Maddy summaryThe NOTICE Act (S 3218) requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to notify state governors and local government leaders before transporting immigrants from within 100 miles of the U.S. border to another state or jurisdiction. This notification must include each immigrant’s name, country of origin, age, sex, criminal convictions, gang affiliations, and the security screenings they underwent. The law directly affects state and local officials who receive these pre-transport alerts, aiming to provide transparency about immigrant movements. It applies to all federal agencies or funded entities handling such transportation, focusing on mandatory disclosure of specific personal and security details.
Sponsored bills
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 Project Safe Childhood Act (S 1170) modernizes a federal program to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse by establishing a nationwide initiative requiring coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. It mandates the Attorney General to develop best practices for investigating and prosecuting cases involving child sexual abuse material, with specific protocols for identifying victims and serious offenders. The bill requires each U.S. Attorney to create district-specific strategic plans for coordinating investigations and prosecutions, and authorizes $28.55 million annually for 2023-2028 to support these efforts. It also establishes an annual Safer Internet Day to provide public education about online safety and reporting mechanisms. This legislation directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and child protection services working to address online child sexual exploitation.
Maddy summarySJRES 47 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Justice rule about home confinement for federal prisoners under the CARES Act. The rule, published in April 2023, would have established guidelines allowing the Justice Department to use home confinement as an alternative to prison for certain inmates during the pandemic. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It follows the standard process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, for Congress to reject agency regulations.
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 establishes a one-year pilot program using remote sensing technology (like satellite or drone data) to identify flooded properties faster, allowing the National Flood Insurance Program to issue advance payments to affected homeowners before manual inspections. It directly affects policyholders in flood zones whose properties are confirmed flooded via this technology, aiming to speed up financial assistance for repairs after disasters. Key provisions include using real-time data to increase payment speed and amount for eligible policyholders, with FEMA required to report on cost and timeliness impacts after the pilot ends. The program also includes a provision to forgive overpayments from pre-inspection advances.
This resolution recognizes October 2023 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (with input from the Justice Department and intelligence agencies) to submit detailed monthly reports to Congress for one year (then biannually) on individuals encountered at U.S. borders or ports of entry who are in the federal terrorist watchlist. The reports must include specifics like how many were encountered, their national origin, ties to terrorist groups, travel methods, detention status, and whether they were falsely flagged. It directly affects border enforcement agencies (CBP, ICE, USCIS) and individuals on the watchlist by mandating transparency about their encounters. The bill does not change watchlist procedures but requires regular, detailed public reporting on these encounters for congressional oversight.
Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.