Maddy summaryThe DETERRENT Act requires colleges and universities to disclose foreign gifts and contracts worth $50,000 or more, including details about the foreign source, purpose, and value, with a public database for transparency. It establishes a waiver process for institutions seeking to contract with "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern" while imposing fines up to 100-200% of investment value for non-compliance. The law primarily affects institutions receiving federal funds, particularly those with significant research funding, and mandates policies for faculty and staff regarding foreign gifts. It also requires interagency sharing of information with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to address potential national security concerns.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from using facial recognition technology or facial matching software at airports without new congressional authorization. It requires the TSA to dispose of all existing facial biometric data (images and videos) within 90 days of the law's enactment. The bill modifies existing aviation security laws to explicitly exclude facial recognition technology from provisions covering biometric systems and security technologies. These changes directly affect TSA operations and travelers passing through airports, as the law restricts how passenger biometric data can be collected and used.
Maddy summarySRES 476 is a symbolic Senate resolution supporting the establishment of a National Move Over Law Day. It does not create new laws but urges national, state, and regional organizations to raise public awareness about existing state move-over laws, which require drivers to change lanes or slow down near roadside emergency responders. The resolution highlights that 50 traffic responders were killed in 2022 due to collisions while managing incidents, and cites the need for greater public education on these laws to improve safety. It specifically references the Federal Highway Administration’s Crash Responder Safety Week as part of ongoing efforts to reduce roadside collisions.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SRES 475) honoring the late basketball coach Bobby Knight. It recognizes his career achievements, including three NCAA championships at Indiana University, his 902 career coaching wins, high player graduation rates, and his 2023 passing. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for his legacy, dedication to basketball, and impact on players and Indiana University. As a non-binding honor, it has no policy effects or direct impact on any individuals or institutions.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to treat certain recreational trailers and campers the same as other vehicles for business financing purposes. It adds a specific definition to the tax code, including trailers or campers designed for temporary living (recreation, camping, or seasonal use) that are towed by or attached to a motor vehicle. This change directly affects RV dealerships and owners of qualifying vehicles by allowing them to use standard business financing tax rules. The policy change applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2022.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state and federal governments from denying contracts, funding, or licenses to child welfare service providers (including religious organizations and individuals) who decline to provide services conflicting with their sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. It specifically protects providers from adverse actions like refusing to renew contracts or canceling funding when their religious objections prevent them from offering certain services, such as foster care placements or adoption assistance. The law allows affected providers to sue for violations and requires states that violate the law to forfeit 15% of their federal child welfare funding. It applies to all federally funded child welfare services under Title IV of the Social Security Act, covering services like foster care, adoption support, and family preservation.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 471) expresses formal support for National Adoption Day (observed November 18, 2023) and National Adoption Month (November 2023). It promotes awareness about children in foster care awaiting adoption, celebrates adoption success stories, and encourages U.S. citizens to support efforts securing permanent, safe homes for all children. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight adoption needs. It specifically references foster care statistics (e.g., 114,000 children awaiting adoption) to underscore its purpose.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 43) is a joint resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans. It targets a specific rule (88 Fed. Reg. 43820, July 10, 2023) affecting borrowers in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. If passed, the resolution would make this rule void, preventing it from taking effect. The resolution uses a specific procedural mechanism under Title 5 of U.S. Code to achieve this disapproval. It directly impacts student loan borrowers who rely on income-driven repayment options.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3330) requires the Secretary of Labor to study whether pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) should be treated as fiduciaries under federal retirement law. The study would examine the impacts of a policy change that would make PBMs legally responsible for acting in the best interest of health plans and their members, including restrictions on certain fees tied to drug prices. It would not change current law but would assess how such a policy might affect PBM fee structures and transparency. The study must be completed within two years of the bill's enactment and reported to Congress.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create and maintain a publicly available list on the CMS website of hospitals that violate federal price transparency rules, including those fined, warned, or ordered to create corrective plans. It mandates full public disclosure of all related communications (like fines or warnings) without redaction under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress on enforcement activities and a GAO report with recommendations on improving transparency, potentially including revoking tax-exempt status for noncompliant hospitals. This directly affects hospitals failing to publish standard prices for common services, aiming to increase accountability for patients seeking cost information.