Maddy summaryThe Foreign Pollution Fee Act of 2023 would impose a fee on imported goods from countries where the pollution intensity (greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product) exceeds U.S. production standards. The fee amount would be determined using a tiered system based on the percentage difference in pollution intensity between foreign production and U.S. production, with higher pollution intensity differences resulting in higher fees. The bill includes exemptions for products from low-income countries, products from countries with free trade agreements, and products where domestic U.S. production meets certain thresholds. It also establishes a National Laboratory Advisory Board to help determine pollution intensity calculations and a process for international partnership agreements with other countries to reduce pollution intensity.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill updates U.S. immigration law to bar foreign nationals who are members or endorsers of specific terrorist groups. It adds Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS to the list of organizations whose members are automatically inadmissible to the United States. The amendment also clarifies that individuals who endorse or espouse the terrorist activities of these groups - directly or through affiliated organizations - would be affected. The policy directly impacts foreign nationals seeking entry or visas who have ties to these designated groups.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Secretary of State to designate Ansarallah (the Houthi group in Yemen) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization within 90 days of enactment, reversing a 2021 Biden administration decision that removed the designation. It mandates the President to impose existing sanctions under two executive orders: blocking assets of designated terrorists (E.O. 13224) and restricting travel for Yemeni nationals linked to terrorism (E.O. 13780). The sanctions directly target Ansarallah, its members, agents, affiliates, and any foreign entities owned or controlled by the group. This would restrict U.S. financial transactions with the Houthis and their networks, while also affecting Yemeni nationals subject to travel bans under the applicable sanctions.
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.
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to families and businesses and would severely harm the economic and national security of the country.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to clarify that dyslexia is a specific learning disability, defining it as an unexpected difficulty in reading linked to phonological processing challenges. It requires schools to provide equal access to accommodations and services for all eligible students, including those from low-income families, low socioeconomic backgrounds, or with limited English proficiency. The law directly affects students with dyslexia and other eligible children by ensuring they receive appropriate educational support under IDEA. These changes update definitions and strengthen equal access requirements without altering funding or creating new programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal funding rules to support stillbirth prevention programs. It allows funds under the Social Security Act to cover evidence-based activities like tracking fetal movements, improving birth timing for high-risk pregnancies, smoking cessation support, and community home visits. The bill directly affects pregnant individuals, particularly those in higher-risk groups identified in the findings (such as Black mothers, those with medical conditions like diabetes, or those aged 35+). Key provisions update funding language to explicitly include stillbirth prevention research and programs, aiming to address disparities where stillbirth rates are significantly higher among certain demographics. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand access to proven prevention strategies.
Maddy summaryThe SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends and increases funding for substance use disorder treatment and mental health programs through fiscal year 2028. It reauthorizes and boosts funding for key initiatives including first responder training, residential treatment for pregnant/postpartum women, and loan repayment programs for substance use disorder treatment professionals. The bill also adds new provisions on at-home drug disposal systems, mental health parity reporting requirements, and a FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) Respect Act. These provisions directly affect healthcare providers, state and local governments administering these programs, and individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The bill focuses on expanding access to evidence-based treatments and improving data collection and coordination across different health services.
Maddy summaryThe ABC Act requires Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security offices to review and simplify their application, eligibility, and communication processes. It directly affects family caregivers who help loved ones navigate these programs by targeting repeated paperwork, inconsistent information requests, and poor communication. Key mechanisms include mandating agencies to reduce duplicate forms, improve website accessibility (including ADA compliance), shorten call wait times, and provide multilingual support based on feedback from caregivers and advocacy groups. Agencies must submit detailed reports to Congress within one year outlining their findings and planned improvements.