Sen. Ron Johnson

Maddy summaryThe CURD Act (S 981) defines "natural cheese" in federal law to clarify labeling standards. It specifies that natural cheese must be made by coagulating milk proteins (without added non-milk ingredients that alter its core composition) and excludes processed cheeses like pasteurized process cheese, cheese spreads, and grated American cheese. This directly affects cheese manufacturers, who must label products consistently with the new definition, and consumers, who gain clearer information about product types. The bill requires labels using "natural cheese" to comply with this definition, ensuring transparency without restricting terms like "all-natural" in other contexts.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 20) seeks to block a 2023 rule from the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that classified certain firearms with stabilizing braces as rifles under federal law. If passed, it would nullify the rule, meaning firearms equipped with these braces would no longer be subject to the rule’s classification requirements. The resolution uses the congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to stop the rule from taking effect, directly affecting firearm manufacturers and owners who use stabilizing braces on weapons.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses Congress's support for the Local Radio Freedom Act by opposing new fees for local radio stations playing music over the air. It states that imposing performance fees would harm the longstanding relationship between radio stations and the music industry, jeopardize emergency broadcasts and local programming, and cause economic hardship for radio stations and small businesses (like bars and retail stores) that rely on free music licensing. The resolution specifically urges against any new fee, tax, or royalty related to radio stations' public performance of sound recordings. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new law but formally advocates for maintaining the current system.

Maddy summarySRES 57 is a Senate resolution honoring David Ferdinand Durenberger, a former U.S. Senator from Minnesota (served 1978-1989). It commemorates his life and career, highlighting his role as the lead Republican sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act and his work protecting Minnesota's natural resources like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The resolution directs the Senate to formally recognize his passing and transmit a copy to his family. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryThe "Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues Act" (S 600) amends federal drug laws to automatically classify a broad range of fentanyl-like substances as illegal under Schedule I. It defines "fentanyl-related substances" to include any compound with specific structural changes to fentanyl - such as modifications to its ring structures or chemical groups - making these analogues automatically controlled without needing individual bans. This directly affects drug manufacturers, distributors, and users of these substances, as well as law enforcement agencies tasked with identifying and regulating new fentanyl variants. The bill aims to close loopholes that allow dangerous, unregulated fentanyl analogues to enter the market before being specifically prohibited. It takes effect one day after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federally funded schools and athletic programs from allowing individuals assigned male at birth to participate in women's or girls' sports teams. It defines "sex" for this purpose solely based on biological sex assigned at birth, including reproductive anatomy and genetics. The law amends Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to make such participation a violation of federal civil rights law. It directly affects all schools, colleges, and organizations receiving federal funds that operate athletic programs for women or girls.

Maddy summaryThis resolution establishes a procedural requirement for the U.S. Senate to review international pandemic agreements negotiated under the World Health Organization (WHO). It mandates that any WHO agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, or response - where the U.S. would make significant commitments - must be submitted to the Senate as a treaty requiring approval before implementation. The resolution requires the President to submit such agreements to the Senate within 60 days of signing, with the Senate declaring it "not in order" to fund or implement any such agreement without prior Senate ratification. This affects how the executive branch handles WHO pandemic agreements, ensuring Senate consultation and approval aligns with constitutional treaty procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires student loan lenders to disclose the total interest cost over a standard 10-year repayment plan to borrowers. It amends the Higher Education Act by adding a new requirement (paragraph (18)) for lenders to clearly state this total interest amount. The policy directly affects borrowers of federal student loans by providing upfront transparency about the full cost of repayment. The change is a disclosure requirement only, not altering loan terms or interest rates.