Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution condemns violent protests on college campuses that are described as anti-American and anti-Israel. It references specific incidents like flag desecration and over 1,500 arrests since April 2024, but the resolution itself has no legal force or policy changes. The Senate expresses support for law enforcement and campus officials who restored American flags during these demonstrations. The resolution focuses on symbolic condemnation, not new laws or enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 682) condemns the Biden Administration's decision to pause specific weapons shipments to Israel, including 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, as reported on May 7, 2024. It demands the administration immediately resume military aid to Israel to support its defense against threats from Hamas and Iran. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. historical commitment to providing military assistance to Israel, citing over $158 billion in aid since World War II. As a symbolic Senate resolution, it does not change policy but formally opposes the pause in weapons transfers.

Maddy summaryThe MOMS Act establishes a federal website called "pregnancy.gov" that will provide a searchable directory of resources for pregnant and postpartum women, including medical care, housing assistance, nutrition support, and parenting services, with features to locate resources by ZIP code and language preference. It creates a grant program to fund nonprofit organizations that help women carry pregnancies to term and provide services like adoption referrals, mental health support, and childcare assistance, while prohibiting funding for abortion-related services or organizations that provide or support abortions. The bill also amends child support laws to allow enforcement of support obligations for unborn children, beginning from the month of conception with the mother's consent, and requires that all resources listed on the website comply with specific criteria excluding certain organizations. The website must be available in multiple languages and will include user feedback mechanisms to identify resource gaps in communities. This legislation aims to improve access to prenatal and postnatal care, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas, through these coordinated resource and support systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4302, "No HAMAS Act") suspends eligibility for federal student financial aid (grants, loans, work assistance) under the Higher Education Act of 1965 for students convicted of specific protest-related offenses at colleges. It directly affects students convicted under federal or state law for trespassing, damaging campus property, or participating in unlawful assemblies/riots during protests at higher education institutions. The key provision denies all Title IV financial aid to these individuals for aid provided on or after July 1, 2025. The bill amends Section 484 of the Higher Education Act to add this restriction, targeting conduct occurring during campus protests.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends two existing laws to prevent U.S. funding for United Nations agencies that grant Palestine any status, rights, or privileges beyond its current observer status. It directly affects U.S. foreign aid decisions by requiring the State Department to withhold funds from UN bodies that elevate Palestine's standing. The key mechanism replaces "full membership" with "any status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status" in two funding provisions. The bill explicitly excludes Taiwan from these restrictions. (Procedural bill; 4 sentences)

Maddy summarySRES 673 is a commemorative Senate resolution honoring the late David Hampton Pryor, who served as a U.S. Senator for Arkansas from 1978 to 1997. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and deliver a copy to his family. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing Pryor’s career as a legislator, governor, and public servant. The resolution concludes with the Senate adjourning as a mark of respect for his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 668) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring the late Senator Daniel Robert "Bob" Graham of Florida, who died on November 9, 2023. It formally expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and deliver a copy to his family. The resolution commemorates Graham's career as a Florida senator (1987-2005), governor (1979-1987), and his work on the 9/11 intelligence inquiry, but does not create any new laws or affect constituents. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to memorialize his service.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SRES 669), not a law. It designates October 10, 2024, as "American Girls in Sports Day" to recognize the impact of women in sports and support for Title IX protections. The resolution calls on sports organizations to protect biological women and girls in competition, referencing claims about biological differences and displacement in championships. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect and does not change existing policies or laws.

Maddy summarySRES 670 is a Senate resolution condemning the rise of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses, citing a 700% increase in incidents since October 7, 2023, as tracked by Hillel International. It specifically criticizes campus administrators who enabled antisemitic activities, including protests expressing support for Hamas and targeting Jewish students. The resolution urges the Department of Education to ensure colleges comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on national origin - including antisemitism. It directly affects Jewish students, Israeli students, and campus administrators, while calling for enforcement of existing civil rights protections. The resolution does not create new laws but serves as a formal statement of condemnation and a call for accountability.

Maddy summarySRES 671 is a ceremonial Senate resolution supporting the designation of April 28-May 4, 2024, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the U.S. for their economic contributions, noting they support over 62 million jobs through 33 million businesses. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of small businesses' resilience and role in strengthening local economies. As a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, it does not impose requirements or directly affect specific entities.