Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summaryThis bill would block U.S. federal funding for two international environmental agreements until China's classification in those treaties changes. Specifically, it prohibits funds for the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer protection) until China is removed from "developing country" status, and blocks funds for the UN Climate Change Convention until China is added to Annex I (the list of developed nations). The bill requires the President to certify to Congress that these treaty changes have occurred before funding can resume. It affects only U.S. government spending on these agreements, not direct policy changes for citizens or businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make telehealth services more accessible under health insurance plans. It creates a "safe harbor" so health plans that don't require deductibles for telehealth and remote care services won't lose their status as high-deductible health plans. The change directly affects health insurance plans and their members who use telehealth, ensuring these services remain covered without penalty. The provision takes effect upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (S 1000) modifies Medicare's payment rules for clinical laboratory tests to reduce administrative burden on providers. It introduces statistical sampling for "widely available" tests (defined as those costing under $1,000 per test and performed by over 100 labs) starting in 2026, requiring the government to use a representative sample of labs instead of collecting data from every lab. The bill also sets annual limits on payment increases: 2.5% for 2024-2025, 3.75% for 2026-2027, and 5% for 2028 onward for widely available tests, with a 5% cap for other tests. These changes affect Medicare-participating labs, including independent, hospital, and physician office laboratories that perform the covered tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Maddy summaryS 989, the North American Energy Act, requires federal approval for new cross-border oil, natural gas, or electricity infrastructure projects in the U.S. It mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or Secretary of Energy issue a "certificate of crossing" within 90 days for such projects, unless they're deemed not in the U.S. public interest. The bill specifically accelerates approvals for natural gas imports/exports to Canada and Mexico (requiring approval within 30 days) and eliminates the need for Presidential permits for these projects. It does not affect existing facilities or projects with pending permits, and it repeals certain existing requirements for electricity transmission approvals. This bill directly affects energy companies seeking to build new border-crossing infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 8) expresses Congress's formal opinion that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies - mutual aid organizations operating under IRS Section 501(c)(8) - have long provided essential community benefits. It highlights that these societies, with approximately 7 million members nationwide, contribute over $3.8 billion annually through charitable work, volunteerism, and financial security programs. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to support their mission and relieve pressure on government safety net programs. As a non-binding statement of congressional sentiment, it does not change tax law or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 5, 2023, as "Gold Star Wives Day" to honor the founding anniversary of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. It recognizes the organization's mission since 1945 to support spouses of military members who died on active duty or from service-related causes. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day to raise awareness of the group's work in providing services and support to military families. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new programs or legal obligations.

This resolution celebrates March 24, 2023, as the 360th anniversary of the North Carolina National Guard and commemorates and honors the continued service of its members.

Maddy summaryS 959, the Stopping Traffickers and Their Accomplices Act of 2023, requires abortion providers to notify the National Human Trafficking Hotline within 24 hours if they reasonably suspect a patient is a trafficking victim. It mandates annual human trafficking training for all staff at abortion facilities and requires providers to submit certification of training completion. Violations of the reporting or training requirements incur penalties of $10,000 per violation for failure to report or $1,000 per day for training non-compliance. The bill directly affects abortion providers and their employees, with state attorneys general authorized to enforce these requirements through civil actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to require the U.S. Supreme Court to have exactly nine justices. Currently, Congress sets the Court's size through legislation, but this amendment would make the nine-justice structure a permanent requirement in the Constitution. It would need ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years to become part of the Constitution. If adopted, it would prevent Congress from changing the Court's size via ordinary legislation.