Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire the maximum number of new air traffic controllers each year from 2024 through 2028, based on the training capacity of the FAA Academy. It directly affects the FAA, which must set annual hiring targets aligned with its ability to train new controllers. The law does not change existing hiring rules but mandates that the FAA utilize its full training capacity each year for new controller hires during this period. It excludes certain individuals specified under federal law, but the core provision focuses on maximizing new controller recruitment within available training resources.

Maddy summaryThe Pay Our Military Act of 2023 ensures that military personnel, Defense Department civilians supporting them, and qualifying Defense contractors continue receiving pay during any funding gap in fiscal year 2024. It appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover military pay, allowances, and support staff salaries when regular budget legislation is delayed. The funding remains available until either a full budget is passed, a continuing resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2025, whichever occurs first. This bill directly affects active-duty service members, reserve components, Defense civilians, and contracted support staff by guaranteeing their compensation during fiscal uncertainty.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits healthcare entities receiving federal funds (like hospitals and clinics) from requiring employees to participate in activities promoting gender identity inconsistent with biological sex, use preferred pronouns against their beliefs, or sign statements supporting such identity. It defines "sex" biologically (based on genes, chromosomes, and physical anatomy at birth) and bars employers from forcing such actions as a condition of employment. Employees who face these requirements can sue for injunctive relief, attorney fees, and other remedies under civil rights law. The law directly affects healthcare workers and covered entities using federal funds, aiming to prevent compelled speech or action conflicting with religious or moral beliefs.

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 (S 2757) freezes current payment rates for veterans' transportation services provided through "special modes" (like non-emergency medical transport) starting January 1, 2023, preventing the VA from lowering these rates without strict conditions. It directly affects veterans relying on these transportation services and the contractors providing them. The key provision allows rate increases but requires the VA to conduct a detailed economic impact review, consult with veterans' groups and industry experts, and ensure new rates cover actual costs before any decrease can occur. This aims to protect veterans' access to care by preventing rate cuts that could disrupt transportation services.

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.

Maddy summarySRES 328 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating April 5, 2023, as "Gold Star Wives Day." It honors the surviving spouses and families of military members who died in service, specifically recognizing the work of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. (founded April 5, 1945), and encourages public awareness of their support for military families. The resolution does not create new benefits or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 16, 2023, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history of U.S. airborne forces. It recognizes the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, and highlights the service of airborne units from World War II through modern conflicts. The resolution calls for the American public to observe the day with appropriate activities, but it does not create new laws or affect any specific group or policy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2374 "No Obamacare for Illegal Aliens Act," excludes individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status from eligibility for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid/CHIP programs. It amends key ACA provisions to deny ACA subsidies, marketplace enrollment, and Medicaid/CHIP benefits to anyone lawfully present only due to DACA (per the 2012 DHS memo), explicitly stating such individuals "shall not be treated as lawfully present" for healthcare purposes. The bill applies to all relevant programs, including premium tax credits, state health exchanges, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and requires rescission of existing waivers that previously allowed DACA recipients to access these benefits. It directly affects DACA recipients who would otherwise qualify for coverage under current law.