Sen. Deb Fischer

Maddy summaryThe Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act requires Senate approval before the U.S. can join any international pandemic agreement under the World Health Organization (WHO). It would suspend all U.S. funding to the WHO until the Senate ratifies such an agreement. This policy directly affects U.S. financial support to the WHO and the process for international health cooperation. The funding freeze would begin immediately and continue until the Senate approves the specific treaty.

Maddy summarySRES 21 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating October 10, 2025, as "American Girls in Sports Day." It recognizes the positive impact of sports on young girls and celebrates women's athletic achievements in U.S. history. The resolution specifically calls for protecting "biological women and girls" in sports and references Title IX, while noting concerns about biological males competing in women's sports. This resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition and call to action for sports organizations.

Maddy summaryS 74, the Fair Play for Girls Act, requires the Attorney General to submit a report to specific congressional committees within one year of enactment. The report must analyze issues including barriers to fair competition for biological female athletes, the prevalence of biological female athletes losing opportunities when competing against biological males, and the effectiveness of state laws addressing these concerns. It also examines online harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse against women and girls in athletics, along with the effectiveness of existing laws preventing such harm. The report will include policy recommendations to address these issues, but the bill itself does not change any laws or directly affect specific groups.

Maddy summarySRES 19 is a Senate resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, commending his decades of public service, humanitarian work, and diplomatic achievements including the Camp David Accords and founding The Carter Center. The resolution specifically recognizes his Nobel Peace Prize, efforts to combat diseases like Guinea worm, and 30+ years of Habitat for Humanity homebuilding. It formally mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family, while highlighting his role in establishing U.S.-China diplomatic relations and creating the Departments of Education and Energy. As a symbolic resolution with no policy impact, it directly affects no individuals or entities but serves as a formal Senate tribute to Carter's historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state to carry concealed handguns in other states that either permit concealed carry for residents or don’t ban it entirely. It applies to permit holders who are federally eligible to possess firearms, require government-issued ID, and must follow the host state’s specific restrictions (like where carry is prohibited). The bill does not override state laws on issuing permits but ensures reciprocity for those who legally carry in their home state, excluding machineguns and destructive devices.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution authorizes the U.S. Capitol rotunda to be used for the lying in state of former President Jimmy Carter from January 7 to 9, 2025. It directs the Architect of the Capitol to arrange the ceremony, including moving the ceremonial platform (catafalque) from the Capitol Visitor Center to the rotunda, under the guidance of the Senate Majority Leader and House Speaker. The resolution honors Carter’s service as the 39th U.S. President and facilitates public viewing of his remains during this ceremonial period.

Maddy summaryThe NACIE Improvement Act (S. 5355) requires the National Advisory Council on Indian Education to include at least one member who is the president of a Tribal College or University (TCU). This change must be implemented within 180 days of the law's enactment on December 23, 2024, by the President. The bill directly affects the council's membership structure, ensuring tribal college leadership has a formal role in advising federal education policy. It does not alter existing education programs but updates who serves on the advisory body.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to streamline enrollment processes for transportation workers needing security clearances, specifically targeting the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HAZMAT) programs. It mandates that TSA allow applicants to use one application and biometric data for multiple programs, reduce fees for multiple applications, and align expiration dates across programs. The bill also requires TSA to conduct an audit of its security threat assessment programs to identify and eliminate duplicative costs while maintaining national security. These changes will directly affect transportation workers, including truck drivers and port workers, who need security clearances to perform their jobs. The bill aims to make the security clearance process more efficient and cost-effective for applicants and the TSA.

Maddy summarySRES 934 updates the Senate's rules for broadcasting and recording its proceedings. It requires continuous live audio and video coverage of Senate sessions (except during closed sessions or quorum calls), directs the Architect of the Capitol to install necessary equipment under $3.5 million, and mandates that recordings be made available free to accredited media and educational entities. The resolution strictly prohibits using Senate recordings for political campaigns and requires closed captioning for broadcasts. These changes aim to improve public access to Senate activities while establishing clear operational guidelines for Senate staff and media.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends existing federal tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel producers and users through 2025, replacing the previous 2024 expiration date. It directly affects biodiesel producers, refiners, and businesses using these fuels by maintaining their eligibility for tax credits on qualifying fuel sales or use. Key provisions include extending the biodiesel credit (Section 40A) and the biodiesel mixture credit (Section 6426), while adding a rule preventing double claims for fuel covered under another credit (Section 45Z(a)). The changes apply to fuel sold or used after December 31, 2024.