Sen. John Hoeven

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state to carry concealed handguns in other states that either permit concealed carry for residents or don’t ban it entirely. It applies to permit holders who are federally eligible to possess firearms, require government-issued ID, and must follow the host state’s specific restrictions (like where carry is prohibited). The bill does not override state laws on issuing permits but ensures reciprocity for those who legally carry in their home state, excluding machineguns and destructive devices.

Maddy summaryThe Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2024 extends two existing benefits for veterans and their families. It updates the expiration dates for memorial headstones and markers for veterans and certain individuals, extending eligibility from 2025 to 2032. It also extends the authority to bury spouses and children of veterans in national cemeteries until 2032. These changes ensure continued access to commemorative services and burial options for eligible veterans and their families without creating new benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4404) designates the United States Postal Service facility at 840 Front Street in Casselton, North Dakota, as the "Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office." It updates all federal references - such as laws, maps, and documents - to use this new name for the Casselton post office. The bill makes no policy changes; it solely renames the facility to honor Commander Delbert Austin Olson. This is a ceremonial designation with no direct impact on services or regulations.

Maddy summaryThe bill, S 4129, establishes a federal grant program to support the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation in creating a library and museum in Medora, North Dakota, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Theodore Roosevelt's legacy. It requires the Foundation to match federal grant funds with at least double the amount raised from non-federal sources (such as state contributions or private donations) before receiving funding. Federal agencies must loan or transfer Roosevelt-related artifacts and objects - like historical documents or memorabilia - to the Foundation for public display without cost, while ensuring the federal government has no role in operating the Library. The Library will focus on preserving Roosevelt’s materials and providing educational programs to make his legacy accessible to the public.

Maddy summaryThe North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2023 would allow North Dakota to relinquish state-owned land within Indian reservations and select equivalent federal land in exchange. The state would give up land within tribal reservations (which would then be taken into trust for the tribes) and receive federal land of equal value elsewhere in the state. The bill includes specific procedures for valuing the land, transferring ownership, and protecting tribal rights, while ensuring the transfer doesn't affect existing treaty rights or mineral leases. This legislation aims to fulfill a promise made to North Dakota in the 1889 Enabling Act while increasing tribal sovereignty over reservation lands.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal funding for two water restoration projects. It raises the authorized funding for the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act from $250 million to $750 million and for Friant Division improvements from $50 million to $75 million. These funds will support the implementation of the river restoration plan and infrastructure upgrades in the Friant Division. The bill directly affects the San Joaquin River restoration program and the Friant Division water management system in California.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 122) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established procedures for calculating emissions charges on petroleum and natural gas operations, including how companies can net emissions or claim exemptions. It directly affects oil and gas companies that would have been subject to the EPA's new compliance framework. If passed, the resolution would nullify the EPA rule under a specific legal process (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code), preventing it from taking effect. The rule, published November 18, 2024, aimed to streamline how the industry reports and manages emissions-related charges. The resolution does not change the underlying emissions requirements but stops this specific procedural rule from being implemented.

Maddy summaryThe Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 establishes a pilot program allowing qualified individuals or organizations (defined as "Good Samaritans") to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without facing liability for their actions. The Environmental Protection Agency would grant up to 15 permits for projects that address pollution from abandoned mines, with applicants required to demonstrate they meet specific eligibility criteria (not being responsible owners/operators, having no role in creating the residue, and possessing adequate resources). The program includes liability protection for permitted activities, requires detailed remediation plans with baseline condition assessments, public notice, and environmental reviews, and establishes a fund for long-term operations and maintenance. This 7-year pilot program would directly affect communities near abandoned mine sites and qualified remediation groups seeking to address environmental contamination.

Maddy summaryThe BADGES for Native Communities Act aims to improve safety and response systems for Native American communities by addressing gaps in data collection and law enforcement coordination. It establishes Tribal facilitators to coordinate reporting of missing persons, unclaimed remains, and death investigations involving Native people to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. The bill creates a grant program to support state and tribal coordination on missing persons cases, a demonstration program for background checks of Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers, and requires studies on evidence handling and mental health resources for law enforcement officers. These provisions directly affect Native American tribes, Tribal organizations, and federal agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Justice. The bill includes reporting requirements to Congress to track implementation and outcomes of these programs.

Maddy summaryThe Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 91) authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats who risked their careers and safety to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. These diplomats, representing countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and others, issued visas and provided safe passage to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution despite strict orders from their home governments. The medal will be presented collectively to the next of kin of each diplomat, along with representatives from their home countries, and then permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The act recognizes these individuals' bravery without implying they represent all who performed similar humanitarian acts during the Holocaust. The medal serves as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice and will be available for public display and research.