Sen. Deb Fischer

Maddy summarySJRES 104 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rule that established new fuel efficiency standards for passenger cars (for model years 2027 and beyond) and heavy-duty trucks (for model years 2030 and beyond). The rule, published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2024, would have required automakers to meet stricter emissions targets. If passed, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving current fuel economy standards. Introduced by multiple senators on July 30, 2024, it follows the congressional review process under Title 5, U.S. Code.

Maddy summarySRES 780 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating August 1, 2024, as "National Poll Worker Recruitment Day." It recognizes the vital role of poll workers in elections and encourages eligible individuals to serve as poll workers for the 2024 U.S. elections. This resolution has no legal effect and does not create new laws or alter election procedures. It serves solely to raise awareness and appreciation for poll workers' contributions to democratic participation.

Maddy summaryS 4832, "Lulu’s Law," requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to amend regulations within 60 days of enactment to allow wireless emergency alerts about shark attacks. This change would directly affect residents and visitors in coastal areas where shark attacks are possible, enabling emergency alerts to be sent via phone. The bill’s key mechanism is updating FCC rules to explicitly include shark attacks as a category for emergency alerts under existing wireless notification systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Veterans Community Care Program to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure continuity of care for veterans receiving services outside the VA system. The key provision adds a new requirement that veterans' health care providers must maintain consistent treatment plans when transitioning between VA and community care settings. This change directly affects veterans who rely on the community care program and the healthcare providers administering those services. The legislation focuses on establishing procedural safeguards to prevent disruptions in ongoing medical treatment rather than creating new funding or eligibility criteria.

Maddy summarySRES 765 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma following his death on July 9, 2024. The resolution commemorates his 28-year Senate service (1994-2023) and 52 years in public office, highlighting his work on defense policy, aviation legislation, infrastructure projects, and support for military bases in Oklahoma. This procedural resolution expresses the Senate's condolences and formally recognizes his legacy, rather than enacting any policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 766) formally designates September 17, 2024, as "National Voter Registration Day" to encourage voter participation. It urges all voting-eligible U.S. citizens to register to vote, verify their registration details with election officials, and vote in elections. The resolution does not create new laws or requirements but serves as a symbolic recognition to promote civic engagement. It directly affects voters by highlighting a specific day for registration and voting actions. The Senate passed this non-binding resolution to raise awareness, not to mandate any changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to Jens Stoltenberg, former Secretary General of NATO, recognizing his leadership during his nine-year tenure. It directs the Treasury to strike the medal and allows for the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs. The medal honors Stoltenberg's role in strengthening NATO's defense spending, enlargement, and unity - particularly during Russia's invasion of Ukraine - though the bill itself creates no new policy or obligations. The award is purely ceremonial and affects only Stoltenberg as the recipient.

Maddy summarySRES 756 is a Senate resolution designating June 19, 2024, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" to commemorate June 19, 1865 - the date Union troops announced the end of slavery in Texas. This symbolic resolution recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth, when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in the Southwestern U.S. after the Civil War. It does not create new laws or affect any group; it solely serves to honor this date as part of U.S. history and encourage nationwide observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new nonprofit organization, the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology commercialization. The foundation will coordinate with NIST, universities, industry, and nonprofits to accelerate development of emerging technologies, while accepting private funding (excluding foreign government sources) and receiving $500,000-$1.25 million annually from NIST’s budget starting in 2025. It must operate independently of the federal government, develop a strategic plan for financial self-sufficiency within five years, and publish annual reports on activities and funding sources. The foundation will oversee programs like fellowships, facility improvements, and research commercialization, with strict conflict-of-interest rules and annual audits required.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 739) introduced by Senators Rubio, Tuberville, and others on June 18, 2024. It commemorates the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's June 24, 2022, *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* decision, which overturned *Roe v. Wade*. The resolution expresses support for the Court's ruling that the Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, and it includes statements about protecting "unborn life" and supporting families. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or policies.