Sen. Mike Rounds

Maddy summaryThe MedShield Act of 2024 establishes a new pandemic preparedness program under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to leverage artificial intelligence and technology for faster, more coordinated responses to biological threats. The program requires HHS to develop a national system for real-time pathogen surveillance, accelerate vaccine and therapeutic development using AI, and optimize distribution strategies, drawing on recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. It mandates a detailed integration plan within 180 days of enactment and authorizes $300 million in fiscal year 2025, increasing to $500 million by 2029, to fund the initiative. The bill directly affects HHS as the lead agency and requires coordination with other federal departments and international partners to create a unified biodefense system.

Maddy summarySRES 851 is a Senate resolution designating November 2, 2024, as National Bison Day. It encourages the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities to recognize bison's cultural, historical, and economic significance. The resolution highlights bison's role in Indigenous traditions, conservation efforts, and U.S. heritage, as detailed in its preamble. It does not create legal obligations but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of bison's importance.

Maddy summaryThe Empowering Main Street in America Act of 2024 would make it easier for small businesses and startups to access capital by expanding securities exemptions and revising investor rules. It increases the revenue threshold for "emerging growth companies" from $1 billion to $2 billion (adjusted for inflation), maintains a $500,000 micro-offering cap with inflation adjustments, and creates new pathways for retail investors to qualify as accredited investors through education-based certification. The bill also requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to publish detailed economic data on capital markets and consider costs and benefits when creating new regulations. These changes would directly affect small businesses seeking funding, investors, and the SEC's regulatory approach to capital markets.

Maddy summaryThe Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act (S 5023) establishes a 12-member Advisory Committee to develop and coordinate a national strategy for preventing falls among older adults. The Committee, including federal agency representatives and external experts (like healthcare providers, caregivers, and housing specialists), will assess current federal falls prevention efforts, recommend pilot programs (such as Medicare coverage for home modifications), and advise on improving screening and public education campaigns. It requires annual data sharing across agencies and mandates regular reports to Congress every four years evaluating program outcomes and progress. The Committee will operate for 10 years, focusing on reducing fall-related injuries and healthcare costs for seniors through coordinated federal action.

Maddy summaryThe ROAD to Housing Act (S 5027) is a comprehensive housing bill aimed at improving housing access, financial literacy, and support for vulnerable populations. It reforms housing counseling programs to prioritize areas with high foreclosure rates, creates incentives for small dollar mortgage originators, and updates regulations to encourage lending for mortgages under $70,000. The bill also expands the Moving to Work Program for public housing agencies to increase flexibility in providing housing assistance, introduces incentives for local communities to reduce homelessness, and requires annual oversight testimony from housing regulators. These provisions primarily affect HUD programs, public housing agencies, housing counselors, and low-to-moderate income households seeking housing assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the funding authorization for the Rural Water Supply Program from 2016 to 2032. It directly affects rural communities and water districts that rely on federal funding for water infrastructure projects under the Reclamation Rural Water Supply Act of 2006. The key change amends two sections of the 2006 law to update the program's expiration date, ensuring continued federal support for rural water supply projects through 2032. The bill does not alter the program's existing structure or eligibility.

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 summaryThis bill establishes a temporary 30-member Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Reform to review how federal agencies issue regulations. The committee would examine current regulatory processes, identify rules that could be repealed, and recommend ways for Congress to review proposed regulations with significant economic impact ($50 million or more annually) before they take effect. Composed of 15 Senate members and 15 House members appointed by party leadership, the committee would operate for one year and hold hearings on regulatory burdens across different economic sectors. It would also analyze the feasibility of creating a permanent committee to review major regulations, with recommendations submitted to Congress within 90 days of its termination.

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.

Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.