Maddy summaryThis bill creates a private right for victims (or their families) of serious crimes committed by aliens to sue states or local governments that failed to comply with federal immigration detainer requests. It allows lawsuits for compensatory damages if a state/local entity did not follow DHS requests regarding an alien convicted of murder, rape, or a felony (1+ year sentence), and the victim would not have been harmed had the alien been detained. States accepting certain federal grants (like community development funds) must waive sovereign immunity to be sued under this law, with a 10-year statute of limitations from the crime or victim's death. The bill directly affects states or localities with "sanctuary policies" that restrict sharing immigration status or complying with detainers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 3933, the Laken Riley Act, amends immigration law to require mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with certain crimes like theft or burglary, rather than allowing release. It directly affects individuals facing these charges and gives state attorneys general the legal standing to sue federal agencies (like DHS or the State Department) if they claim immigration policies caused the state or residents financial harm exceeding $100. Key provisions include requiring Homeland Security to take custody of such individuals and establishing new court procedures for states to seek injunctions against federal immigration enforcement actions. The bill does not change border policies but focuses on detention requirements and state legal challenges to federal immigration enforcement.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program allowing families in HUD housing assistance programs to automatically save rent increases tied to their earned income growth. It establishes interest-bearing savings accounts funded by rent hikes from income gains, with funds accessible after 5 years or when leaving welfare programs. Families earning above 80% of local median income are excluded, and participants can opt out at any time. The 10-year pilot, funded with $2 million, aims to help low-income families build savings without affecting other benefits.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 63) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) concerning worker classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The DOL rule (published January 10, 2024) aimed to clarify how businesses must classify workers as employees or independent contractors for purposes of minimum wage and overtime pay. If passed, this resolution would formally disapprove the rule under a statutory process (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code), preventing it from taking effect. The rule directly affects employers across industries who use independent contractors and their workers, as it would change how worker status is determined under federal labor law.
Maddy summarySRES 569 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental human right and expressing concern over global threats to religious freedom. It condemns efforts to suppress religious expression - including criminalizing conversion, advocacy, or religious site construction - and urges the State Department to prioritize religious freedom in foreign policy, including through diplomatic engagement and sanctions. The resolution does not create new laws but emphasizes the importance of religious freedom for democracy and global stability, referencing ongoing violations in countries like China, Burma, and Iran. It calls for continued support for religious freedom advocates and the application of existing tools like the International Religious Freedom Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. immigration law to make certain DUI convictions grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. It adds new provisions stating that any non-citizen (alien) convicted of driving while intoxicated or impaired (as defined by state law, including DUI/DWI) is automatically inadmissible upon entry and deportable if already in the U.S. The law applies regardless of whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under state or federal law. It directly affects non-citizens with such convictions, potentially preventing entry or leading to removal from the United States.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3832) creates new Medicare Part D coverage rules for specific non-opioid pain management drugs starting in 2025. It requires Medicare plans to waive deductibles and place these drugs on the lowest copay tier for beneficiaries, while banning step therapy (forcing opioid use first) and prior authorization for them. The bill applies to Medicare Part D beneficiaries seeking pain treatment and directly affects Medicare plans' coverage rules. To qualify, drugs must be FDA-approved for pain, non-opioid, have no equally effective alternative drug available, and meet cost limits set by the government.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Federal Reserve and Treasury from issuing or using central bank digital currency (CBDC) - a digital form of U.S. dollars backed by the Federal Reserve. It bans the Fed from offering CBDC directly to individuals or indirectly through banks (Section 2-3), prevents using CBDC for monetary policy (Section 4), and requires congressional approval for any future CBDC issuance (Section 5). The law explicitly protects existing physical currency and open digital payment systems that preserve privacy (Section 6). It directly affects the Federal Reserve System and Treasury, restricting their ability to develop or deploy digital currency without new legislation.
Maddy summarySRES 553 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Jean A. Carnahan, who served as Missouri’s first female U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2002 after her husband’s passing. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow over her death, recognizes her service as First Lady of Missouri and U.S. Senator, and her advocacy for families and veterans. It directs the Senate Secretary to share the resolution with the House and Carnahan’s family, with no substantive policy changes or affected parties. This is a standard commemorative measure with no legislative impact.
This resolution supports the designation of February 17-February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.