Sen. Bill Hagerty

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 119 recognizes the 202nd anniversary of Greece's independence (celebrated March 25, 2023) and celebrates the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The resolution highlights historical ties, including U.S. support during Greece's 1821 independence struggle, Greece's role in World War II, and its current status as a U.S. NATO ally. It also commends Greece's contributions to global security and its support for Ukraine's sovereignty following Russia's invasion. This procedural resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to strengthen bilateral relations without enacting new laws.

Maddy summaryThe TORPEDO Act of 2023 streamlines defense technology sharing between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom by modifying export control regulations. It creates an open general license for defense exports to these countries under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and establishes a license exception for Commerce Control List items. The bill requires the State Department to appoint a senior advisor for AUKUS implementation and mandates regular reports on the partnership's progress. These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic delays in sharing defense technologies with key allies as part of the AUKUS security partnership.

Maddy summaryThe LEOSA Reform Act (S 1462) clarifies and expands federal protections for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers who carry concealed firearms, directly affecting those who meet specific standards. It updates existing law to explicitly allow these officers to carry firearms in National Park System areas and on public property (even with entry fees), while requiring retired officers to maintain recent firearms qualification standards (within 12-36 months) to retain their rights. The bill also explicitly permits qualified officers to carry firearms in certain Federal facilities open to the public, such as Security Level I or II buildings. These changes streamline federal firearm carry rules for law enforcement personnel without altering state laws or creating new restrictions.

Maddy summarySRES 188 is a symbolic Senate resolution celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding on May 14, 2023. It formally recognizes Israel's establishment, reaffirms the U.S.-Israel partnership, and highlights shared democratic values, security cooperation, and diplomatic achievements like the Abraham Accords. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or legislation - it serves solely as a ceremonial expression of support. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and passed without implementing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThe Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act (S 1398) prohibits federal agencies from using government funds to partner with non-profits for voter registration or mobilization activities on agency property or websites. It delays implementation of certain voter registration initiatives under Executive Order 14019 until agencies submit reports to Congress about their plans, with an exception for activities already permitted under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The bill also requires agencies to submit detailed reports within 30 days of enactment about their voter registration activities and amends the Higher Education Act to prevent work-study programs from being used for voter registration or mobilization. These provisions directly affect federal agencies, non-profit organizations collaborating with them, and institutions participating in federal work-study programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 186) calls on North Korea to address the abduction of Japanese citizens, which began in the 1970s and saw only five returnees after 24 years despite North Korea's 2002 admission. It specifically urges North Korea to release any remaining abductees, return remains and provide details on deceased victims, make appropriate reparations, and issue a formal apology. The resolution, introduced by Senators Sullivan and Hirono, formally expresses the Senate's stance on this issue without creating new laws or imposing penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by removing an expiration date from the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. It directly affects how the U.S. government enforces sanctions targeting Iran’s weapons programs, ballistic missile development, and support for terrorist proxies. The key provision repeals the "sunset" clause that would have automatically ended these sanctions, making them permanent without needing future congressional action. The bill does not create new sanctions but ensures current penalties remain in place to address Iran’s destabilizing activities, as outlined in the bill's findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to publish detailed cost-benefit analyses with every proposed rule. It mandates that notices include specific information like why federal action is needed (instead of state or market solutions), assessments of costs for small businesses and other entities, and evaluations of whether the rule overlaps with existing regulations. The CFPB must also justify rules if benefits don’t outweigh costs or if burdens fall disproportionately on small businesses or consumers. This directly affects the CFPB’s rulemaking process and the businesses, consumers, and local governments subject to its regulations.

Maddy summaryS 1382, the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2023, increases penalties for obstructing justice near Supreme Court justices' residences or workplaces. It amends federal law to raise the maximum prison sentence for picketing or parading that obstructs justice from one year to five years. This change directly affects individuals who engage in disruptive protests near justices' homes or offices. The bill focuses solely on strengthening criminal penalties for obstruction, not on judicial decisions or court procedures.

This resolution recognizes the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and South Korea. Affirming the importance of the U.S.-South Korean alliance as the linchpin to safeguarding peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean peninsula, the resolution welcomes President Yoon Suk Yeol to the United States. It also supports ongoing defense and security ties, calls for continued promotion of human rights, and encourages close cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan.