Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a voluntary federal program to help landowners reduce groundwater use while maintaining agricultural production. It allows eligible entities (like state governments, tribes, or nonprofits) to purchase conservation easements on groundwater rights from landowners in areas facing significant groundwater depletion, covering up to 65% of the easement costs. The easements require measurable reductions in groundwater pumping but permit continued farming and compatible land uses, with programs prioritizing areas where groundwater monitoring exists. Landowners with eligible land - such as cropland, rangeland, or pasture - can participate, and the program must support local groundwater management goals while protecting community and environmental benefits.
Sponsored bills
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 summarySRES 275 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating June as "National Annuity Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or change policies but aims to raise public awareness about annuities - financial products that provide guaranteed lifetime income in retirement. The resolution calls on federal, state, local governments, schools, businesses, and organizations to observe June with educational activities focused on annuity benefits and retirement planning. It specifically highlights annuities as a tool to address retirement income security and encourages seeking professional financial guidance.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends a temporary exemption (until July 2023) for investment advisers from certain MiFID II compliance rules, which had been granted without full cost-benefit analysis. It requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to conduct a study on how ending this exemption would affect research availability for small businesses - including minority-, women-, and veteran-owned issuers - and impacts on investors, advisers, and broker-dealers. The study must evaluate market competition, costs, and regulatory options to maintain research coverage. The SEC must submit a report to Congress within 18 months detailing findings on these impacts. The bill directly affects over 15,000 registered investment advisers and the research market for smaller companies.
Maddy summaryThis bill changes the rank of the Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau to "general" (a four-star rank), aligning it with the rank of other top military leadership positions. It also removes this position from officer strength limits under military personnel rules. The bill directly affects the National Guard Bureau's leadership structure by formally establishing the Vice Chief's rank and status within the military hierarchy. The change is procedural, focusing on rank designation rather than operational policy.
Maddy summaryS 2210, the Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act, requires the President to submit a detailed report to Congress before terminating, waiving, or significantly altering U.S. sanctions on Iran. Congress then has 30 days (or 60 days during summer months) to review the proposal through committee hearings and decide whether to approve or disapprove it via joint resolution. During this review period, the President cannot implement the sanction change without Congressional approval. The bill directly affects the executive branch's ability to modify Iran sanctions policy and gives Congress formal oversight authority over major foreign policy shifts related to Iran.
Maddy summaryThe Restore VA Accountability Act of 2023 revises disciplinary procedures for VA supervisors and management officials (excluding senior executives and political appointees). It requires the VA Secretary to use "substantial evidence" for removals, demotions, or suspensions, with decisions made within 15 business days based on specific factors like offense severity and position level. The bill limits judicial review to procedural errors (e.g., lack of evidence) and prohibits courts from reducing penalties. It also strengthens whistleblower protections by requiring Special Counsel approval for actions against employees reporting misconduct.
Maddy summaryThis bill raises the funding threshold for minor construction projects at VA medical facilities from $20 million to $30 million. It requires the VA Secretary to adjust this amount every two years based on inflation, construction costs, and other economic factors, using either existing or new calculation methods. Projects under $30 million will now qualify as "minor" construction, streamlining approval processes without changing the actual construction work. The adjustment mechanism ensures the threshold remains aligned with current construction market conditions.
Maddy summaryThe Apprenticeship Pathways Act of 2023 funds industry groups (like business associations or nonprofits) to create apprenticeship programs for secondary school students and disconnected youth (ages 16-25 not in school or employment). It requires these groups to focus on high-need fields like construction (carpentry, plumbing), healthcare (EMTs, pharmacy technicians), and technology, while prioritizing students from high-poverty areas, rural communities, and underrepresented groups. The bill covers 50% of apprentice wages and supports wraparound services like childcare assistance, transportation, and academic tutoring. It aims to connect young people to skilled careers through structured on-the-job training and pre-apprenticeship programs.
Maddy summaryThe Red Hill Health Impact Act creates a voluntary registry for individuals affected by the 2021 Red Hill fuel contamination incident at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, where petroleum leaked into the water supply. It mandates a 20-year health study to assess long-term impacts of the exposure, requiring a feasibility assessment within one year to plan data collection and recruitment strategies. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must submit annual reports to Congress on registry enrollment, referral processes, and health findings, with final results published publicly. Funding for the registry and study comes from the Department of Defense (starting with $4 million in 2024), covering costs through 2030.