Sen. Gary C. Peters

Maddy summaryThis bill requires annual reports on efforts to counter illicit cross-border tunnels, mandated after the development of a strategic plan. It amends the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to add this reporting requirement for agencies managing border security operations. The bill does not create new policy but establishes a recurring reporting obligation. It directly affects federal agencies responsible for border security and counter-smuggling operations.

Maddy summaryThe Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2024 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to improve assistance for individuals and households affected by major disasters. It introduces new hazard mitigation assistance to help reduce future damage, expands direct repair assistance for those unable to access financial aid, and creates a state-managed housing pilot program with transparency requirements. The bill requires FEMA to publish an interactive dashboard showing application status and approval rates, and mandates reports on assistance disparities between homeowners and renters. It also includes provisions to improve rental assistance by considering local post-disaster rent increases and requires studies on damage assessment practices and challenges faced by rural and impoverished communities. These changes aim to make disaster assistance more accessible, transparent, and equitable for all survivors, particularly those with lower incomes and renters.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Screening and Watchlisting Advisory Committee to review and improve the Department of Homeland Security's screening and watchlisting processes. The Committee, composed of diverse members including civil rights experts, privacy professionals, and agency representatives, will advise on policies affecting travelers and individuals wrongly identified as security risks. It requires the Department to submit a plan to improve redress processes for people denied travel or entry and mandates annual reports on the consolidated terrorist watchlist and enhanced screening effectiveness. The bill aims to increase transparency, accountability, and fairness in security screening while maintaining national security protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from denying employment eligibility, security clearances, or fitness determinations based solely on past marijuana use. It applies directly to federal employees, job applicants, and contractors requiring security clearances under relevant federal regulations. The law amends existing statutes to explicitly exclude marijuana from eligibility criteria, requiring agencies to update their processes. Agencies must align their regulations with this change, ensuring past marijuana use no longer automatically disqualifies individuals.

Maddy summaryThe Securing America’s Federal Equipment Supply Chains Act (S 4651) requires U.S. federal agencies to only procure or use covered information and communications technology products (including hardware, software, and firmware) from the original equipment manufacturer or an authorized reseller. This rule aims to secure federal supply chains by limiting purchases from unvetted suppliers, directly affecting federal agencies and their technology vendors. Agencies may request limited waivers for national security needs or scientific research, but must provide detailed justifications, security mitigations, and report all waivers to Congress annually. The law takes effect one year after enactment, with ongoing reporting requirements for six years.

Maddy summaryThe REPUBLIC Act (S 4373) requires congressional approval for the President to declare and maintain national emergencies, limiting initial emergencies to 30 days (with 90-day renewal periods) and setting a 5-year maximum duration. It mandates that the President specify which laws will be used during emergencies, provide detailed reports to Congress about emergency circumstances and actions taken, and submit presidential emergency action documents to Congress within 3 days of creation. The bill also restricts certain emergency powers, such as prohibiting the use of economic sanctions against U.S. persons and requiring congressional approval for Insurrection Act authorities. This legislation directly affects the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches during national emergencies by strengthening congressional oversight.

Maddy summaryThe Telework Transparency Act of 2024 requires federal agencies to make telework policies transparent and track telework usage. Agencies must submit their telework policies to the Office of Personnel Management within 180 days and make them publicly available on their websites. The bill mandates standardized tracking of telework in payroll systems, establishes a public online tool for telework data, and sets a goal of at least 60% office space utilization. It also requires agencies to assess telework's impact on performance metrics including customer service, cost efficiency, and space utilization.

Maddy summaryThe Time to Choose Act of 2024 requires consulting firms that provide management, scientific, or technical services (covered under NAICS code 5416) to certify they do not contract with Chinese government entities or affiliated organizations before receiving U.S. federal contracts. It prohibits federal agencies from awarding contracts to such firms if they fail this certification or are found to have undisclosed ties to "covered foreign entities" (including China’s government, Communist Party, or United Front). Firms submitting false certifications face contract termination, suspension, debarment, or penalties under the False Claims Act, including triple damages. The bill directly affects major consulting firms like Deloitte and McKinsey that currently serve both U.S. government agencies and Chinese entities.

Maddy summaryThe Agency Preparation for Transitions Act of 2024 establishes a Federal Transition Coordinator within the General Services Administration to coordinate presidential transition planning across all federal agencies. It creates a White House Transition Coordinating Council to oversee the transition process and requires the Agency Transition Directors Council to meet at least monthly during election years (instead of every 6 months), with specific requirements for meetings after the election. The bill updates timing requirements for transition activities, including annual plans for handling presidential records, and mandates detailed reports to Congress on transition processes after each election. It also adds new requirements for technology management during transitions, including guidelines for email, video conferencing, and document-sharing systems. This legislation aims to improve the efficiency and security of presidential transitions by clarifying roles, responsibilities, and timelines for all involved parties.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "remote work" as typically performing duties from home and "telework" as a broader term including remote work. It requires federal agencies to annually review telework agreements with employees, mandates annual manager training on reporting telework usage, and sets new requirements for agencies to submit detailed reports on telework statistics, cost savings, productivity, and cybersecurity needs. The changes directly affect all federal agencies and their employees who participate in telework or remote work programs. Agencies must report on remote work participation levels, potential cost savings, and infrastructure changes within 180 days to one year of enactment.