Sen. Jerry Moran

Maddy summaryThe EMIT LESS Act of 2024 directs the USDA to establish research facilities and training programs focused on reducing methane emissions from livestock digestion. It creates testing labs for methane-mitigating products, funds training at land-grant universities, and updates farm conservation programs to include payments for practices that lower enteric methane. Specifically, it amends the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program to allow payments for livestock feed management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This bill directly affects livestock farmers participating in USDA conservation programs by providing new funding pathways for methane-reducing practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 609) designates April 4, 2024, as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. It recognizes the ongoing humanitarian threat posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance to civilians in over 60 countries, citing statistics like over 135,000 recorded casualties since 2001. The resolution reaffirms U.S. leadership in global mine clearance efforts, highlighting $4.6 billion in U.S. funding for demining since 1993 and calls for continued U.S. support to address mine contamination as a priority. It does not create new laws but symbolically supports international mine action goals and acknowledges the work of deminers and survivors.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts veterans' disability and survivor benefits to match the cost-of-living increase for Social Security beneficiaries. Effective December 1, 2024, it requires the VA to raise payments for disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation (for spouses and children), and clothing allowances by the same percentage as the Social Security COLA announced for that year. These adjustments directly affect veterans receiving disability compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114, veterans with dependents under § 1115, surviving spouses under § 1311, and children under §§ 1313-1314. The bill ensures veterans' benefits rise automatically with the Social Security COLA, without requiring new legislative action each year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide annual preventative health evaluations to veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. The evaluations assess health risks, chronic pain management, diet/weight, prosthetic equipment, and assistive technology needs - including devices like powered mobility aids. It mandates consultation with specialists and manufacturers during implementation, and requires annual reports to Congress tracking veterans' access to these evaluations and assistive technologies. The law directly affects veterans with spinal cord injuries/disorders receiving VA care, aiming to proactively address related health complications.

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 makes permanent a pilot program allowing the Veterans Benefits Administration to use contracted physicians (rather than VA employees) to conduct disability examinations for veterans applying for benefits. It requires these contract physicians to hold current state licenses and meet specific qualifications, while funding the program through existing VA benefit accounts. The bill terminates the previous temporary 1996 pilot program and mandates a report to Congress within three years on how the new system affects exam costs, speed, and quality. This change directly impacts veterans seeking disability benefits by altering how their medical evaluations are administered.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the INCLUDE Project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance research on Down syndrome. It authorizes $250 million annually (2025-2029) for studies on chromosome 21’s effects, co-occurring health conditions (like Alzheimer’s and heart disease), and developing treatments. The program requires NIH to coordinate research across agencies, expand clinical trials for individuals with Down syndrome, and submit biennial reports to Congress. It directly affects NIH’s research priorities and funding for Down syndrome studies, without altering medical care for patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 64) seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 4128, January 22, 2024) that implements provisions from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act related to preventing digital discrimination. It requests Congress disapprove the rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, which would prevent the rule from taking effect. The resolution directly affects the FCC's ability to enforce digital discrimination prevention measures under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, halting the FCC's regulatory action on this specific issue.

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 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.