Maddy summaryThe Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act of 2024 requires the Army Corps of Engineers to update reservoir operations using weather forecasts to improve water supply during droughts, particularly in California, Nevada, and Arizona. It establishes a pilot program allowing the Corps to prioritize water supply during drought emergencies at specific projects while maintaining flood management and existing agreements. The bill also permits non-Federal entities to contribute funds for water conservation and drought resilience measures, including removing invasive species and restoring wetlands. These changes apply to reservoirs managed under the Corps’ authority, focusing on practical adjustments to existing infrastructure without altering project purposes or state water rights.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Colorado River Salinity Control Fix Act revises cost-sharing for salinity control projects in the Colorado River Basin. It requires the federal government to cover 70% to 85% of construction, operation, and maintenance costs for different project types (e.g., 85% for on-farm measures), reducing financial burdens on states and local water management entities. For fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the bill temporarily increases federal coverage for certain projects. This directly affects agricultural users and water agencies in the basin by altering their cost responsibilities under the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce three commemorative coins honoring Roberto Clemente: $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar clad coins, with specified quantities (50,000 gold, 400,000 silver, 750,000 half-dollars). The coins must feature Clemente’s image and include inscriptions like "Roberto Clemente" and "2027," with surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin respectively) funding the Roberto Clemente Foundation for youth sports, education, and disaster relief. All coins must be sold between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027, at face value plus surcharge, with the foundation audited for fund use. The legislation affects no citizens or policies - it solely creates a commemorative coin program.
Maddy summarySRES 916 is a ceremonial Senate resolution passed on November 21, 2024, congratulating the Los Angeles Dodgers for winning the 2024 Major League Baseball World Series. It recognizes the team's victory over the New York Yankees in five games, their 98-64 regular-season record, and key players like Freddie Freeman (World Series MVP) and Shohei Ohtani (historic 50-home run/50-stolen-base season). The resolution directs the Senate Secretary to send a copy to Dodgers leadership, including owner Mark Walter, president Stan Kasten, and manager Dave Roberts. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals beyond this symbolic recognition.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 902) honoring the late Senator Timothy Peter Johnson of South Dakota, who died after a long career in public service. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and send a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a formal expression of respect for a former senator. The resolution commemorates his decades of service, including his time as Chairman of the Banking Committee and his return to work after a serious health setback.
Maddy summaryThe National Institutes of Clean Energy Act of 2024 establishes a new agency within the Department of Energy by 2028 to fund clean energy research and development. It authorizes $40 billion over 10 years (2025-2034) for projects focused on reducing emissions, building climate resilience, and addressing environmental injustices. The Institutes must prioritize research in advanced energy technologies, climate science, and impacts on frontline communities (including communities of color and low-income areas disproportionately affected by pollution), while supporting job creation in unionized sectors. Key projects include microgrids, energy storage, electric vehicles, and long-duration grid storage, with funding directed to public universities, land-grant institutions, and minority-serving colleges.
Maddy summaryS 5395, the Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act, creates two new offices within the Supreme Court to strengthen ethics oversight. The Office of Ethics Counsel advises justices and their spouses on financial disclosures, gift acceptance, conflicts of interest, and other ethics matters. The Office of Investigative Counsel reviews and investigates ethics complaints filed by congressional leaders, conducts investigations, and reports findings to the Chief Justice (or senior associate justice if the Chief is the subject), with results made available to Congress. The bill requires annual reporting to Congress on ethics advice provided and mandates biannual ethics training for justices, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in the Court's operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Integrated Water Management Federal Leadership Committee to coordinate federal agencies (like the Bureau of Reclamation and Fish and Wildlife Service) in supporting habitat restoration projects led by local entities. It also allows water users (transferors) who temporarily sell or lease water rights to keep the revenue instead of depositing it into the general reclamation fund. Instead, these funds can be used for drought resilience projects, dam safety upgrades, or maintenance costs related to Bureau of Reclamation facilities. Unused funds must be returned to the reclamation fund after 10 years, and users must report how the money is spent. The bill directly affects water users and local groups working on habitat restoration within Reclamation project watersheds.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an interest-bearing account within the U.S. Treasury to manage non-federal contributions for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. The account will hold funds from participating states (referred to as "State Parties" in the program's agreement), including any interest earned from investing these funds. The program can use these funds for conservation activities without requiring new annual appropriations from Congress. Participating states are protected from financial losses due to investments made with their contributions.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes specific funding for water infrastructure projects in North Dakota and tribal communities. It allocates $120 million (indexed) for the Northwest Area Water Supply Plant, $454 million for the McClusky Canal project, $50 million for the Southwest Pipeline, and $63 million for rural water districts. Additionally, it provides $743 million (indexed) for tribal water systems, including $275 million for the Three Affiliated Tribes Reservation and $240 million for the Standing Rock Reservation. The funds are subject to indexing for construction cost fluctuations and must be used for specified project components as outlined in the bill.