Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow schools to use existing federal funds for student sports clubs, teams, training, and related outdoor wellness activities. It directly affects K-12 schools by removing a previous restriction that barred such uses of ESEA funds. The key mechanism is an exception added to Section 8526(7), explicitly permitting these activities before the period ending that section. The change applies to funds already allocated under the ESEA, not creating new spending.

Maddy summaryThe Freedom to Breathe Act (S 2738) prohibits federal funding or enforcement of mask mandates for passengers traveling on air carriers, public transit, or in covered schools (elementary, secondary, or higher education) during the period from enactment through December 31, 2024. It specifically bans requiring masks in these settings, prevents refusal of service to unmasked passengers, and overrides conflicting state or local rules during this timeframe. The law directly affects air carriers, public transit operators, and federally funded schools by eliminating federal authority to enforce mask requirements in these spaces. It applies only to mask mandates issued in response to public health emergencies during the specified period.

Maddy summarySRES 328 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating April 5, 2023, as "Gold Star Wives Day." It honors the surviving spouses and families of military members who died in service, specifically recognizing the work of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. (founded April 5, 1945), and encourages public awareness of their support for military families. The resolution does not create new benefits or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 16, 2023, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history of U.S. airborne forces. It recognizes the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, and highlights the service of airborne units from World War II through modern conflicts. The resolution calls for the American public to observe the day with appropriate activities, but it does not create new laws or affect any specific group or policy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2374 "No Obamacare for Illegal Aliens Act," excludes individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status from eligibility for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid/CHIP programs. It amends key ACA provisions to deny ACA subsidies, marketplace enrollment, and Medicaid/CHIP benefits to anyone lawfully present only due to DACA (per the 2012 DHS memo), explicitly stating such individuals "shall not be treated as lawfully present" for healthcare purposes. The bill applies to all relevant programs, including premium tax credits, state health exchanges, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and requires rescission of existing waivers that previously allowed DACA recipients to access these benefits. It directly affects DACA recipients who would otherwise qualify for coverage under current law.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 41) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific immigration rule issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2023, addressed "Circumvention of Lawful Pathways" in immigration processing. The resolution would formally block the rule from taking effect by directing Congress to disapprove it under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. This action directly affects how USCIS and immigration courts implement certain immigration pathways.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution expresses the chamber's support for nuclear power as a clean, reliable energy source critical to achieving a secure, low-emission grid. It commits the Senate to promoting nuclear energy development, including establishing domestic uranium production, strengthening the nuclear supply chain, and cultivating a skilled workforce. The resolution also highlights nuclear energy as an export opportunity for U.S. manufacturing expertise. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect policy implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises federal aviation rules to allow pilots to conduct specific maneuvers - like go-arounds, inspection passes, practice approaches, and qualified instrument approaches - without adhering to standard minimum altitude requirements. It directly affects pilots operating aircraft in remote "backcountry" areas, where low-altitude maneuvers are common for landing site evaluation or training. The key mechanism requires the FAA to update regulations within 180 days of enactment, prohibits enforcement actions against these maneuvers for one year after enactment, and shifts the burden of proof to the FAA in any enforcement case. The bill does not mandate these maneuvers but clarifies that pilots may safely perform them under defined conditions without violating existing altitude rules.

Maddy summaryS 2671, the DRIVE Act, prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from requiring large trucks (over 26,000 pounds gross weight) operating in interstate commerce to install speed limiting devices. This directly affects commercial trucking companies and operators transporting goods across state lines with qualifying vehicles. The bill prevents the agency from creating a new rule mandating these devices, effectively maintaining the current regulatory status for such vehicles. The legislation focuses solely on blocking this specific requirement, without altering other safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2647, SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023) provides federal funding to improve stillbirth data collection, research, and education. It authorizes $5 million annually for states to collect stillbirth data using existing health records while protecting privacy, $1 million for developing standardized data collection guidelines and public educational materials, and $3 million for specialized training programs in perinatal pathology and stillbirth research. The bill directly affects state health departments, medical professionals (like obstetricians and pathologists), and families impacted by stillbirth through improved data systems and educational resources. Key provisions require standardized data reporting, consultation with affected families and healthcare providers, and mandatory reports on program progress within five years of enactment.