Sen. John Kennedy

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 97) seeks to block a Department of Labor rule finalized in April 2024 that redefined overtime exemptions for certain white-collar workers. The rule would have changed how employers classify executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees for overtime pay purposes. By invoking Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, this resolution aims to nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It directly affects employers and workers covered by the rule, but the resolution itself does not change existing labor standards - it only prevents the rule from being implemented.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 96 seeks to block a Department of Education rule that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools (e.g., colleges, K-12 programs receiving federal aid). If approved, it would invalidate the rule published April 29, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33474), preventing it from taking effect under a congressional disapproval process. This would maintain existing nondiscrimination standards for education programs instead of implementing the new rule. The resolution directly affects all schools and programs receiving federal education funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4521) changes how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is funded by requiring it to seek annual appropriations through Congress, rather than receiving automatic funding from the Federal Reserve's budget. It also modifies civil penalty handling: if the CFPB collects fines and pays victims, any leftover funds must be transferred to the U.S. Treasury's general fund. These changes directly affect the CFPB's budget process and financial management, shifting oversight to Congress. The provisions take effect October 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThe FAIRR Act requires the Financial Stability Oversight Council to study and report on artificial intelligence risks to financial stability, including threats like AI-generated false information that could manipulate markets or disrupt institutions. It mandates the Council to identify regulatory gaps, recommend solutions (including referencing 2023 cybersecurity guidelines), and coordinate with financial institutions on scenario-based exercises to test defenses against AI-related market disruptions. The bill also imposes liability on entities deploying AI models in financial markets, holding them responsible for the model's actions unless they implement reasonable preventive measures. Additionally, it increases penalties for violations involving AI-manipulated media and requires regulators to ensure transparency in AI use for supervision.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 92) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established new greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel power plants and repealed an earlier rule. It targets the EPA's specific rule (published May 9, 2024), which set performance standards for new/modified plants, emission guidelines for existing plants, and removed the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution uses a procedural mechanism under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the rule, meaning it would prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, directly affecting how power plants regulate emissions under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 94) seeks to block a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would have changed regulations for the Unaccompanied Children Program. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, aimed to update how unaccompanied alien children are placed, cared for, and provided services. If approved, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, keeping existing regulations in place. It directly affects the federal program that handles minors entering the U.S. without parents or guardians. The bill does not change the program's operations but stops the proposed regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThe Recruit and Retain Act (S. 546) amends federal law to allow law enforcement agencies to use COPS grants for recruitment activities, including covering application fees like background checks and psychological evaluations. It creates a new COPS Pipeline Partnership Program that enables law enforcement agencies to partner with schools and colleges to engage students in law enforcement careers through job fairs, mentoring, and work-based learning. The bill also permits up to 2% of hiring grants to cover administrative costs and provides guidance for agencies operating below their budgeted officer strength. A study on police recruitment and retention will be conducted to identify barriers and make recommendations for improving recruitment efforts. This legislation directly affects federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies seeking to improve officer recruitment and retention.

Maddy summarySRES 705 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol. It commends the service of current and past Border Patrol agents, including honoring 155 agents who died in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for improving working conditions and retention for Border Patrol agents but does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or policy.

Maddy summarySRES 714 is a Senate resolution recognizing individuals born with congenital disabilities due to thalidomide exposure in the 1950s. It urges federal acknowledgment of survivors' historical experiences and ongoing challenges, including financial burdens from adaptive devices like prosthetics and employment difficulties. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally supports this community. Introduced on May 23, 2024, it aligns with National Thalidomide Survivor Awareness Day.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies that miss their annual goals for awarding contracts to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans to provide staff training on increasing such contracts. It mandates the Small Business Administration to issue guidance within 180 days and submit annual reports to Congress listing agencies that failed to meet targets, detailing training efforts and content. The law directly affects federal agencies responsible for contracting and aims to improve contracting opportunities for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. Key mechanisms include mandatory training for agency employees, standardized guidance, and transparency through annual reporting. The bill focuses on operational changes to boost contracting outcomes without altering existing goals or funding.