Sen. Shelley Moore Capito

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 92) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established new greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel power plants and repealed an earlier rule. It targets the EPA's specific rule (published May 9, 2024), which set performance standards for new/modified plants, emission guidelines for existing plants, and removed the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution uses a procedural mechanism under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the rule, meaning it would prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, directly affecting how power plants regulate emissions under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 93) seeks to block a specific rule proposed by the Department of Commerce. It targets the rule titled "Revision of Firearms License Requirements" (published April 30, 2024, in the Federal Register), which would have changed requirements for firearms licenses. If passed, the resolution would prevent this rule from taking effect by invoking a congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code. The resolution directly affects the implementation of the Commerce Department's proposed firearms licensing changes, not the licensing requirements themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 94) seeks to block a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would have changed regulations for the Unaccompanied Children Program. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, aimed to update how unaccompanied alien children are placed, cared for, and provided services. If approved, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, keeping existing regulations in place. It directly affects the federal program that handles minors entering the U.S. without parents or guardians. The bill does not change the program's operations but stops the proposed regulatory changes.

Maddy summarySJRES 95 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have regulated the disposal of coal ash (coal combustion residuals) from power plants, particularly focusing on old, unlined surface impoundments. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect and preserving current disposal requirements for electric utilities. This bill uses the Congressional Review Act process to block the rule, which was published in the Federal Register on May 8, 2024. It directly affects power plants managing coal ash waste but does not create new regulations.

Maddy summarySRES 726 designates June 6, 2024, as National Naloxone Awareness Day to highlight naloxone's role in reversing opioid overdoses. The resolution emphasizes that naloxone is a safe, effective medication that can save lives when administered promptly during opioid emergencies. It encourages public education about naloxone access, reduces stigma around substance use disorder, and urges federal and local agencies to support broader distribution efforts. This symbolic measure does not create new laws but aims to increase awareness and access to life-saving overdose reversal medication.

Maddy summaryS 4447, the "Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act," would require the FDA to prioritize review of applications for oral contraceptives intended for routine use (excluding emergency contraception or abortion-related drugs), potentially enabling over-the-counter access for adults 18 and older. It includes a fee waiver for these applications and maintains prescription requirements for individuals under 18. The bill also mandates a GAO study on federal funding for contraception across programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Title X over the past 15 years. These provisions aim to streamline approval for accessible birth control while clarifying funding patterns.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 91) seeks to block a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule that set minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and required transparency in Medicaid payments. If passed, it would cancel the rule (89 Fed. Reg. 40876), preventing it from taking effect under a specific congressional review process. The rule directly affects long-term care providers and Medicaid programs by imposing new staffing and reporting requirements. This resolution is procedural - it does not create new law but halts the implementation of the CMS rule.

Maddy summarySRES 722 is a Senate resolution expressing gratitude for the heroism of U.S. Armed Forces members who participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. It commemorates the 80th anniversary of this pivotal World War II operation, which helped end the war, and commends the leadership and bravery of those who fought. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging public ceremonies to honor veterans' sacrifices and recognizes France's efforts to preserve Normandy's historical sites as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor historical service and legacy.

Maddy summarySRES 385 is a non-binding Senate resolution calling for the immediate release of Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen and Wall Street Journal journalist wrongfully detained by Russia since March 2023. It urges the U.S. executive branch to press Russia for his release, demands consular access for him, and condemns Russia’s detention of journalists for political purposes. The resolution also specifically calls for the release of Paul Whelan, detained since 2018, and expresses support for other U.S. citizens wrongfully held in Russia. It does not create new legal requirements but formally expresses congressional concern.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as National Foster Care Month to raise public awareness about challenges faced by children in foster care. It specifically highlights issues like the 368,530 children currently in foster care, the need for stable placements, and barriers to successful transitions to adulthood for youth aging out of the system. The resolution encourages Congress to develop policies that improve outcomes for these children, including supporting foster parents and preventing unnecessary entry into the system. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but aims to prompt legislative action through recognition and advocacy.