Maddy summaryThis bill, S 5124 (Protect our Presidents Act), requires the U.S. Secret Service to provide presidential and vice-presidential candidates with security protection equivalent to that given to the sitting president. It specifically covers major party candidates who have accepted nominations at national conventions, their spouses, and the president-elect or vice president-elect. The Secret Service must report to congressional committees every 15 days during election years - detailing threat levels, security costs, personnel assigned, and any unmet security needs for each candidate. Candidates may decline the enhanced protection if they choose. The bill focuses on standardizing security protocols for candidates during elections, not on altering existing protections for current officeholders.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 3187, the Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish detailed immigration data monthly and quarterly. It mandates CBP to post on its website the number of people granted parole at ports of entry, broken down by nationality, age group (like minors or families), and location. DHS must submit quarterly reports to Congress and post them online, detailing apprehensions, processing outcomes (such as parole, removal, or asylum screenings), and demographic breakdowns along the southern border. The bill also updates annual reporting requirements to track parolees' status, including employment authorization and whether their parole ended or was extended. These requirements directly affect CBP and DHS operations, aiming to increase public and congressional transparency about border processing.
Maddy summaryS. 1871 establishes a task force to assess U.S. reliance on China and other "covered countries" for critical minerals essential to national security, technology, renewable energy, and military equipment. The task force, composed of federal agency representatives and state/local government officials, will identify supply chain risks, recommend domestic production alternatives, and strengthen partnerships with allied nations. It must submit a report to Congress within two years detailing findings and recommendations, after which the task force will dissolve. This bill directly affects federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments by requiring coordinated action to address vulnerabilities in critical mineral supply chains.
Maddy summarySRES 815 designates the week beginning September 9, 2024, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize institutions that serve a significant Hispanic student population. It specifically refers to degree-granting colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment, which collectively serve over 5 million students nationwide. The resolution calls for the public and organizations to observe this week with ceremonies and activities honoring these institutions' role in expanding access to higher education, particularly for low-income and underserved students. This is a ceremonial resolution with no funding or regulatory changes; it simply provides national recognition during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Maddy summaryS 5076, the Iran Internet Freedom Act, requires the U.S. State Department to update its strategy for promoting internet access in Iran every 120 days after the bill’s enactment, with periodic reviews thereafter. It authorizes $15 million annually (2025-2026) for grants to private organizations developing tools that help Iranians bypass online censorship and access the open internet. Key provisions include funding programs to expand secure internet tools, research repressive tactics, and provide digital safety resources to activists and journalists in Iran. All funded technologies must undergo security audits to prevent misuse. The bill directly affects U.S. agencies (State Dept, Treasury) and private grantees, aiming to improve internet freedom for Iranian citizens.
Maddy summarySRES 814 designates September 2024 as "National Literacy Month" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It urges federal, state, local governments, schools, libraries, nonprofits, businesses, and citizens to observe the month with programs and activities focused on literacy. The resolution highlights widespread literacy challenges in the U.S. (including low adult reading proficiency and economic impacts) but does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable requirements. It serves as a non-binding call for awareness and coordinated efforts to address literacy needs. This is a procedural resolution, not a policy change.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to allow federal grantees and subgrantees to reuse excess funds originally allocated for management costs after a disaster. Specifically, it defines "excess funds for management costs" as the difference between authorized management costs and actual spending, then permits the President to make these funds available for disaster preparedness, recovery, mitigation activities, or management costs related to declared disasters. The funds can be used for 5 years after being made available and directly affect state/local governments and organizations receiving federal disaster relief under sections 403, 404, 406, 407, or 502. It does not change overall funding levels but streamlines how unused management cost funds are reallocated for future disaster needs.
Maddy summaryS 2866, the Improving Government Services Act, requires federal agencies and high-impact service providers (like those handling passports, Social Security benefits, or veterans' records) to create annual "customer experience action plans." These plans must detail how agencies will streamline services, reduce wait times, improve digital accessibility (including for people with disabilities or limited English proficiency), and cut unnecessary paperwork. Agencies must also track processing times for key services and coordinate with other agencies to simplify interactions. The Office of Management and Budget will oversee compliance and publish annual reports on opportunities to further improve service delivery.
Maddy summaryThe SMART Leasing Act establishes a two-year pilot program allowing federal agencies to lease underutilized government properties (like buildings or land) to private entities, state/local governments, or other federal agencies at fair market value. Rental income must first cover the agency's lease costs, with any surplus funding property maintenance, upgrades, and improvements through a dedicated working capital account. The program includes strict safeguards: no leasebacks during term, a maximum of six annual leases, 15-year lease limits, and mandatory certification that leases won’t harm agency missions. Federal agencies must report annually to Congress on lease details and fund usage, with a final evaluation due two years after enactment to determine if the pilot should continue.
Maddy summarySRES 795 is a Senate resolution expressing strong disapproval of the Department of Education's delayed implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act for the 2024-2025 academic year. The resolution cites specific issues, including the FAFSA application launching on December 31 (instead of the usual October 1), delayed data transmission to colleges until March, and resulting financial aid delays past National College Decision Day on May 1. This directly affected students - particularly those in foster care or experiencing homelessness - by reducing their time to compare college financial options. The resolution calls on the Department to address rollout problems for future cycles and testify to Congress, but it does not create new policy or funding changes.