Maddy summaryThe CLEAR Waters Act (S 2421) clarifies the definition of "navigable waters" under the Clean Water Act by explicitly excluding certain water features from federal regulation. It directly affects wastewater treatment facilities (like lagoons and ponds), seasonal streams that flow only after rain, and groundwater by removing them from the Clean Water Act's jurisdiction. Key provisions add specific exclusions to the definition, including waste treatment systems, ephemeral features, groundwater, and future exclusions determined by the EPA and Army Corps. This changes which water bodies require federal permits for pollution control, shifting oversight away from these excluded features.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Judicial Reorganization Act of 2025 splits the current U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit into two new circuits: the reconfigured Ninth Circuit (covering California, Guam, Hawaii) and a new Twelfth Circuit (covering Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington). It adds two new judgeships to the former Ninth Circuit - assigning one judge to the new Ninth Circuit states and one to the new Twelfth Circuit states - and updates court locations and judge assignments based on existing duty stations. The bill affects federal judges currently serving on the Ninth Circuit, requiring reassignment to the new circuits, and ensures ongoing cases filed before the effective date are transferred or handled without disruption. The changes take effect one year after enactment, with funding authorized for new facilities and staff.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires IRS supervisors to provide written approval before applying penalties or disallowance periods to taxpayers, mandating that approval occur before any penalty notice is sent. It defines an "initial determination" as a specific written notice detailing the exact penalty amount or disallowance period, excluding general inquiries. The bill also mandates annual IRS reports on all penalties assessed, broken down by IRS unit and process step. It directly affects taxpayers facing penalties for tax credits under Sections 24, 25A, or 32, and requires the IRS to publicly report penalty data starting 24 months after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal crime for assaulting first responders (like police, firefighters, and paramedics) causing serious injury or death, with enhanced penalties. It specifically applies when the assault involves interstate travel, weapons that crossed state lines, or interference with the responder's work affecting commerce. Penalties include up to 10 years in prison for serious injury, or life imprisonment if death occurs, kidnapping, or an attempt to kill happens. Federal prosecution requires Attorney General certification unless states decline jurisdiction or fail to adequately address the crime.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 283) designates July 6, 2025 - the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama - as "A Day of Compassion." It affirms U.S. support for the Tibetan people’s human rights, including their distinct religious, cultural, linguistic, and historical identity. The resolution references the 2020 Tibetan Policy and Support Act, emphasizing that decisions about Tibetan Buddhist leadership (including future Dalai Lamas) must be determined by religious authorities within Tibetan Buddhism, not by the Chinese government. As a ceremonial resolution, it expresses symbolic support but does not create new legal obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2034 Salt Lake City Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It specifies four coin types ($5 gold, $1 silver, half-dollar, and proof silver $1) with defined quantities and designs reflecting U.S. athletic participation. A surcharge on each coin sale (e.g., $35 for $5 coins) funds the respective Olympic committees' legacy programs, including youth sports initiatives. The coins are legal tender but intended solely for commemoration, with surcharges directed to the organizing committees after covering minting costs.
Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for designating July 10, 2025, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors journeyman lineworkers who maintain the nation’s power grid 24/7, restore electricity during disasters, and work in hazardous conditions. The resolution specifically recognizes the 129th anniversary of Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died while restoring power in 1901. The Senate encourages the public to observe this day to reflect on lineworkers’ contributions and sacrifices. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution with no legal force or funding impact.)
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal education law to prohibit public schools from teaching concepts related to "gender ideology," as defined by a specific executive order. It directly affects K-12 public schools receiving federal funding by banning instruction on certain gender-related topics. The key provision adds a new restriction to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, explicitly forbidding the teaching of these concepts in classrooms. The bill does not specify which topics are covered, only referencing the executive order's definition. This change applies to all federally funded elementary and secondary schools.
Maddy summaryThe Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to reform key HUD homeless assistance programs. Key provisions include increasing administrative costs for Emergency Solutions Grants from 7.5% to 10%, establishing 2-year funding cycles for Continuum of Care programs with renewal options, and allowing housing choice vouchers to cover security deposits and holding fees. The bill also creates an Advisory Committee on Homelessness with lived experience members and requires improved coordination between healthcare systems and homeless services. These changes aim to streamline service delivery, reduce administrative barriers, and better serve people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires adding a citizenship checkbox to the 2030 and future decennial censuses, asking respondents about their U.S. citizenship status for themselves and all household members. It mandates that the Census Bureau publicly release each state's total citizen and noncitizen population counts within 120 days after each census. The bill then changes how congressional representation is calculated by excluding noncitizens from the population numbers used to apportion House seats and electoral votes starting with the 2030 census. This directly affects how states' representation in Congress and the Electoral College is determined based on citizen population counts rather than total population.