Sen. John Barrasso

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal student loan forgiveness for individuals convicted of crimes related to protests at colleges or universities. Specifically, it blocks loan forgiveness under the Higher Education Act or other Department of Education programs for people convicted of offenses under federal or state law tied to protest conduct at higher education institutions. It applies to federal student loans (including those under the Higher Education Act and Health Education Assistance Loans) but does not affect repayment requirements. The policy directly targets loan forgiveness eligibility, not loan repayment, for those convicted of protest-related offenses.

Maddy summaryThe ELITE Vehicles Act would repeal federal tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles and related infrastructure. Specifically, it eliminates the existing credit for new electric vehicles (previously under Section 30D), the credit for previously-owned clean vehicles (Section 25E), and the credit for commercial clean vehicles (Section 45W). It also removes electric vehicle recharging stations from the alternative fuel refueling credit. These changes would take effect 30 days after enactment, directly affecting individuals and businesses that currently claim these tax benefits when buying or installing qualifying electric vehicle equipment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule setting greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (Phase 3). If passed, it would nullify the EPA rule (published April 22, 2024) under the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from taking effect. The rule directly affects manufacturers of trucks and buses by establishing new requirements for reducing emissions. The resolution does not create new standards but aims to block the existing EPA rule through a formal disapproval process.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would set new emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in model years 2027 and later. It directly affects automakers, as the rule would require them to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. The resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would be invalidated, meaning automakers would not need to comply with the 2027+ emissions standards outlined in the EPA's April 2024 proposal.

Maddy summarySRES 658 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 2024 as "Financial Literacy Month." It does not create new laws or funding but calls on federal, state, local, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to observe the month with awareness activities. The resolution cites statistics on financial challenges (like 5.9 million unbanked households and rising student debt) to emphasize the importance of financial education. It aims to raise public awareness about personal financial education's role in making sound money decisions and building wealth, without mandating any specific actions.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summaryS 4160, the POSTAL Act, prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or otherwise eliminating processing and distribution centers in any state if the action would result in that state having no such facility or negatively impact mail delivery. This directly affects USPS operations and residents in states where mail processing centers might otherwise be closed or merged. The bill restricts the USPS from taking actions that would remove all processing centers from a state or disrupt local mail service delivery. It applies to specific facilities defined as central mail handling centers that distribute mail for designated service areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for implementing, administering, or enforcing specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vehicle emissions rules. It directly affects the EPA's ability to enforce the proposed and final "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles" rules. The key mechanism blocks all fiscal year 2024 funds from being used for these particular rules or any substantially similar future rules. The bill does not alter the rules themselves but prevents their enforcement through funding restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 72) seeks congressional disapproval of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requiring companies to standardize climate-related financial disclosures for investors. If passed, it would block the SEC’s rule (published March 28, 2024) from taking effect, directly affecting public companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. The resolution uses a specific legal process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to invalidate the rule without altering its content. It does not create new regulations but halts the implementation of the SEC’s existing climate disclosure proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell commemorative coins honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 100,000), $1 silver coins (max 500,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all with designs reflecting soccer and the World Cup. A surcharge is added to each coin sale ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars), with all surcharge revenue going directly to FWC2026 US, Inc. to fund U.S. soccer programs, particularly youth initiatives and underserved communities. The coins may only be sold during 2026 and must cover all costs to avoid government expense.