Maddy summaryThis bill, S 5249 (NO GOTION Act), denies U.S. green energy tax benefits to companies connected to specific countries designated as "countries of concern." It directly affects U.S. companies with ties to nations like China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela under Maduro, or Syria - defined as entities controlled by these governments or with significant ownership by them. The law removes eligibility for tax credits under sections 30C, 40, 45, 45Q, and other green energy provisions in the tax code. Companies meeting the "disqualified company" definition lose access to these benefits, effectively redirecting tax incentives away from firms linked to these nations. The policy change takes effect for taxable years after enactment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to clarify and improve legal pathways for victims. It directly affects individuals exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (1953-1987) who developed health issues, including latent or potential harm. Key changes include lowering the proof standard to show a causal link between contamination and health harm (requiring it to be "at least as likely as not"), updating residency requirements to 30 days, and revising attorney fee limits to 20% for pre-litigation settlements and 25% for court judgments. The bill also specifies jurisdiction in North Carolina courts and allows case transfers within the fourth judicial circuit. These technical corrections aim to streamline claims processing for existing and future victims.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award Robert M. Gates, former Director of Central Intelligence and Secretary of Defense, a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his 27 years of public service to the United States. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, honors his roles in ending the Cold War, leading military transitions in Iraq/Afghanistan, and supporting veterans' welfare. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct effects beyond honoring Gates' career.
Maddy summaryThis bill would end the special trade status that allows Chinese goods to enter the United States at lower tariff rates. It would require U.S. customs to apply higher tariff rates (minimum 35% for most goods, 100% for certain specified items) to Chinese imports, with these rates phased in over five years. The legislation also creates a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers who lose sales due to retaliatory measures by China. The bill is based on findings that China has not complied with trade agreements and has engaged in practices harming U.S. businesses and workers. The legislation aims to address what Congress views as an ongoing trade imbalance and economic harm caused by China's trade practices.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3181) renames a U.S. Customs and Border Protection marine unit in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, as the "Michel O. Maceda Marine Unit" in honor of Marine Interdiction Agent Michel O. Maceda. It directly affects government documents and records referencing this specific unit by requiring all future references to use the new name. The bill updates official records, maps, and regulations to reflect the designation, with no new policies or funding changes. It commemorates Agent Maceda, who died in 2022 while conducting a drug interdiction operation off Puerto Rico's coast. (This is a procedural commemorative bill, so the summary is concise.)
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - 223 women who served as Army Signal Corps telephone operators in WWI. They connected 26 million calls in France, worked 12-hour shifts under combat conditions, and were denied veteran benefits for 60 years despite wearing uniforms and facing combat hazards. The medal recognizes their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and the decades-long struggle for recognition as soldiers. It directs the Treasury to strike the medal and place it in the Smithsonian for public display at institutions like the National WWI Museum.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal anti-discrimination law to explicitly include antisemitism as a protected category under Title VI, requiring colleges and universities receiving federal funds to address antisemitic harassment. It defines antisemitism broadly to cover both verbal and physical acts targeting Jewish individuals or institutions, and clarifies that "deliberate indifference" to severe, pervasive harassment constitutes discrimination. Colleges found repeatedly violating these standards face escalating fines - 10% for a second violation within five years, and 33% for a third - applied to their federal funding. The law does not create new rights but strengthens enforcement of existing protections against antisemitism in campus environments.
Maddy summarySRES 838 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating November 17, 2024, as "National Warrior Call Day." It aims to raise awareness about veteran and military member mental health by emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer connections during transition from service. The resolution cites statistics showing high veteran suicide rates (33.9 per 100,000 in 2021) and encourages all Americans to reach out to veterans or active-duty personnel for support. It does not create new laws or funding but urges public engagement through "making a warrior call" to prevent isolation. This resolution directly affects public awareness and voluntary actions, not specific individuals or programs.
Maddy summaryThe VETS Opportunity Act of 2024 modifies how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers education benefits for veterans. It requires independent study programs to include "regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors" to qualify for VA benefits, and clarifies that participating institutions must be accredited under federal student aid programs (Title IV of the Higher Education Act). This change directly affects veterans using VA education benefits for independent study courses, ensuring these programs meet specific educational standards. The policy applies to terms beginning August 1, 2024, or later.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. government agencies from purchasing biotechnology equipment or services from specific foreign companies tied to national security threats. It bans contracts with entities like BGI, MGI, and Wuxi Apptec (and their affiliates) that pose risks through ties to foreign adversaries, particularly regarding genetic data collection. Exceptions cover intelligence activities, overseas health care for military personnel, and publicly available genetic data. The ban takes effect 60-180 days after implementing guidance is issued, with limited waivers allowed for national security or overseas health care needs.