Maddy summaryThis bill would change how Social Security benefits are calculated for public servants who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security (such as many state and local government positions). It replaces the current Windfall Elimination Provision with a new formula that accounts for both covered and noncovered earnings when calculating benefits, rather than reducing benefits based on noncovered employment. The bill would provide additional monthly payments of $100 for some affected individuals and $50 for others, starting 270 days after enactment. It also requires Social Security account statements to show noncovered earnings and directs the Social Security Administration to study ways to improve information sharing with state pension systems about noncovered pensions. The changes would apply to benefits payable starting January 1, 2025.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill terminates all federal funding for FEMA's Shelter and Services Program effective upon enactment. It prohibits new appropriations for this program or any similar successor program. Any remaining funds from the program as of the enactment date will be transferred to support disaster relief efforts under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act. The change directly affects FEMA's budget operations but redirects existing resources to broader disaster assistance.
Maddy summaryHR 7032, the Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act, amends the 1974 Congressional Budget Act to give the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) clearer authority to quickly obtain data from executive branch agencies. The bill removes barriers to CBO requests by allowing data sharing "with or without written agreement," while requiring the CBO to maintain required confidentiality levels. It also prevents future laws from limiting this authority unless specifically referenced. The law directly affects the CBO and federal agencies that provide budget-related data, aiming to improve the CBO's ability to analyze government spending.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows states to require certain Medicaid recipients to work or participate in job training to maintain coverage. Specifically, it permits states to impose work requirements on nondisabled, nonelderly, nonpregnant adults (excluding those with children under 6, pregnant women, or individuals under 19). States must implement these requirements 120 days after the bill's enactment, but must exempt pregnant individuals, parents of young children, and others meeting specific criteria. The policy changes Medicaid eligibility rules for this group, giving states an optional pathway to condition benefits on work activity.
Maddy summaryHRES 1509 is a symbolic resolution designating the week beginning November 11, 2024, as "National Pregnancy Center Week." It recognizes community-supported pregnancy centers across the U.S. for providing services like pregnancy testing, counseling, ultrasounds, parenting education, and material support to individuals facing pregnancy decisions. The resolution highlights that these centers, which serve approximately 2 million people annually through volunteer and staff efforts, operate as local, nonprofit organizations. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges their role in offering support to women and men.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes legal immunity for vaccine manufacturers by allowing individuals injured by vaccines to sue them directly in court after filing a claim with the federal vaccine injury compensation program (VICP). It eliminates time limits for filing VICP claims (previously 24-36 months) and explicitly excludes COVID-19 vaccines from the program's coverage. The changes affect people seeking compensation for vaccine injuries and vaccine manufacturers, who will no longer automatically avoid lawsuits. The bill also repeals provisions that previously restricted legal action after VICP claims.
Maddy summaryHJRES 136 is a resolution seeking to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have set new emissions standards for light and medium-duty vehicles sold in 2027 and later model years. The EPA rule, published in April 2024, aimed to require vehicle manufacturers to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing the EPA from enforcing the new standards. It uses a congressional process that allows Congress to reject agency rules with a simple majority vote.
Maddy summaryHJRES 207 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rule implementing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. It seeks to block the EEOC's specific guidance (published April 19, 2024) that outlines how employers must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. If passed, the resolution would make this EEOC rule "have no force or effect," preventing its enforcement. The measure directly affects employers subject to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by halting the implementation of the EEOC's regulatory guidance.
Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on April 19, 2024. The resolution seeks to block the ATF's rule that redefined the term "engaged in the business" for firearm dealers, which would have affected how federal licensing requirements apply to certain sellers. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The bill directly impacts firearm dealers operating under the current regulatory framework and the ATF's enforcement authority.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to better assess how regulations impact small businesses by expanding the types of regulations that must be analyzed, requiring consideration of both negative and positive economic effects, and adding detailed analysis requirements. It expands the definition of "small entity" to include tribal organizations, adds requirements for analyzing land management plans and certain tax-related rules, and gives the Small Business Administration's Chief Counsel additional authority to review agency rules. The bill also includes a provision to waive fines for small businesses' first-time paperwork violations, aiming to make the regulatory process more responsive to small business needs.