Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summarySRES 445 is a Senate resolution recognizing the U.S.-Israel economic relationship and affirming that trade under the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement (signed in 1985) can support Israel's economy during the Hamas conflict. It highlights that bilateral trade has grown significantly since 1985, with the U.S. being Israel’s largest trading partner in 2022 ($14.2 billion in U.S. exports to Israel). The resolution states the agreement has fostered robust trade, investment (e.g., $10.6 billion in Israeli U.S. investments in 2022), and job creation, and urges maintaining this economic partnership amid the conflict. It does not create new policy but formally endorses existing trade mechanisms as a support tool.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Special Inspector General within the Department of Education to investigate admissions practices at colleges receiving federal student aid that violate the Equal Protection Clause (following the *Students for Fair Admissions* Supreme Court ruling) or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. It requires the Inspector General to review complaints from applicants or students about race-based discrimination, recommend corrective actions, and potentially block federal funding for institutions found in violation. The law directly affects all colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid under the Higher Education Act. Key provisions include quarterly reporting to Congress on investigations and a $25 million funding allocation for the new office, with the position set to sunset after 12 years.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows military medical facilities to waive certain work experience requirements for nursing applicants who previously served as Department of Defense (DoD) nurses or practical nurses (including those with at least one year of DoD nursing experience). It specifically applies to applicants who later earned a Bachelor's or graduate nursing degree from an accredited program. Hiring managers must certify these applicants still meet all other General Schedule qualification standards before waiving experience requirements. The bill directly affects DoD nursing personnel transitioning back into military healthcare roles after further education.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $50 million annually (2023-2027) for the VA to award grants to states to improve outreach and assistance for veterans and their families (including spouses, children, and parents) regarding veterans' benefits. States must use funds to hire more veterans service officers, expand outreach programs, or provide training, with priority for areas lacking officers, high veteran suicide rates, or frequent crisis line referrals. Grantees must submit detailed plans ensuring equitable distribution across urban/rural areas and addressing needs of underserved veterans (e.g., Native American, elderly, women veterans), while tracking benefit application timelines and outcomes. The VA will monitor performance, require remediation plans for underperforming states, and report annually to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 43) is a joint resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans. It targets a specific rule (88 Fed. Reg. 43820, July 10, 2023) affecting borrowers in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. If passed, the resolution would make this rule void, preventing it from taking effect. The resolution uses a specific procedural mechanism under Title 5 of U.S. Code to achieve this disapproval. It directly impacts student loan borrowers who rely on income-driven repayment options.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3330) requires the Secretary of Labor to study whether pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) should be treated as fiduciaries under federal retirement law. The study would examine the impacts of a policy change that would make PBMs legally responsible for acting in the best interest of health plans and their members, including restrictions on certain fees tied to drug prices. It would not change current law but would assess how such a policy might affect PBM fee structures and transparency. The study must be completed within two years of the bill's enactment and reported to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create and maintain a publicly available list on the CMS website of hospitals that violate federal price transparency rules, including those fined, warned, or ordered to create corrective plans. It mandates full public disclosure of all related communications (like fines or warnings) without redaction under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress on enforcement activities and a GAO report with recommendations on improving transparency, potentially including revoking tax-exempt status for noncompliant hospitals. This directly affects hospitals failing to publish standard prices for common services, aiming to increase accountability for patients seeking cost information.

Maddy summaryS 3305, the "Helping Young Americans Save for Retirement Act," lowers the age requirement for new employees to join employer retirement plans from 21 to 18 years old. It directly affects young workers aged 18-21 who previously had to wait until age 21 to qualify for retirement savings plans like 401(k)s. The bill modifies rules so employees meeting a 500-hour service requirement over two consecutive 12-month periods can enroll at 18, instead of waiting until age 21. It also adds a 5-year delay for participants who join solely due to this new rule, ensuring they are not counted as participants until five years after their first enrollment. The changes apply to plans operating after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySRES 460 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing support for the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency and highlighting concerns about China's economic influence. It cites China's growing use of the renminbi in global reserves, its Belt and Road Initiative investments, and efforts to expand the digital yuan for cross-border trade. The resolution urges the U.S. to "protect" the dollar's status, monitor China's actions, and strengthen economic ties with allies. As a resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally states the Senate's position on these economic matters.

Maddy summarySJRES 50 is a joint resolution seeking to block a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule on cybersecurity risk management and incident disclosure. The rule, published in August 2023, would have required public companies to establish specific cybersecurity practices and disclose incidents to investors. This resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to prevent the rule from taking effect. If passed, it would halt the SEC's requirements, meaning companies would not face new cybersecurity reporting obligations.