Sen. Ron Johnson

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 96 seeks to block a Department of Education rule that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools (e.g., colleges, K-12 programs receiving federal aid). If approved, it would invalidate the rule published April 29, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33474), preventing it from taking effect under a congressional disapproval process. This would maintain existing nondiscrimination standards for education programs instead of implementing the new rule. The resolution directly affects all schools and programs receiving federal education funding.

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 summaryThe Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2024 streamlines congressional review of "midnight rules" - regulations issued by federal agencies near the end of a presidential term. It allows Congress to disapprove multiple such rules in a single joint resolution, rather than requiring separate resolutions for each rule. This change applies specifically to rules for which the agency report was submitted during the final year of a president’s term. The bill directly affects federal agencies issuing these late-term regulations and Congress, which gains a more efficient process to block them.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 58) seeks congressional disapproval of a Department of Energy rule establishing new energy efficiency standards for consumer furnaces. It targets the specific rule published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 87502), which set requirements for furnace manufacturers. If passed, the resolution would nullify this rule, preventing it from taking effect and requiring the Department of Energy to withdraw the standards. The resolution directly affects furnace manufacturers and consumers by halting the implementation of these new efficiency requirements.

Maddy summarySRES 697 is a commemorative resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 2024, as "National Police Week" in the U.S. Senate. It aligns with the 1962 law authorizing the President to designate this week, honoring law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for officers, recognizes their service in protecting communities, and encourages public observance to honor their mission and sacrifices. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely ceremonial.

Maddy summarySRES 699 is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating students, parents, teachers, and leaders of U.S. charter schools for their contributions to education during the 25th Annual National Charter Schools Week (May 12-18, 2024). It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes charter schools’ role in providing public education options and improving student outcomes, as noted in the resolution’s background statements. The resolution directly addresses the charter school community and encourages public celebration of National Charter Schools Week. It is a non-binding expression of support, not a legislative action affecting any specific group or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 83) seeks to block a rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that redefined who qualifies as a "dealer in firearms" under federal law. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024, would have changed how the ATF identifies and regulates firearm sellers. If passed, the resolution would make the rule invalid, preventing it from taking effect and leaving current dealer regulations unchanged. This directly affects firearm dealers (particularly small businesses and hobbyists) and the ATF’s enforcement authority under existing law.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 57 seeks congressional disapproval of a Treasury Department rule that set guidelines for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, a program distributing over $350 billion to state and local governments to address pandemic-related economic impacts. The rule, published in November 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 80584), outlined specific requirements for fund usage. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect and requiring the Treasury to revert to prior administrative guidelines for distributing the funds. The resolution directly affects how the Treasury manages the program and how states and localities access pandemic recovery funds.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 682) condemns the Biden Administration's decision to pause specific weapons shipments to Israel, including 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, as reported on May 7, 2024. It demands the administration immediately resume military aid to Israel to support its defense against threats from Hamas and Iran. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. historical commitment to providing military assistance to Israel, citing over $158 billion in aid since World War II. As a symbolic Senate resolution, it does not change policy but formally opposes the pause in weapons transfers.

Maddy summaryThe SAVE Act requires voters to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It defines acceptable proof as documents like U.S. passports, birth certificates, military IDs, or government-issued IDs showing U.S. birth. States must verify citizenship through these documents or use government databases like the Department of Homeland Security's SAVE system. The bill establishes processes for voters without required documentation to submit affidavits under penalty of perjury. It aims to ensure only U.S. citizens can register to vote in federal elections.