Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use the Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model for calculating lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels. Specifically, the EPA must adopt this model within 90 days of the bill's enactment and update its methodology every five years, using GREET for the first update and allowing flexibility for future updates. It directly affects fuel producers seeking EPA approval for new fuel pathways, as the EPA must apply the GREET model when assigning D codes (approval identifiers) to those pathways. The bill also mandates a report to Congress if the EPA misses update deadlines, explaining the delay.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived under an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, including a specific waiver related to funds from South Korea to Qatar (documented in a September 11, 2023, congressional transmission). It blocks any U.S. government action to release funds or assets to Iran under that agreement and prohibits future waivers, suspensions, or relief for these sanctions. The bill directly affects Iran's access to certain financial assets tied to the agreement. It targets concrete policy changes by reversing prior relief without altering broader sanctions frameworks.

This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Maddy summaryS.3028, the PUNISH Act of 2023, extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by preventing their modification or removal until a specified termination date. It requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress assessing whether Iran's government or affiliated entities (like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have engaged in activities such as assassinations, violence against U.S. citizens, or politically motivated detention of Iranian nationals in the U.S. The bill maintains current sanctions tied to Executive Orders 13871, 13876, 13902, and 13949, as well as sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund. These measures remain in effect until the President certifies compliance with specific conditions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

Maddy summarySRES 391 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as "National Character Counts Week." It does not create new laws or obligations but encourages schools, families, youth organizations, and communities to focus on character education during that week. The resolution calls on these groups to embrace core values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and caring through events and activities. It is a non-binding recognition effort aimed at promoting character development among young people, not a policy change affecting specific individuals or programs.

Maddy summarySRES 310 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for 50 years of providing motorcycle safety education. It honors the MSF's work in developing rider training programs used by 46 states and the military, which have trained 10 million motorcyclists through its Basic Rider Course. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or policies - it solely acknowledges the organization's contributions to rider safety education. This is a ceremonial gesture with no legislative impact beyond recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force to address foreign trade barriers harming U.S. agricultural exports, with initial focus on India’s WTO-violating price support programs for rice, wheat, and other commodities. The Task Force, led by the U.S. Trade Representative and Agriculture Secretary, identifies systemic barriers, develops WTO dispute strategies, and consults with industry and allies to build cases. It must submit quarterly reports to Congress detailing identified barriers, progress on disputes, and ongoing WTO case status. The bill specifically targets India’s subsidies (e.g., rice price supports at 93.9% of production value, exceeding WTO limits) but directs the Task Force to address all significant agricultural trade barriers.

This resolution supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.