Sen. Mike Lee

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from banning individuals from using convertible virtual currency (like Bitcoin) to buy goods or services for their own personal use. It specifically protects "covered users" - any person purchasing items for themselves with crypto - and ensures they can use self-hosted digital wallets where they independently control their funds. The bill does not apply to business transactions or restrict private companies from setting their own policies. Federal agencies would no longer be allowed to create rules that prevent these personal transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $13.5 billion in supplemental funding for Israel to support military and diplomatic assistance in response to the situation in Israel. It provides $4.4 billion for defense operations, $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, $1.2 billion for Iron Beam system development, and $3.5 billion for foreign military financing. The bill authorizes $7 billion in drawdown authority from Defense Department stockpiles for defense articles and services, with specific limitations preventing funds from being used for Ukraine assistance or for entities in Gaza controlled by Hamas. All funding must be designated as an emergency requirement by the President and is available for specific defense and diplomatic purposes. The bill includes provisions for transfer authority between accounts and notification requirements for congressional committees.

Maddy summarySJRES 47 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Justice rule about home confinement for federal prisoners under the CARES Act. The rule, published in April 2023, would have established guidelines allowing the Justice Department to use home confinement as an alternative to prison for certain inmates during the pandemic. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It follows the standard process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, for Congress to reject agency regulations.

This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to families and businesses and would severely harm the economic and national security of the country.

Maddy summarySJRES 44 is a congressional resolution directing the removal of U.S. military forces from Niger within 30 days, as their presence there lacks explicit congressional authorization. It applies directly to over 1,000 U.S. troops stationed in Niger since 2013, who have engaged in hostilities with terrorist groups without a formal war declaration or specific statutory approval. The resolution cites the War Powers Resolution and other laws requiring Congress to authorize military action, noting that existing authorizations (like the 2001 AUMF) do not cover Niger. It mandates the President to withdraw forces unless Congress later passes a new authorization. This is a procedural measure focused on constitutional compliance, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySJRES 42 is a resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) rule that updated how discrimination complaints are processed in federal food assistance programs (like SNAP). The rule applied the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County decision - which prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity - to the handling of program discrimination complaints. If passed, this resolution would block the FNS rule from taking effect, preventing it from changing existing complaint procedures. The measure uses the Congressional Review Act process to overturn the rule without altering program benefits or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThe Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 provides $13.4 billion in supplemental funding to support Israel's security needs, primarily for defense systems and diplomatic efforts. Key provisions include $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling systems, $1.2 billion for the Iron Beam system development, and $3.5 billion for military financing. The bill prohibits using funds for the Ukraine war or entities controlled by Hamas, requires emergency designation by the President for all funding, and authorizes transfers between defense accounts and drawdowns from DOD stockpiles. This legislation directly affects the U.S. Government's ability to provide security assistance to Israel, with specific restrictions on how funds may be used.

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from enforcing or implementing a specific broadband internet regulation proposed in October 2023 (WC Docket No. 23-320). It directly affects the FCC, preventing it from using that rule or creating substantially similar rules without new legislation passed after the bill's enactment. The key mechanism is a legal prohibition requiring Congress to explicitly authorize any new rule on broadband internet access service, effectively halting the current regulatory path. This change impacts how internet service providers operate under federal oversight but does not alter current internet service terms or create new consumer protections.

Maddy summaryThe HOUSES Act of 2023 allows states and local governments to purchase federal public lands for housing development, requiring at least 85% of the land to be used for residential housing, open space, green space, or community amenities like schools or health clinics. It sets specific rules, including a minimum density of 4 homes per acre, limits on commercial use (capping it at 15% of land), and requirements for infrastructure like transit hubs and utilities. The bill establishes a review process where the Secretary of the Interior must prioritize housing needs, complete decisions within one year, and sell land at a price calculated using a formula based on fair market value and prior tax revenue. This applies to tracts not designated as federally protected land, with non-compliance risking loss of federal community development funds for 15 years.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.