Maddy summaryThe Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023 streamlines federal permitting for mining projects on public lands by establishing specific time limits for environmental reviews (12 months for assessments, 24 months for impact statements) and allowing lead agencies to adopt applicant-prepared environmental documents that meet National Environmental Policy Act requirements. It enables mineral exploration with limited surface disturbance (up to 5 acres) to proceed without full environmental review, and creates mechanisms for coordination between agencies and project applicants through memorandums of agreement. The bill applies to all minerals, not just "critical" minerals, and ensures uranium is treated as a critical mineral for certain purposes. The legislation aims to expedite domestic mineral development while maintaining environmental review standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHR 1218, the Expediting Israeli Aerial Refueling Act of 2023, requires the U.S. Air Force to train Israeli pilots and ground personnel to operate KC-46 aircraft within 60 days of enactment, including participation in the U.S. Military Personnel Exchange Program. The bill mandates the rotational deployment of U.S. KC-46 aircraft to Israel for up to five years or until Israel commissions its own KC-46s, with each deployment lasting at least 270 days annually. It directly affects the Israeli Air Force by enabling their use of U.S. refueling capabilities and the U.S. military through specific training and deployment obligations. The law expires ten years after enactment.
Maddy summaryHR 439, the Public Land Search and Rescue Act, creates a federal grant program to fund remote search and rescue operations on public lands managed by the Departments of Interior or Agriculture. The program provides 75% federal funding for eligible state or local agencies to purchase or maintain specialized equipment, cover maintenance costs, or reimburse agencies conducting these operations. Grants prioritize areas with high visitor-to-resident ratios, focusing on locating and assisting people lost or stranded in remote locations. The bill directly supports search and rescue teams operating on public lands by providing resources for equipment and operational costs.
Maddy summaryThis bill releases the United States' reversionary interest in approximately 593 acres of land owned by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, transferring full ownership to the university without requiring payment. The land, identified by specific legal descriptions (including patent number 43-99-0012 and tracts D, G, J, and T), was previously held under a federal patent. The key provision eliminates the federal government's future claim to this property, allowing the University of Utah to manage it as fully private land. This is a straightforward property transfer bill directly affecting the University of Utah's land holdings.
Maddy summaryHJRES 33 is a symbolic congressional resolution acknowledging Vietnam War veterans' service and formally apologizing for their mistreatment upon returning home. It recognizes the sacrifice of over 58,000 service members killed and 300,000 wounded during the war, including veterans exposed to harmful herbicides like Agent Orange. The resolution urges the President to acknowledge this mistreatment as part of the Vietnam War Commemoration and issues a formal apology on behalf of the American people. It also calls for increased educational efforts in schools to highlight veterans' courage and the lack of support they faced after the war. (Note: This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it has no direct legal or financial impact.)
Protect Farmers from the SEC Act This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from requiring the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions related to agricultural products.
Maddy summaryHR 821, the Social Media Child Protection Act, prohibits social media platforms from allowing children under 16 to access their services. It requires platforms to verify the age of all users (using government ID or other reasonable methods) and implement strict data security measures for user information. Enforcement is primarily handled by the Federal Trade Commission, with states also allowed to sue platforms for violations on behalf of residents. The bill directly affects major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and their users under 16. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryHR 887, the Securing Our Students Act, allows public and private schools to use unused funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) for specific school safety improvements. Public schools (via state subgrants) and private schools (via governors) can amend their applications to include safety measures like bulletproof windows, metal detectors, security personnel, and crisis communication systems. Schools must submit evidence-based plans detailing how these measures address safety needs and include professional development requirements. States and governors must report the percentage of ARP funds used for these safety purposes, ensuring transparency in how the funds are applied.
Maddy summaryThe Retain Skilled Veterans Act (HR 939) amends federal law to restrict appointments of retired military members to specific high-level positions within the Department of Defense (DoD). It limits such appointments to roles classified at or above GS-14 (a high pay grade) in the DoD’s excepted or competitive service, removing a prior exception that allowed broader "management" appointments. This change directly affects retired veterans seeking senior DoD roles, requiring them to qualify for the highest-level positions under this rule. The bill ensures these appointments apply only to defined senior roles, not routine or lower-level positions.
Maddy summaryHCONRES 9 is a symbolic resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that formally denounces socialism as incompatible with American values, citing historical examples of socialist regimes causing widespread suffering and authoritarian rule. It states Congress opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States. This resolution has no legal effect, does not change any laws, and serves solely as a non-binding statement of congressional opinion. It directly affects no individuals or policies, as it is purely a declarative position.