Sen. Kevin Cramer

Maddy summaryThis bill maintains the National Coal Council under its existing charter (filed with Congress in 2021) and exempts it from the termination provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. It requires the Secretary of Energy to continue operating the council as a federal advisory body. The bill does not create new policies or directly affect coal industry operations, but clarifies the council's procedural status. It is a procedural measure focused on the council's administrative continuity.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the Federal Reserve appoints key leadership positions. It requires Senate confirmation for the Board's general counsel and Federal Reserve bank presidents (replacing previous approval by the Board of Governors), adds a 4-year residency requirement in a district for bank presidents, and limits how Fed funds can be used for lobbying Congress. The bill also clarifies that standard federal hiring rules apply to bank presidents and bans using Fed funds to influence legislation without congressional approval. These changes primarily affect the internal governance of the Federal Reserve System.

Maddy summarySRES 76 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing condolences and solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria following the February 6, 2023 earthquake. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the disaster's impact (including 42,000 deaths and widespread displacement) and urges continued humanitarian aid. The resolution specifically calls for aid to avoid supporting the Assad regime in Syria and encourages international efforts to improve access for relief. As a procedural resolution, it directly affects no individuals or entities through policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits IRS employees who are union members from using paid time for union activities during critical tax seasons. It restricts taxpayer-funded union time for IRS staff from February 12-May 5 and September 1-November 1 each year. The law overrides any conflicting union contracts, ensuring these restrictions apply regardless of existing agreements. The bill directly affects IRS employees covered by collective bargaining agreements during these specific periods.

Maddy summaryThe Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act creates a federal grant program to fund public parking facilities for commercial trucks along highways and near freight facilities. It authorizes $175 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing to $320 million by 2026, to address parking shortages that impact driver safety and traffic flow. Eligible projects include building rest areas, expanding parking at truck stops or ports, and improving existing facilities, all requiring free public access and no fees for drivers. The program mandates stakeholder input from trucking companies and safety officials, with annual reports to Congress on project effectiveness and parking availability.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 128) condemns the Russian Federation for kidnapping Ukrainian children, citing evidence of at least 6,000 children removed from Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, with many forced into Russian citizenship and adoption under relaxed laws. It specifically rebukes nations supporting Russia's actions and condemns forced adoptions violating international child protection standards. The resolution calls on Russia to cooperate with international organizations to return all children to Ukraine immediately. As a symbolic statement, it does not alter U.S. law or impose sanctions but formally expresses congressional opposition to these actions.

Maddy summaryThe Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act (S 1018) extends the time period for states to recover overpayments and pursue fraud charges in pandemic unemployment programs from 3 years to 10 years. It requires individuals who received pandemic unemployment benefits they were not entitled to due to fraud to repay the amounts, though states may waive repayment if the individual was not at fault and repayment would be unjust. States must recover these overpayments through deductions from future unemployment benefits over a 10-year period and provide a fair hearing before requiring repayment. This law directly affects individuals who received fraudulent pandemic unemployment benefits and state agencies administering unemployment programs.

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 summaryThis bill prohibits public colleges and universities from denying religious student groups access to campus facilities or official recognition that is available to other student organizations. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and religious student organizations by requiring equal treatment based on the institution's policies for non-religious groups. The key provision states that no federal funds can be withheld from an institution that denies a religious group access to facilities or recognition due to its religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or conduct codes. The law applies to all public colleges receiving funds under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

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.