Sen. John Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal, state, and local governments from enforcing any law that restricts the right to possess, carry, or transport firearms unless the law aligns with the U.S.'s historical tradition of firearm regulation. It directly affects states and localities that have enacted gun control measures, such as bans on carrying firearms across state lines or restrictions on commonly used firearms. Key provisions allow individuals or gun rights organizations to sue to block enforcement of such laws and require courts to award attorney fees to successful plaintiffs. The bill also clarifies that state laws offering stronger gun rights protections remain valid and unaffected.

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 summarySRES 107 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposed by Congress in March 1972, expired when its 7-year ratification deadline passed without enough states approving it. It affirms that Congress has no constitutional authority to alter the terms of a proposed amendment after it is submitted to states or after it expires. The resolution cites legal precedents, including Supreme Court rulings and a 2020 Department of Justice opinion, stating that ratification deadlines are binding and cannot be extended retroactively. It concludes that any future effort to adopt the ERA would require a new congressional proposal, not modifications to the 1972 version. This resolution does not change current law or affect ongoing state ratification efforts for a new ERA proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 827) prohibits the use of federal funds to implement, administer, or enforce a specific Department of Justice rule concerning firearms equipped with stabilizing braces. It directly affects the DOJ and federal agencies responsible for enforcing this rule, preventing them from using taxpayer money to carry out the regulation. The key mechanism is a funding restriction: federal money cannot be spent on any aspect of the rule's enforcement. This does not repeal the rule itself but blocks its practical application by cutting off financial resources.

Maddy summaryThe GAS PRICE Act (S 783) requires the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to produce annual reports detailing federal policies, regulations, or executive orders issued since January 2021 that may increase U.S. energy prices. These reports must be submitted to Congress and made public within 60 days of the bill's enactment and yearly thereafter. The bill does not change energy prices or create new regulations; it only mandates documentation of existing policies potentially affecting prices. The EIA is directly responsible for compiling and publishing these reports.

Enhance Access to Support Essential Behavioral Health Services Act or the EASE Behavioral Health Services Act This bill removes restrictions that require the originating site (i.e., the location of the beneficiary) to be in a rural area, and allows the home of a beneficiary to serve as the originating site, for behavioral health telehealth services under Medicare. The bill applies to services provided on or after January 1, 2025. The bill also expands the scope of required guidance, studies, and reports to address the provision of such services under Medicaid.

Audio-Only Telehealth for Emergencies Act This bill requires Medicare to cover audio-only telehealth services during national emergencies. Payment for such services must be made at the same rate as for in-person services. The bill applies to services provided on or after January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently exempts telehealth services from the previous temporary restrictions on Health Savings Account (HSA) reimbursements. It directly affects individuals with HSAs who use virtual medical care, allowing them to pay for telehealth visits with pre-tax dollars without needing special plan provisions. The key change amends the tax code to remove language requiring temporary exemptions, making telehealth services fully HSA-eligible under standard rules. This policy change applies to plan years beginning after December 31, 2021, providing ongoing tax benefits for telehealth use.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. colleges and universities receiving federal funds to disclose gifts or contracts over $5,000 from organizations connected to China’s government, Communist Party, or military. Institutions must report these details annually by January 31 or July 31 and publicly post all agreements with such entities on their websites. It defines "PRC/CCP/PLA-affiliated" broadly, including state-owned enterprises, think tanks receiving significant Chinese funding, and entities with Chinese officials on their boards. The law amends existing disclosure rules under the Higher Education Act to increase transparency about foreign ties in academic partnerships. It directly affects institutions participating in federal grant programs.