Sen. John Kennedy

Maddy summaryThe ROOMIE Act (S.102) requires federal agencies to ensure at least 80% of employees work in-person Monday through Friday and occupy 60% of their office space. It directly affects all federal agencies with underutilized buildings, as documented by GAO and GSA reports showing many facilities operate at 25% or lower occupancy. Agencies failing to meet these standards by deadlines must sell owned properties or terminate/avoid renewing leases for underused leased space. The bill aims to reduce waste in government real estate holdings while addressing health risks linked to underused buildings, per findings about Legionella in GSA-controlled facilities.

Maddy summaryS 94, the "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act," authorizes three congressional gold medals for the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team members. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medals, with one medal displayed at each of three locations: the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Minnesota, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs. The legislation also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing the team's 1980 Olympic victory, not a policy change affecting current legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires mandatory detention for certain noncitizens (aliens) charged with crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury, specifically those who entered without inspection, had a revoked temporary visa, or fall under specific immigration categories. It directly affects noncitizens facing such criminal charges and crime victims or their families. Key provisions mandate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to notify victims (or their families if deceased) about the alien’s identity, immigration status, custody details, and removal efforts. The bill also clarifies that these requirements do not override existing victim rights under other laws.

Maddy summaryS 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," amends federal law to add a new aggravating factor for death penalty cases when someone kills or targets public safety officers. It directly affects law enforcement officers, prosecutors, firefighters, and other first responders who are killed or targeted while performing their duties or because of their role. The bill inserts a new provision (paragraph 17) into sentencing guidelines, specifying that killing an officer engaged in official duties, targeted due to those duties, or because of their status as a public safety employee qualifies as an aggravating factor for the death penalty. This change would allow federal courts to consider these killings as a specific reason to impose the death penalty under existing sentencing rules. The bill does not create new offenses but modifies sentencing considerations for existing murder charges involving public safety officers.

Maddy summarySRES 19 is a Senate resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, commending his decades of public service, humanitarian work, and diplomatic achievements including the Camp David Accords and founding The Carter Center. The resolution specifically recognizes his Nobel Peace Prize, efforts to combat diseases like Guinea worm, and 30+ years of Habitat for Humanity homebuilding. It formally mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family, while highlighting his role in establishing U.S.-China diplomatic relations and creating the Departments of Education and Energy. As a symbolic resolution with no policy impact, it directly affects no individuals or entities but serves as a formal Senate tribute to Carter's historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state to carry concealed handguns in other states that either permit concealed carry for residents or don’t ban it entirely. It applies to permit holders who are federally eligible to possess firearms, require government-issued ID, and must follow the host state’s specific restrictions (like where carry is prohibited). The bill does not override state laws on issuing permits but ensures reciprocity for those who legally carry in their home state, excluding machineguns and destructive devices.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (S. 1351) directs the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study child abuse in youth residential programs. The study, to be completed within three years and updated every two years for a decade, will examine the prevalence of abuse, funding sources, regulations, and barriers to community-based alternatives for youth. It will identify risk assessment tools, recommend improved oversight and training for staff, and provide best practices for care including reducing the use of seclusion and restraints. The bill directly affects youth in residential programs, child welfare systems, and the agencies that oversee them, with recommendations aimed at improving safety and care. The study will involve consultation with child advocates, health professionals, individuals with lived experience, and government agencies to ensure comprehensive recommendations.

Maddy summaryS 5647, the ROOMIE Act, requires federal agencies to increase office space occupancy by mandating at least 80% of employees work in-person Monday-Friday and at least 60% of office space be occupied. It directly affects all federal agencies managing civilian real property, such as headquarters buildings. Agencies failing to meet these targets by deadlines must sell owned properties or terminate/avoid renewing leases on underused leased properties. Exceptions allow agencies with insufficient staff to submit a multi-agency occupancy plan within one year. The bill aims to reduce waste from underused buildings, citing GAO and GSA reports showing many federal offices operate at 12-25% capacity.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3373) allows hydropower project licensees to request an extension of their construction start deadline. It specifically applies to projects licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) before March 13, 2020. Under the bill, FERC may grant a 4-year extension beyond the existing 8-year construction period, provided the licensee shows good cause and after reasonable notice. The extension period begins after the current deadline expires and ends 4 years later. This directly affects hydropower developers needing more time to begin construction on existing licensed projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Births in Custody Reporting Act of 2024 (BCRA), requires states to submit quarterly anonymized reports to the federal government about pregnant individuals in state and local correctional facilities (including jails, prisons, and contract facilities). Reports must include specific data such as pregnancy outcomes (live birth, miscarriage, etc.), access to prenatal care within 7 days, restraint use during pregnancy/delivery, and postpartum mental health screenings. States failing to comply risk losing up to 10% of federal law enforcement funding under the Omnibus Crime Control Act. The Attorney General must publish all reports and conduct a study on the data to improve care standards for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals.