Sen. Steve Daines

This resolution supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.

Maddy summaryS 2913, the "Denying Pensions to Convicted Child Molesters Act of 2023," denies federal retirement benefits (annuities) to current or former federal employees convicted of specific child molestation crimes under U.S. law (e.g., sexual abuse of a minor). It directly affects federal workers and their survivors/beneficiaries who receive retirement pay, blocking payments if convicted of qualifying offenses committed after the bill’s enactment. Key provisions include requiring the Attorney General to notify agencies of convictions, allowing foreign convictions to trigger denial if certified as meeting U.S. due process standards, and directing denied pension funds to victims via court-ordered restitution. The bill makes concrete policy changes by cutting retirement benefits for these offenders and redirecting funds to victims, without speculation about broader impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act for certain outdoor recreational guides and outfitting employees. It exempts workers primarily employed by businesses offering outdoor guiding or outfitting services if their employer operates for fewer than seven months annually or has a seasonal revenue pattern (where six-month revenue averages don't exceed one-third of the other six months). The exemption removes the requirement for overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week under these specific conditions. This directly affects seasonal outdoor recreation businesses and their employees in this industry.

Maddy summaryS 2909, the "Deferring Executive Authority Act" (DEA Act), requires the Attorney General to submit a report to Congress before any federal rule can reschedule marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. Congress can then disapprove the rule within 60 days using a joint resolution, preventing the scheduling change from taking effect. This procedural bill directly affects the Attorney General's authority to alter marijuana's federal classification and gives Congress a 60-day window to block such changes. It does not change marijuana's legal status but establishes a review process for scheduling decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to include hazing incidents in their annual security reports and publish detailed public transparency reports. It defines hazing as intentional acts causing physical or mental harm during group initiation or membership, and mandates institutions to create annual Campus Hazing Transparency Reports. These reports must list verified hazing incidents, organizational involvement, investigation timelines, and sanctions - while protecting student privacy - starting 12 months after enactment. Reports must be updated twice yearly and remain publicly available for seven years. The law applies to all U.S. institutions participating in federal higher education programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare's coverage for telehealth services by adding new categories of healthcare providers who can deliver these services and receive payment. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking therapy services (like physical, occupational, speech, or audiologic therapy) via telehealth, as well as the therapists and assistants providing them. Key provisions include authorizing Medicare to pay for telehealth services provided by qualified audiologists, occupational therapists and their assistants (under supervision), physical therapists and their assistants (under supervision), and speech-language pathologists. The bill also allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify additional eligible providers for telehealth services under Medicare.

Maddy summaryS 2911, the "Protecting the Right To Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023," prevents federal officials from using emergency declarations to impose gun control. It bans the President from declaring emergencies under the National Emergencies Act or the Stafford Act for gun control purposes, and stops the Health and Human Services Secretary from declaring public health emergencies for the same reason. The bill also amends the Stafford Act to explicitly prohibit emergency declarations that would restrict firearm possession, sale, or transfer of firearms, ammunition, or related accessories. This directly affects how federal emergency powers can be used during crises, limiting actions that could impact gun rights under the Second Amendment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of State to notify Congress before entering, renewing, or extending any science and technology agreement with China. It mandates a 30-day waiting period after submitting detailed documentation to congressional committees, including the full agreement text, national security justification, risk assessments of technology transfer, human rights considerations, and monitoring plans. Existing agreements with China must be revoked unless the Secretary submits this notification within 60 days of the bill's enactment. The law directly affects U.S. diplomatic negotiations with China on scientific and technical collaborations.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses Congress's support for Israel by declaring it is not a racist or apartheid state, rejecting antisemitism and xenophobia, and affirming the U.S. as a steadfast partner. It serves as a symbolic statement of bipartisan backing without creating new laws, funding, or obligations. Introduced by Senators Cotton, Cruz, and others in July 2023, it reflects congressional sentiment rather than policy change.