Sen. Mike Braun

Maddy summarySRES 290 is a symbolic Senate resolution honoring Oliver Hazard Perry Morton, Indiana's first native-born governor and a key Union supporter during the Civil War. It commemorates the 200th anniversary of his birth (2023) and recognizes his leadership as Indiana governor (1861-1867), his role in raising troops and funding for the Civil War effort, and his later service as a U.S. Senator (1867-1877). The resolution expresses the Senate's view that Morton's dedication preserved the Union and enriched Indiana's legacy. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summarySRES 284 is a Senate resolution expressing support for designating June 2023 as "National Dairy Month." It recognizes the dairy industry's role in providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D for a healthy diet, its economic impact (supporting $793 billion in U.S. economic activity and 3.2 million jobs), and dairy producers' environmental stewardship. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the industry's contributions. It was introduced by multiple senators and refers to nutritional guidelines emphasizing dairy's health benefits.

Maddy summaryS 2244, the USDA Spending Accountability Act of 2023, requires Congress to specifically authorize any use of funds by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) under its general powers. The bill mandates that unobligated CCC funds designated for operations not specifically authorized by Congress must be transferred to the Treasury and permanently rescinded. This procedural change directly affects the CCC's ability to manage its budget, ensuring only congressionally approved activities can use its funds. It does not create new programs or alter policy for farmers or consumers.

Maddy summaryThe SHOPP Act of 2023 amends the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program to expand eligibility for nutrition incentives. It adds legumes (like beans and lentils) to the list of eligible items and allows fresh frozen fruits and vegetables to be used year-round, instead of requiring only fresh produce. This directly affects low-income SNAP participants in the program who use incentives to buy healthier foods. The changes take effect March 6, 2024, making frozen produce and legumes accessible year-round under the incentive.

Maddy summaryThe CADETS Act (S. 467) modifies the Student Incentive Payment Program at State maritime academies by requiring students to meet the Navy Reserve's age requirement for enlistment or commission at the time of graduation, rather than at the time of enrollment. This change directly affects students enrolled in State maritime academies who seek financial incentives to support their education. The bill updates the eligibility criteria in 46 U.S.C. § 51509 to align graduation-age requirements with Navy Reserve standards. It ensures students qualify for payments only if they are eligible to join the Navy Reserve immediately after completing their studies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal hiring rules to expand eligibility for certain remote work positions to military spouses. It directly affects spouses of active-duty, disabled, or deceased members of the Armed Forces by adding them to the list of eligible candidates for remote work roles in federal agencies. The key provision modifies Title 5, U.S. Code, to include military spouses as a designated category for appointment to positions requiring remote work, which is defined as work not requiring regular in-office presence. The bill does not create new positions but changes existing hiring criteria to prioritize military spouses for remote opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 36) seeks congressional disapproval of a Department of Labor rule (88 Fed. Reg. 12842, March 1, 2023) that would have removed religious exemption provisions from the Equal Opportunity Clause requirements for federal contractors. If approved, it would prevent the rule from taking effect, meaning federal contractors would continue to be required to comply with the Equal Opportunity Clause without the religious exemption previously allowed. The bill directly affects federal contractors subject to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs' (OFCCP) regulations. It is a procedural disapproval measure under Title 5, U.S. Code, not a new policy change.

Maddy summarySJRES 11 is a joint resolution seeking to cancel an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that set new emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks and buses. The rule, published in the Federal Register on January 24, 2023, would have required manufacturers to meet specific pollution control measures for new vehicles. This resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under the Congressional Review Act to nullify the EPA rule, meaning it would have no legal effect if enacted. If passed, the EPA's emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles would be voided, removing requirements for manufacturers to comply with those specific pollution controls.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution states that military action taken under NATO's mutual defense clause (Article 5) does not override Congress's constitutional duty to declare war before U.S. forces engage in hostilities. It clarifies that the President cannot use NATO obligations as justification for military action without prior Congressional authorization. The resolution directly addresses how NATO commitments interact with the Constitution's war powers requirement. As a formal Senate expression of opinion, it has no legal effect but aims to reinforce Congress's role in military decisions.

Maddy summarySRES 267 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating June 18-24, 2023, as "National Women’s Sports Week." It celebrates the anniversary of Title IX (enacted June 23, 1972), which prohibits sex discrimination in education and athletics. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but encourages observing the week through events honoring female athletes, coaches, and the expansion of women’s sports opportunities since Title IX’s passage. It has no direct impact on legislation or funding.