Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summaryS 1907, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023, increases penalties for crimes committed against licensed firearm businesses. It amends federal law to impose a maximum 20-year prison term for knowingly violating firearm licensing rules or attempting to do so. If a burglary or robbery occurs on a licensed dealer’s, manufacturer’s, or importer’s business premises, the law mandates minimum sentences of 3 years for burglary and 5 years for robbery. This bill directly affects federal firearms licensees by strengthening criminal penalties for attacks on their business locations.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Treasury to instruct American representatives at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to oppose any increase in the Chinese renminbi's weight within the IMF's currency basket (used to value Special Drawing Rights), unless China meets four specific conditions. These conditions require China to comply with IMF rules, not have recently manipulated its currency (per U.S. trade laws), implement policies for the renminbi to be "freely usable," and adhere to international debt and export credit standards. The U.S. position on this issue would remain in effect for 10 years from enactment. The bill directly affects U.S. voting at the IMF and China's potential inclusion in the IMF's currency basket.

This resolution commends the North Carolina Central University football team for winning the 2022 Celebration Bowl of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Championship.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain public airports to provide parking space near the main apron for temporary general aviation aircraft (like private planes not operated by airlines) when pilots don't need fuel or other services. Covered airports can charge a fair, transparent fee for this parking but cannot charge extra fees for moving between the aircraft and outside the airport fence. It directly affects pilots of transient general aviation aircraft and airports that qualify as "covered" (public airports receiving federal grants in the last 20 years). The law clarifies definitions and ensures access without hidden costs for these temporary users.

Maddy summaryThe Save Our Gas Stoves Act (S 1859) prevents the U.S. Department of Energy from implementing new energy efficiency standards for gas stoves that could make them unavailable in the U.S. market. It amends energy law to require the Secretary to confirm that any new standard won't eliminate gas stove options before proceeding. The bill also directly prohibits the Department from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the specific 2023 proposed rule on gas stove energy standards (titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Conventional Cooking Products"). This bill primarily affects gas stove manufacturers and consumers who rely on gas stoves as their primary cooking option.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "equity" within the Department of Defense as the opportunity for qualified individuals to participate in programs, prohibits mandatory adoption of beliefs about racial or ethnic superiority, and bans race-based distinctions in military personnel decisions. It directly affects active-duty service members, military dependents, and DoD civilian employees by requiring all promotions, assignments, and training to be based solely on individual merit and performance. Key provisions ban DoD directives compelling adherence to certain beliefs, prohibit training suggesting racial superiority, and mandate that demographic data collection for reporting remains the only exception to race-based distinctions. The bill focuses on ensuring military decisions prioritize merit over identity, aligning with the bill's stated findings about military readiness and equal opportunity.

Maddy summaryThis bill delays any changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale vessel strike reduction rule (currently in 50 CFR §224.105) until two conditions are met: (1) new safety measures from the 2022 Coast Guard Act are fully developed and deployed, and (2) the Secretary submits a report to specific congressional committees detailing how these measures will shape future rule changes. It directly affects the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which manages the rule, and vessel operators in whale habitat areas. The bill does not alter the existing rule but requires NOAA to wait for specific protocols and congressional review before modifying it. This is a procedural delay focused on ensuring safety protocols are in place before rule changes occur.

Maddy summaryS 1802, the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, establishes a $50 million annual fund (2024-2028) for collaborative defense projects between the U.S. and Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directed energy. The bill directly affects U.S. defense programs and Israeli defense research entities by authorizing joint development of new warfare capabilities. Key provisions include creating the "United States-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund" under the Secretary of Defense to support projects that enhance both nations' military responses to evolving threats. The legislation builds on existing U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, such as past funding for counter-tunnel systems and drone defense technology.

Maddy summaryS 1766, the Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023, requires the Secretary of Defense to annually report detailed data on overdoses affecting military personnel (servicemembers) and their family members. The reports must include demographics, substances involved, prior mental health/substance use treatment, opioid prescriptions, naloxone use, and patterns of overdoses, while protecting privacy under HIPAA. The bill also mandates a research report assessing barriers to care and recommending improvements in mental health access, non-opioid pain management, and overdose prevention. These provisions aim to improve data-driven responses to overdoses within the military community.

Maddy summaryS 1768, the Taliban Sanctions Act of 2023, imposes U.S. sanctions on individuals and entities (including Taliban members) who support terrorism, commit serious human rights abuses, or facilitate narcotics trafficking in Afghanistan. It requires the President to block assets and deny visas to those meeting these criteria, effective 90 days after enactment. The bill also directs U.S. diplomacy to maintain UN sanctions against the Taliban and mandates regular congressional briefings on sanctions implementation and humanitarian impacts. It includes limited waivers for national security interests and specific exceptions for intelligence activities or humanitarian access.