imposing performance fees would harm the longstanding relationship between radio stations and the music industry, jeopardize emergency broadcasts and local programming, and cause economic hardship for radio stations and small businesses (like bars and retail stores) that rely on free music licensing. The resolution specifically urges against any new fee, tax, or royalty related to radio stations' public performance of sound recordings. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new law but formally advocates for maintaining the current system.

Maddy summarySRES 102 is a Senate resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of jazz guitarist John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery's birth (March 6, 1923). It honors his musical contributions, including his innovative fingerstyle technique and influential albums like *A Day in the Life*, which topped jazz charts. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of Montgomery's legacy as a Hoosier musician who inspired global jazz artists. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on individuals or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a 1999 appropriations law to prevent U.S. government entities from honoring trademarks tied to confiscated foreign assets. It directly affects businesses or individuals claiming trademark rights over marks previously used in connection with assets seized by foreign governments, unless the original owner or their legal successor consented. The key change requires that anyone asserting trademark rights must have known or had reason to know the mark was linked to confiscated assets. The bill also adds a new requirement that such rights can only be enforced if the claimant had actual knowledge of the confiscation at the time of acquisition.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023 requires the U.S. government to address forced organ harvesting by mandating annual reports on the issue in foreign countries and allowing passport denial or revocation for individuals convicted of organ trafficking. It directs the President to impose sanctions - including asset blocking and visa bans - on individuals or entities involved in forced organ harvesting, with exceptions for humanitarian aid. The bill defines "forced organ harvesting" as organ removal by coercion, deception, or abuse of power, and "trafficking" as recruiting or transporting people for organ removal through similar means. These provisions aim to hold accountable those exploiting vulnerable individuals for organ removal.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal law to strengthen prosecutions for child sex abuse by clarifying key definitions and closing loopholes. It explicitly states that "sexual activity" includes non-contact acts (like webcam interactions), ensuring online abuse can be prosecuted. It also creates a new provision targeting abusers who use connections to organizations (such as charities or missionary groups) to commit abuse, making it a federal crime for officers, employees, or agents of such organizations to engage in illicit sexual conduct through their affiliation. These changes apply to cases involving interstate or international travel, updating the legal standard from "motivating purpose" to "intent" to prosecute abusers more effectively.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins honoring working dogs, including $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar coins, to be sold starting January 1, 2025. A surcharge of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, and $5 per half-dollar coin will be added to the sale price, with all surcharge funds directed to America’s VetDogs to support its service dog programs for veterans and people with disabilities. The coins are legal tender but will only be issued for one year (2025), with production limited to specified quantities (50,000 gold, 500,000 silver, 750,000 half-dollars). The bill does not create new government programs but uses commemorative coin sales to fund existing service dog initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2023 would repeal a 12% federal tax on new heavy trucks, tractors, and trailers. This tax, levied since 1917, currently adds $12,000 to $22,000 to the cost of a new heavy truck. The repeal would directly lower upfront costs for truck manufacturers, dealers, and trucking companies purchasing new vehicles. By removing this tax, the bill aims to make newer, cleaner trucks more affordable, encouraging the replacement of older, less efficient models.