Sen. John Thune

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use the Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model for calculating lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels. Specifically, the EPA must adopt this model within 90 days of the bill's enactment and update its methodology every five years, using GREET for the first update and allowing flexibility for future updates. It directly affects fuel producers seeking EPA approval for new fuel pathways, as the EPA must apply the GREET model when assigning D codes (approval identifiers) to those pathways. The bill also mandates a report to Congress if the EPA misses update deadlines, explaining the delay.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived under an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, including a specific waiver related to funds from South Korea to Qatar (documented in a September 11, 2023, congressional transmission). It blocks any U.S. government action to release funds or assets to Iran under that agreement and prohibits future waivers, suspensions, or relief for these sanctions. The bill directly affects Iran's access to certain financial assets tied to the agreement. It targets concrete policy changes by reversing prior relief without altering broader sanctions frameworks.

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies when a worker is classified as an employee versus an independent contractor under federal law. It adds specific criteria: a worker is an independent contractor if the company doesn't control *how* the work is done (only the final result) and the worker has entrepreneurial risks and opportunities. The bill explicitly prohibits using factors like compliance with health/safety standards, insurance requirements, or meeting deadlines to classify workers as employees. This directly affects workers (determining their eligibility for minimum wage, overtime, and union rights) and businesses that classify workers as contractors.

Maddy summaryS.3028, the PUNISH Act of 2023, extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by preventing their modification or removal until a specified termination date. It requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress assessing whether Iran's government or affiliated entities (like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have engaged in activities such as assassinations, violence against U.S. citizens, or politically motivated detention of Iranian nationals in the U.S. The bill maintains current sanctions tied to Executive Orders 13871, 13876, 13902, and 13949, as well as sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund. These measures remain in effect until the President certifies compliance with specific conditions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.

Maddy summarySRES 368 designates the week of September 17-23, 2023, as "Telehealth Awareness Week" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It recognizes telehealth's role in expanding healthcare access, especially during the pandemic, and urges steps to raise public awareness, highlight telehealth resources, collect usage data, and promote continued access for all communities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges telehealth's importance. It directly affects public awareness efforts and stakeholders (patients, providers, policymakers) by designating a focused week for advocacy. The bill is procedural, with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summarySRES 208 is a Senate resolution designating November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day." It encourages U.S. citizens, particularly those connected to military service, to reach out to veterans through peer-to-peer conversations to support their mental health and transition from military life. The resolution highlights veteran suicide statistics (6,146 deaths in 2020) and emphasizes that isolation - exacerbated by the pandemic - increases risks for conditions like PTSD. It does not create new programs but urges public engagement to connect veterans with support systems. This is a symbolic, awareness-raising measure with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires standardized presentations about Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits during preseparation counseling for service members transitioning from military to civilian life. It mandates that these presentations be reviewed by the VA and veterans service organizations before use, include information on how to file claims, and cannot promote specific organizations. The VA must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing which veterans service organizations participated, attendance numbers, and recommendations for improvement. The bill directly affects service members receiving transition assistance, ensuring they receive consistent, accurate information about VA benefits.