Sen. Bill Cassidy

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 96 seeks to block a Department of Education rule that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools (e.g., colleges, K-12 programs receiving federal aid). If approved, it would invalidate the rule published April 29, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33474), preventing it from taking effect under a congressional disapproval process. This would maintain existing nondiscrimination standards for education programs instead of implementing the new rule. The resolution directly affects all schools and programs receiving federal education funding.

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 summaryThe WAE Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to increase the maximum percentage of federal workforce development funds a state governor can reserve for state use from 15% to 25%. It also requires that any portion of reserved funds exceeding 15% must be used exclusively for employer-based training programs, such as on-the-job training or customized employer training. This change applies to all states receiving federal workforce development funds under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The bill modifies allocation rules without altering total funding levels.

Maddy summaryThe WIL Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create two tiers of training provider lists. The standard provider list includes training programs meeting basic requirements like having a business license, being in operation for at least two years, and offering recognized credentials. The higher "Workforce Innovation Leader" (WIL) list requires providers to meet specific performance metrics including 80% program completion rates, 65% employment rates in the second quarter after program completion, and median earnings 20% higher than high school graduates. Providers on the WIL list receive special recognition through a "special seal" and must meet higher standards for maintaining their status. The bill makes provider performance data publicly available on a government website to help job seekers choose effective training programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands existing workforce training funding to include youth. It allows states to use federal funds through "individual training accounts" to pay for job training programs for two groups: in-school youth aged 16-21 and out-of-school youth. The key mechanism simply extends the current process used for adults and dislocated workers to cover these youth populations under the same rules. It directly affects young people seeking job skills who are either still enrolled in school or not in school but looking for work. The change modifies how existing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds can be applied, without creating new programs or altering eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the U.S. calculates electric vehicle (EV) fuel efficiency for regulatory purposes. It requires the Secretary of Energy to annually review and update "equivalent petroleum-based fuel economy values" for EVs based on factors like battery degradation, grid efficiency, critical mineral usage, and real-world driving patterns (e.g., weather impact and charging habits). These updated values must then be used by the EPA when setting average fuel economy standards for all vehicles, directly affecting EV manufacturers and the federal fuel efficiency program. The changes aim to create more accurate comparisons between EVs and gasoline vehicles for regulatory consistency.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to improve data transparency for workforce programs. It requires states to provide local workforce boards with individual-level unemployment data and training providers with wage data for program participants, enabling better tracking of outcomes. States must maintain all existing privacy protections when sharing this information. The bill directly affects state workforce agencies, local boards, and training providers administering federal workforce programs under the WIOA.

Maddy summaryS 3237 amends the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to require individuals filing lawsuits over water contamination at Camp Lejeune to acknowledge free legal guidance options from veterans services, Congress, and the Navy. Attorneys must disclose their fee structure (whether based on case outcome or paid upfront) and file written confirmations with the Navy. Law firms receiving veteran data from advertising agencies must reduce attorney fees by the data cost amount. These requirements apply to all pending and new cases under the Act, affecting veterans and families seeking compensation for health issues linked to Camp Lejeune's contaminated water.

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.