Maddy summaryThis bill would eliminate race- and ethnicity-based preferences in government contracting by amending the Small Business Act and other federal legislation. It removes references to "socially and economically disadvantaged individuals" and "disadvantaged business concerns" from multiple statutes, including provisions that previously required consideration of race or ethnicity in contracting decisions. The bill also adds new prohibitions (sections 4715 and 4663) stating that federal agencies may not consider race or ethnicity when awarding contracts or requiring contractors to do so. These changes would affect how government agencies award contracts and how businesses qualify for certain contracting programs. The bill does not create new preferences but removes existing ones that were intended to benefit specific demographic groups.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Mineral Leasing Act by replacing the term "gilsonite" with "asphaltite" in several specific sections of the law. It affects how federal mineral leasing regulations reference this naturally occurring asphalt-like substance. The change is purely terminological, correcting outdated language to align with current scientific classification. No new regulations or policy changes are introduced - only the legal terminology is updated.
Maddy summaryThe Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2024 establishes a pilot program for the U.S. Forest Service to use historical forest density benchmarks as a guide for reducing wildfire risks in national forests west of the 100th meridian. The program requires selecting at least 8 forest areas (including 3 in the Southwest) that are in the wildland-urban interface, watersheds, or vulnerable to erosion, working with state and local agencies to set these historical density targets. The Forest Service will then implement treatments like mechanical fuel reduction and forest restoration in these areas to lower wildfire risk, improve forest health, and increase ecological diversity. The program must begin within two years of enactment, using existing funds for fuels reduction without new appropriations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes uniform rules for interstate knife transportation across all states. It allows lawful knife owners to move knives between locations where they may legally possess them, requiring knives to be stored in locked containers in vehicles or air travel (except for emergency knives in vehicles). The law explicitly prohibits state law enforcement from detaining individuals complying with these rules and shifts the burden of proof to states in criminal cases. It directly affects knife owners traveling between states and overrides conflicting state laws regarding knife transportation.
Maddy summaryThe App Store Accountability Act requires major app stores (with over 5 million US users) to implement age verification systems and obtain parental consent for minors' app downloads and purchases to protect children from "covered content" like explicit sexual material, graphic violence, or social forums with minors. It creates a private right of action allowing parents to sue app stores if their minor child is exposed to covered content, unless the app store has implemented specific parental controls. The bill provides a "safe harbor" for app stores that meet requirements including verifying user ages, displaying clear age ratings for apps, obtaining verifiable parental consent for downloads and purchases, and ensuring developers follow similar protections. App stores must also provide parents with tools to set usage limits and block inappropriate content. The Act takes effect one year after enactment.
Maddy summaryThe UNSHACKLE Act modifies the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to speed up federal project approvals by imposing strict timelines for environmental reviews. It requires federal agencies to complete NEPA processes within 2 years, with penalties including 0.5% annual budget reductions for missed deadlines. The bill prohibits agencies from considering climate change impacts in their reviews and allows project sponsors to prepare environmental documents under federal oversight. It also expands state authority to assume certain federal environmental review responsibilities if states meet federal standards. These changes aim to reduce regulatory delays for infrastructure and development projects.
Maddy summaryS 5303, the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support the United Nations or its entities if those entities restrict Israel's full participation as a member state. Specifically, it blocks funding for UN contributions when the UN expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or limits its ability to engage equally with other member states. This bill directly affects how U.S. taxpayer money is allocated to the UN, requiring the Department of State and other agencies to withhold funds under these circumstances. The law amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to enforce this restriction.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals specific reporting requirements related to defense spending. It eliminates three provisions: (1) Department of Defense reports on unfunded priorities (sections 222a, 222b, and 222e of Title 10), (2) a military construction project reporting requirement from the 2018 NDAA, and (3) a National Nuclear Security Administration reporting requirement under the Atomic Energy Defense Act. The bill directly affects Pentagon agencies and the National Nuclear Security Administration by removing these mandated reporting obligations. It makes no changes to actual spending levels or budget allocations - only to administrative reporting processes.
Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to tennis legend Billie Jean King in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for gender equality in sports and society. The legislation specifically acknowledges her pivotal role in advancing women's rights, including her work leading to the passage of Title IX and her efforts to establish equal prize money in tennis. Under the bill, the Secretary of the Treasury would strike a gold medal featuring an image and inscription of Billie Jean King, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The medal would be presented by congressional leaders as a formal recognition of her contributions to American society. This is a commemorative honor, not a policy that creates new legal requirements or funding.