Sen. Josh Hawley

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4302, "No HAMAS Act") suspends eligibility for federal student financial aid (grants, loans, work assistance) under the Higher Education Act of 1965 for students convicted of specific protest-related offenses at colleges. It directly affects students convicted under federal or state law for trespassing, damaging campus property, or participating in unlawful assemblies/riots during protests at higher education institutions. The key provision denies all Title IV financial aid to these individuals for aid provided on or after July 1, 2025. The bill amends Section 484 of the Higher Education Act to add this restriction, targeting conduct occurring during campus protests.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the death gratuity for federal employees killed in the line of duty to $100,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) and raises the funeral expense allowance from $800 to $8,800 (also adjusted annually). It establishes a clear order for distributing payments: first to a beneficiary designated by the employee, then to the surviving spouse, children, parents, or estate. These changes apply to all federal employees, including those serving abroad, and prevent double payments by coordinating with existing benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (via the Cybersecurity Agency Director) to create a workforce development strategy for rural hospitals within one year of enactment. The strategy must address cybersecurity staffing gaps by building partnerships with schools and providers, developing tailored training curricula for rural areas, and recommending policy changes. It also mandates the creation of accessible cybersecurity training materials for hospital staff and annual reports to Congress on progress and effectiveness. The bill directly affects rural hospitals - defined as non-urban facilities providing inpatient care - and aims to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities through structured workforce development.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4282) prohibits the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from requiring ranchers and farmers to use electronic identification eartags on cattle or bison. It directly affects livestock producers who might otherwise face mandatory federal rules for tracking animals through electronic tags. The key provision blocks the Secretary of Agriculture from implementing any rule or regulation that would make electronic eartags mandatory for these animals. The bill stops a potential federal requirement without changing current voluntary practices for animal identification.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Act requires voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It defines acceptable proof as documents like U.S. passports, birth certificates, military IDs, or government-issued IDs showing U.S. birth. States must verify citizenship through these documents or use government databases like the Department of Homeland Security's SAVE system. The bill establishes processes for voters without required documentation to submit affidavits under penalty of perjury. It aims to ensure only U.S. citizens can register to vote in federal elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large airports (handling 0.25%+ of national flights with 2 or fewer carriers controlling 50%+ of passengers) to ensure at least 25% of terminal facilities (like gates and ticket counters) are available for common use by multiple airlines, while capping exclusive use by a single carrier at 50%. It mandates that airport owners seek federal approval for lease agreements affecting these facilities to maintain competition, and requires new terminal projects starting in 2026 to incorporate these access rules. The law directly affects major U.S. airports dominated by a few airlines, aiming to increase competition for gate access. Key definitions clarify "reasonable access" and "terminal facilities" to implement these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes sanctions on foreign individuals, entities, and governments that provide material support to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), or their affiliates. It requires the President to identify and sanction foreign persons who knowingly assist these groups through financial or material support, and mandates sanctions against foreign governments that provide material support for their terrorist activities. The bill also requires regular reports to Congress on foreign countries' efforts to disrupt Hamas and PIJ's fundraising, financing, and money laundering activities. It includes exceptions for humanitarian aid and military assistance, and would terminate either 3 years after enactment or when the President certifies that Hamas and PIJ are no longer designated as terrorist organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes sanctions on foreign entities that knowingly facilitate Iranian petroleum trade. It targets foreign port owners, vessel operators, refineries, and related individuals (including family members or entities owned by them) involved in transactions with Iranian oil, such as docking vessels carrying Iranian crude or conducting sea-to-sea transfers of petroleum products. Sanctions include banning sanctioned vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years, blocking U.S. assets of targeted entities, and denying visas to involved individuals. The bill also requires a detailed report on Iranian petroleum exports within 120 days, analyzing export volumes, revenue, and key participants.

Maddy summarySRES 673 is a commemorative Senate resolution honoring the late David Hampton Pryor, who served as a U.S. Senator for Arkansas from 1978 to 1997. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and deliver a copy to his family. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing Pryor’s career as a legislator, governor, and public servant. The resolution concludes with the Senate adjourning as a mark of respect for his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 668) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring the late Senator Daniel Robert "Bob" Graham of Florida, who died on November 9, 2023. It formally expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and deliver a copy to his family. The resolution commemorates Graham's career as a Florida senator (1987-2005), governor (1979-1987), and his work on the 9/11 intelligence inquiry, but does not create any new laws or affect constituents. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to memorialize his service.