Sen. Roger Marshall

Maddy summaryThe Dismantle DEI Act of 2024 would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies by rescinding related executive orders, closing DEI offices, and prohibiting federal funding for DEI training and activities. The bill defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" to include training that asserts certain racial or ethnic groups are inherently superior or inferior, and bans federal funds from being used for such programs. It would apply to federal offices, training, contracting, grants, advisory committees, and education programs, with enforcement through private lawsuits and penalties of $1,000 per violation per day. The bill specifically exempts Equal Employment Opportunity offices and offices enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act from these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans to implement electronic prior authorization systems by 2027 and report detailed data on their prior authorization processes to the government. Plans must disclose annual metrics like approval/denial rates, appeal outcomes, decision times, and technology use (e.g., AI) for covered services, with some data published publicly. It also mandates transparent processes, including annual reviews of prior authorization requirements based on input from enrollees and providers. These changes aim to reduce delays in care access for Medicare Advantage enrollees by standardizing and clarifying prior authorization practices.

Maddy summaryThe Expedited Performance Indicator Act requires the U.S. Department of Labor to implement standardized performance measures for specific state workforce programs within six months of enactment. It mandates the use of a finalized statistical model to calculate state performance levels and establishes accountability rules, including reporting requirements and potential sanctions for states that fail to meet standards. The Department must also hold monthly meetings with state workforce boards to provide technical assistance until states are fully equipped to comply with these new requirements. This affects state workforce agencies and federal oversight of programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 727) designates June 2024 as "Great Outdoors Month" through a symbolic Senate designation. It does not create new laws or policies but recognizes the economic and health benefits of outdoor recreation, citing data showing the sector contributed $1.1 trillion to the economy and supported 5 million jobs in 2022. The resolution encourages all U.S. residents to responsibly participate in outdoor activities during June 2024 and year-round. It is a non-binding gesture acknowledging outdoor recreation's role in economic growth, community well-being, and national heritage.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 92) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established new greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel power plants and repealed an earlier rule. It targets the EPA's specific rule (published May 9, 2024), which set performance standards for new/modified plants, emission guidelines for existing plants, and removed the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution uses a procedural mechanism under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the rule, meaning it would prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, directly affecting how power plants regulate emissions under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 93) seeks to block a specific rule proposed by the Department of Commerce. It targets the rule titled "Revision of Firearms License Requirements" (published April 30, 2024, in the Federal Register), which would have changed requirements for firearms licenses. If passed, the resolution would prevent this rule from taking effect by invoking a congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code. The resolution directly affects the implementation of the Commerce Department's proposed firearms licensing changes, not the licensing requirements themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 94) seeks to block a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would have changed regulations for the Unaccompanied Children Program. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, aimed to update how unaccompanied alien children are placed, cared for, and provided services. If approved, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, keeping existing regulations in place. It directly affects the federal program that handles minors entering the U.S. without parents or guardians. The bill does not change the program's operations but stops the proposed regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution states that the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision (which overturned Roe v. Wade) does not affect women's legal right to access contraception. It clarifies that the Court explicitly limited Dobbs to abortion rights and affirmed that its ruling "should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion." The resolution aims to prevent confusion by affirming that federal agencies must not change policies regarding contraceptive access based on Dobbs. It is a non-binding statement from the Senate, not a law, intended to reassure the public about existing contraceptive rights.

Maddy summaryS 4447, the "Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act," would require the FDA to prioritize review of applications for oral contraceptives intended for routine use (excluding emergency contraception or abortion-related drugs), potentially enabling over-the-counter access for adults 18 and older. It includes a fee waiver for these applications and maintains prescription requirements for individuals under 18. The bill also mandates a GAO study on federal funding for contraception across programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Title X over the past 15 years. These provisions aim to streamline approval for accessible birth control while clarifying funding patterns.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 91) seeks to block a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule that set minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and required transparency in Medicaid payments. If passed, it would cancel the rule (89 Fed. Reg. 40876), preventing it from taking effect under a specific congressional review process. The rule directly affects long-term care providers and Medicaid programs by imposing new staffing and reporting requirements. This resolution is procedural - it does not create new law but halts the implementation of the CMS rule.