Sen. Deb Fischer

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3992) prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from making new direct loans under its 7(a) program, which previously allowed the SBA to lend directly to small businesses. It specifically stops the SBA from issuing new direct loans after the bill's enactment, though it requires the SBA to continue servicing any existing direct loans made before the law took effect. The key mechanism is a clear prohibition on new direct lending, shifting future 7(a) credit access to rely on SBA-guaranteed loans through private lenders instead. This directly affects the SBA's operational authority and the structure of how small businesses access certain types of federal credit.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 64) seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 4128, January 22, 2024) that implements provisions from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act related to preventing digital discrimination. It requests Congress disapprove the rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, which would prevent the rule from taking effect. The resolution directly affects the FCC's ability to enforce digital discrimination prevention measures under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, halting the FCC's regulatory action on this specific issue.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 65) seeks to disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have revised national air quality standards for tiny air particles (particulate matter), which are pollutants linked to health issues like asthma and heart disease. The EPA rule, published on March 6, 2024, proposed updating these standards to tighten pollution limits. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, maintaining the current standards without changes. This directly affects the EPA’s ability to implement the proposed revisions to air quality regulations, impacting public health protections and industry compliance requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "National Cholesterol Education Month" and September 30, 2024, as "LDL-C Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about cardiovascular health. It encourages all U.S. individuals to know their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) number, which is a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes these dates for educational purposes. It highlights existing awareness gaps, such as low rates of LDL-C testing and treatment adherence among high-risk patients. This is a procedural designation with no direct legal or financial impact on affected individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryS 3933, the Laken Riley Act, amends immigration law to require mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with certain crimes like theft or burglary, rather than allowing release. It directly affects individuals facing these charges and gives state attorneys general the legal standing to sue federal agencies (like DHS or the State Department) if they claim immigration policies caused the state or residents financial harm exceeding $100. Key provisions include requiring Homeland Security to take custody of such individuals and establishing new court procedures for states to seek injunctions against federal immigration enforcement actions. The bill does not change border policies but focuses on detention requirements and state legal challenges to federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 63) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) concerning worker classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The DOL rule (published January 10, 2024) aimed to clarify how businesses must classify workers as employees or independent contractors for purposes of minimum wage and overtime pay. If passed, this resolution would formally disapprove the rule under a statutory process (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code), preventing it from taking effect. The rule directly affects employers across industries who use independent contractors and their workers, as it would change how worker status is determined under federal labor law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3577) designates the federal building at 300 E. 3rd Street in North Platte, Nebraska, as the "Virginia Smith Federal Building." It updates all official references in federal laws, maps, regulations, and documents to reflect this new name. The bill directly affects the building's administrative identity and documentation, with no policy changes or impact on residents or services. It is a purely ceremonial naming resolution with no substantive legislative provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. immigration law to make certain DUI convictions grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. It adds new provisions stating that any non-citizen (alien) convicted of driving while intoxicated or impaired (as defined by state law, including DUI/DWI) is automatically inadmissible upon entry and deportable if already in the U.S. The law applies regardless of whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under state or federal law. It directly affects non-citizens with such convictions, potentially preventing entry or leading to removal from the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 203 East 6th Street in Lexington, Nebraska, as the "Bill Barrett Post Office Building." It updates all federal references - such as in laws, maps, or documents - to the building to use this new name. The bill has no policy impact, as it only changes the facility's official designation without altering postal services or operations. This is a procedural naming bill, common for honoring individuals through building dedications.

Maddy summarySRES 553 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Jean A. Carnahan, who served as Missouri’s first female U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2002 after her husband’s passing. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow over her death, recognizes her service as First Lady of Missouri and U.S. Senator, and her advocacy for families and veterans. It directs the Senate Secretary to share the resolution with the House and Carnahan’s family, with no substantive policy changes or affected parties. This is a standard commemorative measure with no legislative impact.