Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. higher education institutions to disclose foreign gifts and contracts meeting specific thresholds. Institutions must report any gift or contract from a foreign source exceeding $250,000 (or any amount from a "covered nation" as defined in federal law) by January 31 or July 31 each year. The Department of Education must then forward these reports within 10 days to the FBI and National Intelligence Director, and transmit all existing records to these agencies within 90 days. The bill also mandates investigations for suspected noncompliance and requires new investigations to be shared with law enforcement upon completion. It amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to implement these disclosure and reporting requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2023 as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in the U.S. Senate. It requests federal, state, local governments, and nonprofits to observe the month with programs aimed at increasing public awareness about childhood cancer risks. The resolution also encourages ongoing health monitoring for childhood cancer survivors and honors children facing cancer, while acknowledging the disease's significant impact (over 15,500 annual diagnoses and 1,700 deaths in children under 19). As a symbolic measure with no legal force, it does not change policies or allocate funding but seeks to raise national attention on childhood cancer.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Packers and Stockyards Act to strengthen antitrust enforcement in the meatpacking industry. It adds specific criteria to define when an acquisition creates a monopoly: if it results in a Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) over 1,800 or increases the HHI by more than 100 in a relevant market. Meatpacking companies making such acquisitions would automatically violate the Clayton Act, triggering federal antitrust enforcement. The changes clarify and tighten existing rules for reviewing industry consolidation.
Maddy summaryS 2806, the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, repeals three specific provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act that provided federal funding for home energy programs. It eliminates the high-efficiency electric home rebate program, state grants for contractor training, and assistance for adopting modern building energy codes. The bill also rescinds unobligated funds from these repealed programs and amends a related section to remove references to the repealed rebate program. This directly affects homeowners who would have accessed these energy efficiency programs and contractors who relied on the training grants. The bill makes no new program provisions but formally removes existing federal support for these specific home energy initiatives.
Maddy summaryThe SEVER Act of 2023 requires U.S. officials to deny visas to United Nations representatives who are subject to U.S. sanctions under Executive Order 13876 (relating to Iran-related sanctions) as of September 10, 2023. This bill directly affects UN officials personally sanctioned by the U.S. government for Iran-related activities. The key provision amends existing visa denial law to add this new category of individuals for whom visas must be denied. The bill does not create new sanctions but integrates existing Iran sanctions into visa enforcement procedures.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires car manufacturers to include AM radio receivers as standard equipment in all new vehicles sold in the U.S., without additional cost to buyers. It mandates that AM radio controls be clearly visible on the dashboard for drivers. For vehicles sold before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must label them to disclose the absence of AM radio. The bill aims to maintain access to AM radio broadcasts, which are used for emergency alerts, but does not mandate new emergency systems.
Maddy summaryThis bill caps credit card interest rates at 18% annual percentage rate (APR), including all finance charges, directly affecting credit card holders and issuers. It prohibits creditors from using non-finance-charge fees (like annual fees) to bypass the 18% limit, ensuring total fees plus interest cannot exceed the capped rate. Violations would trigger penalties under existing Section 130 of the Truth in Lending Act. The change replaces current variable rate structures with a fixed maximum for all credit card extensions of credit.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts tax-exempt organizations (like charities and nonprofits) from holding investments in certain Chinese companies. It defines "disqualified Chinese companies" as those incorporated in China, controlled by the Chinese government or Communist Party, or with significant Chinese state ownership. Organizations must report any such holdings annually and may seek limited waivers for specific investments, but waivers require justification and expire after six months. The Treasury must publish quarterly lists of approved waivers and annual reports on U.S. investments in China. The law applies to taxable years ending after its enactment, with a 270-day grace period for compliance.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow schools to use existing federal funds for student sports clubs, teams, training, and related outdoor wellness activities. It directly affects K-12 schools by removing a previous restriction that barred such uses of ESEA funds. The key mechanism is an exception added to Section 8526(7), explicitly permitting these activities before the period ending that section. The change applies to funds already allocated under the ESEA, not creating new spending.
Maddy summaryThe Freedom to Breathe Act (S 2738) prohibits federal funding or enforcement of mask mandates for passengers traveling on air carriers, public transit, or in covered schools (elementary, secondary, or higher education) during the period from enactment through December 31, 2024. It specifically bans requiring masks in these settings, prevents refusal of service to unmasked passengers, and overrides conflicting state or local rules during this timeframe. The law directly affects air carriers, public transit operators, and federally funded schools by eliminating federal authority to enforce mask requirements in these spaces. It applies only to mask mandates issued in response to public health emergencies during the specified period.