Sen. Katie Boyd Britt

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summarySJRES 73 is a joint resolution introduced by Senators Rubio, Cotton, and others seeking to disapprove a federal rule issued by multiple agencies, including Education, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, regarding partnerships with faith-based and neighborhood organizations. The rule, published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2024, would have established guidelines for these partnerships. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect by invoking a standard congressional disapproval process under federal law. The resolution is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 72) seeks congressional disapproval of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requiring companies to standardize climate-related financial disclosures for investors. If passed, it would block the SEC’s rule (published March 28, 2024) from taking effect, directly affecting public companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. The resolution uses a specific legal process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to invalidate the rule without altering its content. It does not create new regulations but halts the implementation of the SEC’s existing climate disclosure proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell commemorative coins honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 100,000), $1 silver coins (max 500,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all with designs reflecting soccer and the World Cup. A surcharge is added to each coin sale ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars), with all surcharge revenue going directly to FWC2026 US, Inc. to fund U.S. soccer programs, particularly youth initiatives and underserved communities. The coins may only be sold during 2026 and must cover all costs to avoid government expense.

Maddy summaryThe NIH IMPROVE Act (S 4147) creates a new federal research initiative at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on reducing maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the U.S. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum individuals, particularly those from racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic groups facing health disparities. The bill authorizes $53.4 million annually (2025-2031) to fund grants and research projects studying biological, social, and structural factors contributing to maternal health outcomes, including community-based interventions and causes like cardiovascular disease and mental health. This initiative requires NIH to build evidence on solutions to address disparities, with a specific emphasis on supporting researchers from underrepresented minority groups.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It specifically applies to cases involving discrimination based on actual or perceived Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics in schools and federally funded programs. The bill clarifies that this guidance does not expand the Department's authority, alter existing discrimination standards, or affect First Amendment rights. It aims to ensure consistent enforcement against antisemitism under existing civil rights law, as previously adopted by the Department of Education.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to change how union representation elections are conducted. It requires workers to be selected for collective bargaining through secret ballot elections overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), rather than being "designated or selected" as currently allowed. The bill also mandates that the NLRB must hold a hearing and rule on disputes about worker eligibility or election legality before any vote can occur, delaying elections until these issues are resolved. This directly affects workers seeking union representation and employers challenging election procedures. The key change is requiring NLRB review of election disputes before voting, aiming to prevent delays caused by legal challenges.

Maddy summaryThe Clergy Act (S 4126) allows ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners to revoke their existing exemption from Social Security taxes. It requires them to file a revocation application by the tax return deadline for the second year after 2025, with back payments due if filed late. Once revoked, they must pay Social Security taxes on their self-employment income starting from the specified year (either 2026 or 2027) for all future years, with no option to reapply for the exemption. The bill also mandates the IRS to create an outreach plan informing these religious workers about this new option within 90 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023 establishes a permanent program to preserve and revitalize rural affordable housing projects financed under sections 514, 515, and 516 of the Housing Act of 1949, directly affecting low-income rural residents and housing owners. It creates mechanisms for loan restructuring to maintain safe, affordable housing, including options like reducing interest rates, deferring payments, and subordinating debt. The bill also creates a new Native CDFI relending program to increase homeownership opportunities for Native American communities and extends the maximum term of direct loans from 30 to 40 years. Additionally, it establishes procedures for renewing rental assistance contracts for up to 20 years and adjusts the process for updating housing voucher amounts based on changes in household income or composition.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 updates the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program to create more affordable housing options. Key provisions include increasing state funding allocations through revised per capita and minimum amount calculations, modifying tenant eligibility rules to better protect vulnerable populations (including domestic violence victims), and expanding the program's reach to Native American communities and rural areas. The bill also changes the program's name from "Low-income Housing Credit" to "Affordable Housing Credit" and makes administrative improvements to enhance transparency and accountability. These changes aim to make it easier for developers to create and maintain affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income households.