Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "equity" within the Department of Defense as the opportunity for qualified individuals to participate in programs, prohibits mandatory adoption of beliefs about racial or ethnic superiority, and bans race-based distinctions in military personnel decisions. It directly affects active-duty service members, military dependents, and DoD civilian employees by requiring all promotions, assignments, and training to be based solely on individual merit and performance. Key provisions ban DoD directives compelling adherence to certain beliefs, prohibit training suggesting racial superiority, and mandate that demographic data collection for reporting remains the only exception to race-based distinctions. The bill focuses on ensuring military decisions prioritize merit over identity, aligning with the bill's stated findings about military readiness and equal opportunity.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill delays any changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale vessel strike reduction rule (currently in 50 CFR §224.105) until two conditions are met: (1) new safety measures from the 2022 Coast Guard Act are fully developed and deployed, and (2) the Secretary submits a report to specific congressional committees detailing how these measures will shape future rule changes. It directly affects the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which manages the rule, and vessel operators in whale habitat areas. The bill does not alter the existing rule but requires NOAA to wait for specific protocols and congressional review before modifying it. This is a procedural delay focused on ensuring safety protocols are in place before rule changes occur.
Maddy summaryS 1802, the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, establishes a $50 million annual fund (2024-2028) for collaborative defense projects between the U.S. and Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directed energy. The bill directly affects U.S. defense programs and Israeli defense research entities by authorizing joint development of new warfare capabilities. Key provisions include creating the "United States-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund" under the Secretary of Defense to support projects that enhance both nations' military responses to evolving threats. The legislation builds on existing U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, such as past funding for counter-tunnel systems and drone defense technology.
Maddy summaryS 1766, the Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023, requires the Secretary of Defense to annually report detailed data on overdoses affecting military personnel (servicemembers) and their family members. The reports must include demographics, substances involved, prior mental health/substance use treatment, opioid prescriptions, naloxone use, and patterns of overdoses, while protecting privacy under HIPAA. The bill also mandates a research report assessing barriers to care and recommending improvements in mental health access, non-opioid pain management, and overdose prevention. These provisions aim to improve data-driven responses to overdoses within the military community.
Maddy summaryS 1768, the Taliban Sanctions Act of 2023, imposes U.S. sanctions on individuals and entities (including Taliban members) who support terrorism, commit serious human rights abuses, or facilitate narcotics trafficking in Afghanistan. It requires the President to block assets and deny visas to those meeting these criteria, effective 90 days after enactment. The bill also directs U.S. diplomacy to maintain UN sanctions against the Taliban and mandates regular congressional briefings on sanctions implementation and humanitarian impacts. It includes limited waivers for national security interests and specific exceptions for intelligence activities or humanitarian access.
Maddy summaryThe Formula 3.0 Act eliminates tariffs on infant formula base powder (dry mixtures requiring only vitamins/minerals to become formula) when imported by manufacturers authorized by the FDA or granted enforcement discretion by the FDA. It also establishes new duty-free or reduced tariff rates for finished infant formula products entering the U.S. The bill directly affects U.S. infant formula manufacturers and importers who meet FDA authorization requirements, lowering costs for domestically produced formula. These changes take effect 120 days after the bill’s enactment.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 18) disapproves a Department of Homeland Security rule that would have expanded the "public charge" standard for immigration. The rule, published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2022, aimed to deny visas or green cards to immigrants who might rely on public benefits like housing or food assistance. By passing this resolution, Congress blocks the rule from taking effect, meaning immigrants applying for visas or permanent residency would not face this specific eligibility barrier. The resolution directly affects non-citizens seeking to enter or remain in the U.S. under immigration processes.
Maddy summaryThe Main Street Tax Certainty Act permanently extends the 20% tax deduction for qualified business income (QBI), which currently applies to owners of pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations. The bill achieves this by amending the tax code to remove an expiration date (via striking subsection (i) of Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code). This change directly affects small business owners who rely on the QBI deduction to reduce their taxable income. The key provision eliminates uncertainty about the deduction’s future, ensuring continued eligibility without requiring future legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to integrate accounting education into K-12 curricula as part of a "well-rounded" education. It specifically adds accounting career awareness and programs to eligible funding streams, targeting students in grades K-12 - particularly those from groups historically underrepresented in accounting careers. Key provisions require schools to develop and strengthen accounting courses, including early exposure to inspire career interest. The bill aims to expand the accounting talent pipeline by linking accounting to STEM-focused skills like data analysis and cybersecurity.
Maddy summaryThis bill bars federal funding for state or local databases that track lawfully owned firearms or their owners. It directly affects states and local governments maintaining such databases, preventing them from using federal money to create or maintain these records. The law includes an exception allowing funding for databases tracking lost or stolen firearms and their owners. The key provision is a federal funding prohibition targeting databases of legal gun ownership, not the databases themselves.