Sen. John Thune

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or tackle for hunting and fishing on federal lands and waters managed by the Interior Department or Agriculture Department. It directly affects hunters and anglers using these public areas by preventing federal restrictions on lead products, except in limited cases. The exception allows restrictions only on specific federal sites where state wildlife data shows lead use is harming wildlife, and only if approved by the state's fish and wildlife agency. The bill requires federal agencies to explain in public notices how any exception meets these state approval and wildlife harm criteria.

Maddy summarySRES 120 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating March 23, 2023, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the significant contributions of women in U.S. agriculture, citing that they represent over one-third of agricultural producers and generated $148 billion in sales in 2017. The resolution encourages citizens to acknowledge women in the field and supports their roles as producers, educators, mentors, and leaders. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to highlight their impact on the agricultural workforce and food systems.

Maddy summaryThe ALIGN Act (S 1117) permanently allows businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of qualified property (like equipment or machinery) purchased and placed in service after September 27, 2017, instead of depreciating it over time. This tax provision directly affects businesses that invest in qualifying assets, reducing their taxable income in the year of purchase. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to set a 100% "applicable percentage" for these deductions, making the change permanent. Conforming updates to related tax code sections ensure the provision works with existing rules, effective as if included in prior legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1159) extends compliance timelines for small lenders under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. It requires the Bureau to grant a 3-year period for lenders to meet new data reporting rules, followed by a 2-year safe harbor where lenders aren't penalized for non-compliance during that time. The bill defines "small business" as entities with under $1 million in annual revenue and "financial institution" as lenders originating at least 500 small business loans annually over the prior two years. It directly affects small lenders (those meeting the 500-loan threshold) and small businesses (under $1M revenue), reducing immediate regulatory pressure through phased implementation.

Maddy summaryS 1077, the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act of 2023, authorizes federal grants to expand mental health and substance use services for rural communities and workers in farming, fishing, and forestry (Triple-F) industries. The bill provides up to $10 million annually from 2023-2027 to fund demonstration projects where eligible providers deliver care directly to patients in their homes using telemental health technology. It requires grantees to develop metrics comparing home-based services to in-person care and mandates reports on program impact to Congress. This policy change specifically targets underserved rural populations facing barriers like geographic isolation, workforce shortages, and stigma in accessing mental health care.

Maddy summaryS 1162, the *Accurate Map for Broadband Investment Act of 2023*, requires the federal government to update broadband availability maps before finalizing grant funds for internet infrastructure projects. It mandates that 210 days after initial funding allocations, the Assistant Secretary must recalculate each recipient’s share based on the latest broadband maps and adjust payments accordingly. Affected entities include broadband providers and local governments receiving federal grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill also requires the government to notify recipients of any adjusted funding amounts after the map update. This ensures funds are distributed based on current, accurate broadband coverage data.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires abortion providers to offer patients specific disposal options for fetal remains after an abortion, including taking the remains or having the provider arrange interment or cremation. Providers must obtain patient consent in writing for disposal choices and retain these records. If patients choose provider disposal, providers must arrange final disposition (interment or cremation) within 7 days, with penalties including fines up to $50,000 for documentation failures or criminal charges for non-compliance. Annual reports on procedures and disposal methods are also mandated for providers and the Secretary of Health.

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks new permits for carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, and methane emissions from livestock farming. It amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit permits specifically for emissions resulting from natural biological processes in animal production. Livestock operations and producers would be directly affected, as they can no longer seek permits for these emissions under current programs. The change prevents these emissions from being regulated through standard Clean Air Act permitting processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study whether the Universal Service Fund (USF) - which helps fund broadband access in rural and low-income areas - should expand who pays into it. Within 120 days of enactment, the FCC must complete this study and report findings to Congress, then propose new rules within a year to reform the USF contribution system. The key mechanism is expanding the USF's funding base to ensure costs are shared fairly between consumers and businesses, while considering impacts on seniors. It directly affects telecom companies currently required to contribute to the USF, but does not change how the fund distributes support.