Sen. Kevin Cramer

Maddy summarySRES 236 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating June 2, 2023, as "National Rough Rider Day" to honor the 125th anniversary of the Rough Riders' arrival in Tampa, Florida, ahead of the Spanish-American War. It has no binding policy impact and does not affect any individuals or groups through legislative action. The resolution simply encourages the American public to observe this date with appropriate ceremonies, commemorating the historical service of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment during the 1898 conflict. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on historical recognition without implementing new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThe FASD Respect Act (S.1800) establishes a new federal program within the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It directly affects individuals with FASD, their families, and healthcare providers by requiring HHS to fund research, improve diagnostic standards, and build state and tribal capacity for prevention and support services. Key provisions include creating FASD Centers for Excellence to develop culturally appropriate screening tools, train medical and social service professionals, and maintain national resource directories for FASD care. The bill mandates HHS to report on progress within four years and authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to support these efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires banks with over $10 billion in assets to claw back certain executive compensation if the bank fails. It directly affects executives, directors, and controlling shareholders at large banks that cause significant financial harm or fail. The key provision mandates recovery of salary, bonuses, equity awards, and other covered compensation paid within the prior three years when a bank becomes insolvent or is resolved. Any recovered funds must be deposited into the Deposit Insurance Fund. This amends existing banking law to strengthen accountability for executive pay during bank failures.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate resolution designates May 21-27, 2023, as "National Public Works Week" to honor public works professionals. It recognizes their daily work maintaining infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services that support community health, safety, and resilience. The resolution urges communities to celebrate these professionals' contributions to public infrastructure and community well-being through local activities. It has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySRES 206 is a Senate resolution designating June 10, 2023, as "Veterans Get Outside Day." It encourages the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior to coordinate efforts promoting outdoor activities for veterans, based on research showing nature exposure can improve mental health outcomes for veterans with conditions like PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic initiative to support veteran wellness through existing outdoor programs.

Maddy summarySRES 220 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. The resolution acknowledges the program's 30-year history of building security partnerships with 100 nations and expresses gratitude to National Guard members for their service in fostering these international relationships. It does not create new policy but formally honors the program's role in strengthening global security cooperation.

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 summaryS 1696 (Portable Benefits for Independent Workers Pilot Program Act) establishes a federal pilot program to help independent workers - such as freelancers, contractors, and temporary workers - access portable benefits like health insurance, retirement savings, and workers' compensation. The bill authorizes $20 million in fiscal year 2023 to award competitive grants to state/local governments or nonprofits for developing or improving models that provide these benefits, which workers can retain when changing jobs. Grants cannot fund models offering only retirement benefits, and the program requires a 2025 evaluation by the Comptroller General to assess impacts on worker compensation. This pilot aims to test scalable solutions for a growing segment of the workforce lacking traditional employment benefits.

Maddy summaryS 1688, the "Yes In My Backyard Act," requires local governments receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to report on plans to adopt specific housing-friendly land use policies. It directly affects cities and counties that administer CDBG programs by mandating annual submissions describing their progress on 22 policy examples, such as allowing duplexes in single-family zones, reducing parking requirements, or streamlining permitting. The bill does not require adoption of these policies but tracks jurisdictions' efforts to remove barriers to affordable housing. This reporting mechanism aims to address discriminatory zoning while keeping existing CDBG funding rules intact.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric vehicle manufacturers from generating, using, or transferring renewable fuel credits (RINs) related to electricity under the Clean Air Act's renewable fuel program. It directly affects electric vehicle original equipment manufacturers (defined as makers of electric cars or light-duty trucks) by blocking their participation in a proposed program (eRIN) that would have allowed them to earn credits for renewable electricity. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to explicitly ban this credit generation and withdraws the EPA's proposed eRIN program. It requires the EPA to issue final regulations within 180 days of enactment, effective January 1, 2024. This change prevents EV manufacturers from using electricity-based credits to meet renewable fuel obligations.