Maddy summaryThe REPAIR Act of 2023 streamlines federal project authorization reviews by establishing a 30-day deadline for judicial challenges, limiting review to cases with "direct and tangible harm" (physical injury or uncompensated economic loss), and requiring a mediation process overseen by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to resolve court decisions that vacate or remand authorizations. It mandates agencies to reauthorize projects within 15 days after mediation concludes, creates a public database tracking cases exceeding 90 days of judicial review, and amends the National Environmental Policy Act to limit standing for environmental review challenges. This legislation primarily affects project sponsors seeking federal project approvals, agencies issuing authorizations, and those challenging authorizations in court. The bill aims to reduce delays in project development by streamlining the legal review process for federal authorizations. It does not create new rights of action but establishes clearer timelines and procedures for existing judicial review processes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySJRES 47 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Justice rule about home confinement for federal prisoners under the CARES Act. The rule, published in April 2023, would have established guidelines allowing the Justice Department to use home confinement as an alternative to prison for certain inmates during the pandemic. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It follows the standard process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, for Congress to reject agency regulations.
Maddy summarySJRES 42 is a resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) rule that updated how discrimination complaints are processed in federal food assistance programs (like SNAP). The rule applied the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County decision - which prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity - to the handling of program discrimination complaints. If passed, this resolution would block the FNS rule from taking effect, preventing it from changing existing complaint procedures. The measure uses the Congressional Review Act process to overturn the rule without altering program benefits or eligibility.
Maddy summarySRES 434 is a non-binding Senate resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, first articulated by President James Monroe in 1823. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups; instead, it formally recognizes the historical significance of the doctrine's principles. The resolution reasserts the U.S. position opposing external powers extending "malign influence" in the Western Hemisphere, citing recent U.S. military posture statements about Chinese and Russian activities in Latin America and the Caribbean. It serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of the doctrine's enduring influence on U.S. foreign policy, without implementing any concrete policy changes.
Maddy summarySRES 435 is a Senate resolution designating October 30 through November 4, 2023, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who own small businesses, highlighting their role in the economy (over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses employing 2.9 million people). The resolution expresses support for veterans' entrepreneurship, encourages policies reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and thanks veterans for their service through business ownership. This is a symbolic recognition with no new legal requirements or funding.
This resolution recognizes October 2023 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
Maddy summaryThe Don’t DO IT Act would require the federal government to deny right-of-way applications for solar and wind energy projects on federal land if a state legislature has passed specific legislation disapproving that project. The Secretary of the Interior must deny the application upon receiving notice from the state Governor that the state legislature enacted disapproval legislation. This directly affects renewable energy developers seeking federal land permits and grants states authority to block such projects within their borders. The bill does not change federal approval standards for other projects or mandate state disapproval - it only triggers a federal denial when a state specifically disapproves a project.
Maddy summaryThe FIRESHEDS Act establishes a new framework for managing wildfire risk on federal lands by creating "fireshed management areas" through agreements between federal agencies and state governors. These areas, designated in the top 10% of wildfire exposure risk, allow faster implementation of projects like fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and fire breaks without full environmental reviews under NEPA. The law prioritizes protecting communities, infrastructure, and watersheds while requiring annual progress reports to Congress. It applies to National Forest System lands and public lands, with specific exclusions for wilderness areas and roadless zones.
Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.