Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 122) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established procedures for calculating emissions charges on petroleum and natural gas operations, including how companies can net emissions or claim exemptions. It directly affects oil and gas companies that would have been subject to the EPA's new compliance framework. If passed, the resolution would nullify the EPA rule under a specific legal process (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), preventing it from taking effect. The rule, published November 18, 2024, aimed to streamline how the industry reports and manages emissions-related charges. The resolution does not change the underlying emissions requirements but stops this specific procedural rule from being implemented.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5545) changes how veterans' benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs are handled when a recipient dies. It clarifies that for veterans receiving pensions under an existing rating or decision, benefits stop on the last day of the month the veteran dies - not immediately upon death. The bill also ensures that survivors can receive benefits for the full month of the veteran's death by updating payment rules in Section 5310. These changes apply to compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and pensions affected by death, directly impacting veterans and their families. The bill takes effect for deaths occurring on or after its enactment date.
Maddy summaryThe Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 establishes a pilot program allowing qualified individuals or organizations (defined as "Good Samaritans") to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without facing liability for their actions. The Environmental Protection Agency would grant up to 15 permits for projects that address pollution from abandoned mines, with applicants required to demonstrate they meet specific eligibility criteria (not being responsible owners/operators, having no role in creating the residue, and possessing adequate resources). The program includes liability protection for permitted activities, requires detailed remediation plans with baseline condition assessments, public notice, and environmental reviews, and establishes a fund for long-term operations and maintenance. This 7-year pilot program would directly affect communities near abandoned mine sites and qualified remediation groups seeking to address environmental contamination.
Maddy summaryS 1478 designates the segment of U.S. Route 20 running through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts as the "National Medal of Honor Highway" to honor Medal of Honor recipients. The bill updates all federal references in laws, maps, and documents to use this new name for the designated highway segment. It does not create new benefits or obligations but serves as a commemorative designation recognizing military valor.
Maddy summarySRES 733 is a Senate resolution honoring Patrick Gottsch, founder of Rural Media Group and RFD-TV, for his work promoting rural and agricultural issues through media. It recognizes his career in agricultural programming, including founding RFD-TV and other media outlets that educated millions about rural America. The resolution expresses the Senate's gratitude for his legacy and requests a copy be sent to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create policy or affect any individuals.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows individuals to legally transport knives across state lines for lawful purposes, directly affecting travelers who possess knives legally in their origin and destination states. It requires knives transported by vehicle to be stored securely (not accessible in the passenger area or in a locked container), and permits emergency escape tools (like seatbelt cutters) without needing secure storage. The law prevents state arrests for compliant knife transport and mandates record expungement if used successfully as a defense in court. It does not override federal knife possession bans or apply to aircraft cabin transport, which remains subject to TSA rules.
Maddy summarySRES 925 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Fred R. Harris of Oklahoma, who died on November 23, 2024, at age 94. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that his family be notified, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal expression of respect for a former senator’s legacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5453) updates federal law to grant tribal courts equal authority to issue search warrants for electronic communications as state courts, using tribal warrant procedures under the Indian Civil Rights Act. It expands tribal jurisdiction over drug trafficking offenses (including possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances) and firearms offenses (like illegal possession or use in crimes) within tribal lands. The bill defines these offenses using existing federal drug and firearm laws, clarifying tribal legal authority. It also adds tribal convictions for these offenses to the Bureau of Prisons' Tribal Prisoner Program eligibility. The bill directly affects tribal nations, their courts, and law enforcement by strengthening tribal sovereignty over specific criminal matters on reservations.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date of a pilot program for homeland security technology research and development from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2031. It amends Section 831 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to adjust the timeline for this existing pilot program. The extension allows the program to continue operating for an additional seven years without requiring new legislative action. The bill does not create new requirements or affect specific entities; it solely modifies the program's expiration date.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the 2010 Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act to clarify and update funding mechanisms for water infrastructure projects on the Crow Tribe reservation in Montana. It replaces outdated references to "MR&I System" with "MR&I Projects" throughout the law, repeals an obsolete section (Section 406), and establishes two new accounts: the MR&I Projects Account (for water infrastructure like treatment plants, delivery systems, and land purchases with water rights) and the Crow CIP Implementation Account (for other settlement activities). Funds from the MR&I Projects Account can be used for planning, construction, and repairs of water infrastructure but do not cover ongoing operation or maintenance costs, which remain the Tribe's responsibility. The bill directly affects the Crow Tribe by streamlining how settlement funds are managed and applied to their water rights priorities.