Sen. Mike Braun

Maddy summaryThis bill requires large broadband providers and major online services (like social media, streaming platforms, and search engines) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which helps bring affordable broadband to rural and high-cost areas. It exempts smaller companies with under $5 billion in annual U.S. revenue or that transmit less than 3% of U.S. internet traffic. The Federal Communications Commission must create a new support mechanism to assist eligible rural broadband providers, limiting aid to one provider per area. The goal is to expand fund contributions and ensure predictable support for affordable broadband access.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 49 seeks congressional disapproval of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that would have established a new standard for determining when two or more companies are considered "joint employers" under labor law. The rule, published in October 2023, would have affected businesses with complex employment structures, such as franchisors and contractors, by altering how joint employer liability is assessed for wage, hour, and union representation matters. If passed, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving the previous standard for joint employer determinations. The bill was introduced by Senators Cassidy, Manchin, Braun, McConnell, Marshall, Cramer, Capito, and Paul and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Maddy summaryThe NOTICE Act (S 3218) requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to notify state governors and local government leaders before transporting immigrants from within 100 miles of the U.S. border to another state or jurisdiction. This notification must include each immigrant’s name, country of origin, age, sex, criminal convictions, gang affiliations, and the security screenings they underwent. The law directly affects state and local officials who receive these pre-transport alerts, aiming to provide transparency about immigrant movements. It applies to all federal agencies or funded entities handling such transportation, focusing on mandatory disclosure of specific personal and security details.

Maddy summaryS 3216, the Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2023, amends federal transit grant rules to incentivize housing development near transit. It defines "pro-housing policies" as local actions removing regulatory barriers (like reducing parking minimums or streamlining approvals for multi-family housing) and adds a 1-point rating boost in grant evaluations for projects demonstrating such policies within walking distance of transit. This directly affects transit project applicants seeking federal capital investment grants by making it easier to secure funding if they incorporate housing-friendly local policies. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes in grant scoring, not on mandating new housing construction, and requires consultation with HUD to assess expected housing outcomes.

Maddy summaryThe Justice for Angel Families Act (S 3209) expands federal victim compensation to include "angel families" - immediate family members of homicide victims caused by specific offenders, such as unlawfully present immigrants or members of international drug cartels. It amends the Victims of Crime Act to cover medical, mental health, wage loss, and funeral expenses for these families. The bill also creates a new Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office within Homeland Security to provide victims and families with a dedicated hotline, immigration process support, case referrals, and annual reports tracking crime demographics and locations. These changes directly affect families of homicide victims where the perpetrator falls under the defined categories, aiming to improve access to resources and data collection.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change the federal budget process from an annual cycle to a biennial (every two years) cycle. It revises deadlines for key budget actions, requiring the President to submit a biennial budget by February 1st of odd-numbered years and Congress to complete budget resolutions by May 15th. The bill updates numerous references from "fiscal year" to "biennium" throughout budget-related laws, requiring budget resolutions and appropriations bills to cover two consecutive fiscal years. This change would directly affect the President, Congress, and federal agencies, which would need to adjust their budget planning and reporting processes to align with the new biennial cycle starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates over $14 billion in emergency funding to support Israel's security following the October 7, 2023, attacks. It provides specific funding for military equipment (including $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling systems), defense research ($1.35 billion for Iron Beam system development), and diplomatic support ($150 million for crisis response). The bill includes requirements for regular congressional reporting on fund usage, modifications to facilitate defense transfers to Israel, and budgetary offsets from other accounts. Funds are designated as emergency requirements and must be used for specific security purposes related to Israel's defense needs. The bill directly affects U.S. security assistance to Israel and establishes transparency through detailed reporting requirements to Congress.

Maddy summaryS 1564, the AI Leadership Training Act, requires federal agencies to provide annual training on artificial intelligence to management officials, supervisors, and other designated employees. The training covers AI fundamentals, risks, ethical considerations, federal procurement and safety practices, data risks, system failures, and mitigation strategies. The program must be updated every two years and includes metrics to track participation and gather feedback. The bill expires automatically 10 years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe TREATS Act (S 3193) modifies federal rules to allow telehealth visits for initial evaluations when prescribing certain medications to treat substance use disorders. It directly affects patients seeking medication-assisted treatment and healthcare providers prescribing FDA-approved medications for addiction (in schedules III-V). The bill replaces the requirement for a mandatory in-person medical evaluation with an option for a telehealth evaluation using approved video or audio systems. This change applies specifically to prescriptions for addiction treatment medications, expanding access for patients in remote or underserved areas. The policy change streamlines the process without altering medication approval or coverage requirements.

Maddy summaryS 3179, the "Stop Woke Investing Act," limits the number of shareholder proposals that publicly traded companies must include in their proxy materials based on the company's filing status with the SEC. Non-accelerated filers (smaller companies) must include no more than two proposals, accelerated filers up to four, and large accelerated filers up to seven. Proposals must have a "material" financial impact on the company - meaning they directly affect financial risk or return - excluding those focused on social, environmental, or ideological goals. The bill requires companies to disclose their selection method for proposals and ensures the order of receipt doesn't influence inclusion.