Maddy summarySCONRES 8 is a Senate concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act. It urges Congress not to impose a new fee or charge on local radio stations for playing music over the air, or on businesses like bars and restaurants that play radio broadcasts publicly. The resolution argues that such a fee would disrupt the current system where radio stations provide free promotional support to the music industry and essential local services like emergency weather updates. It claims the existing model has fostered a thriving music and broadcasting sector without harming small businesses or consumers. This resolution does not create law but expresses congressional support for maintaining the current fee-free system.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal education law to prohibit federally funded athletic programs from allowing individuals assigned male at birth to participate in sports designated for women or girls. It defines "sex" for this purpose as biological sex at birth, based on reproductive anatomy and genetics. The law directly affects schools, colleges, and sports organizations receiving federal funding. Violations would constitute a breach of Title IX, requiring programs to exclude individuals whose sex is male from women's or girls' athletic teams.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 12) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established procedures for a "Waste Emissions Charge" affecting petroleum and natural gas systems. Specifically, it targets the EPA's November 2024 rule (89 Fed. Reg. 91094) which outlined compliance methods like netting and exemptions for emissions charges. If passed, the resolution would formally disapprove the rule under federal law (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code), preventing it from taking effect. The bill directly affects the oil and gas industry by removing a specific regulatory framework for emissions reporting and fees. This is a procedural disapproval measure, not a new policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from funding sheltering or facility improvements for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) short-term holding facilities. It also cancels unobligated funds previously allocated to FEMA for these purposes under two 2023-2024 appropriations acts. The bill directly affects FEMA's budget authority and CBP's operational funding for facilities holding individuals in immigration custody. It does not create new restrictions but terminates existing funding for specific CBP-related sheltering activities. The measure focuses solely on rescinding existing appropriations, not on altering immigration law or eligibility.
Maddy summaryS 808, the Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act, prohibits U.S. imports of specific minerals from Russia or entities evading the ban, starting 90 days after enactment. It directly affects U.S. importers and Russian exporters of platinum group metals (like palladium and rhodium), nickel, and copper ores. The bill bans these imports unless the President certifies Russia has ended hostilities against Ukraine, with the ban lasting one year post-certification but resuming immediately if Russia restarts attacks. The President cannot waive this prohibition, and the law explicitly targets minerals obtained through evasion tactics like swaps or exchanges.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to require local school districts to notify parents of children with disabilities before the first annual IEP meeting each school year. Specifically, it mandates that schools inform parents they may invite additional individuals with knowledge or expertise about their child (such as related services staff) to join the IEP team. The key provision adds a new notification requirement within the IDEA framework, ensuring parents are aware of this option prior to meetings. This directly affects parents of students with disabilities and the school districts responsible for their education.
Maddy summarySJRES 24 is a joint resolution that would block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule setting new standards for reducing harmful air pollutants from rubber tire manufacturing facilities. If passed, the resolution would prevent the rule - published in the Federal Register on November 29, 2024 - from taking effect, meaning tire manufacturers would not have to comply with the new requirements. The bill directly affects the rubber tire manufacturing industry by removing a specific regulatory obligation. This resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to stop the EPA rule without creating new regulations.
Maddy summaryS 707, the "No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act," defines "sanctuary jurisdictions" as states or localities that restrict sharing immigration status information with federal authorities or refuse to comply with federal detainer requests (except for crime victims/witnesses). The bill prohibits such jurisdictions from receiving federal funds intended to provide services like food, shelter, healthcare, legal aid, or transportation to undocumented immigrants, starting 60 days after enactment or the next fiscal year. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to annually report to Congress on jurisdictions failing to comply with federal immigration requests. This bill directly affects state and local governments with specific immigration policies, withholding targeted federal funding as a consequence.
Maddy summaryThe Transportation Freedom Act would create a 200% tax deduction for wages paid to U.S. automobile manufacturing workers who meet specific requirements, including health care coverage and pension benefits. It repeals current emissions standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles, as well as Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The bill establishes new standards for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy that must be "technologically feasible and economically practicable," requiring consultation with manufacturers and other stakeholders. It also eliminates existing emissions waivers and creates a process for adjusting standards based on market conditions.
Maddy summaryS 715, the "No American Land for Communist China Act," bans U.S. real estate purchases near certain federal lands by specific Chinese entities. It prohibits nationals or agents of China's government, or businesses where China owns 25% or more equity, from buying property adjacent to lands managed by the Interior, Defense, Agriculture (Forest Service), or Energy departments, or Indian country. The bill targets foreign government influence over U.S. land near sensitive federal areas, requiring the President to enforce this restriction. It directly affects Chinese government entities and affiliated businesses seeking to acquire property near these designated federal lands.