Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 8) expresses Congress's formal opinion that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies - mutual aid organizations operating under IRS Section 501(c)(8) - have long provided essential community benefits. It highlights that these societies, with approximately 7 million members nationwide, contribute over $3.8 billion annually through charitable work, volunteerism, and financial security programs. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to support their mission and relieve pressure on government safety net programs. As a non-binding statement of congressional sentiment, it does not change tax law or create new obligations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates April 5, 2023, as "Gold Star Wives Day" to honor the founding anniversary of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. It recognizes the organization's mission since 1945 to support spouses of military members who died on active duty or from service-related causes. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day to raise awareness of the group's work in providing services and support to military families. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new programs or legal obligations.

This resolution celebrates March 24, 2023, as the 360th anniversary of the North Carolina National Guard and commemorates and honors the continued service of its members.

Maddy summaryS 959, the Stopping Traffickers and Their Accomplices Act of 2023, requires abortion providers to notify the National Human Trafficking Hotline within 24 hours if they reasonably suspect a patient is a trafficking victim. It mandates annual human trafficking training for all staff at abortion facilities and requires providers to submit certification of training completion. Violations of the reporting or training requirements incur penalties of $10,000 per violation for failure to report or $1,000 per day for training non-compliance. The bill directly affects abortion providers and their employees, with state attorneys general authorized to enforce these requirements through civil actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to require the U.S. Supreme Court to have exactly nine justices. Currently, Congress sets the Court's size through legislation, but this amendment would make the nine-justice structure a permanent requirement in the Constitution. It would need ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years to become part of the Constitution. If adopted, it would prevent Congress from changing the Court's size via ordinary legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax code to boost research and development (R&D) investment by businesses. It allows companies to immediately deduct R&D costs (instead of amortizing them over 5 years) and expands refundable tax credits for small businesses, raising the annual credit cap from $250,000 to $750,000 by 2032. Small businesses with gross receipts under $15 million can now qualify for higher credit rates (up to 20% of R&D costs) and may exclude years with no R&D expenses when calculating credits. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 2022, directly benefiting R&D-focused startups and small businesses.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 20) seeks to block a 2023 rule from the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that classified certain firearms with stabilizing braces as rifles under federal law. If passed, it would nullify the rule, meaning firearms equipped with these braces would no longer be subject to the rule’s classification requirements. The resolution uses the congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to stop the rule from taking effect, directly affecting firearm manufacturers and owners who use stabilizing braces on weapons.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summarySRES 107 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposed by Congress in March 1972, expired when its 7-year ratification deadline passed without enough states approving it. It affirms that Congress has no constitutional authority to alter the terms of a proposed amendment after it is submitted to states or after it expires. The resolution cites legal precedents, including Supreme Court rulings and a 2020 Department of Justice opinion, stating that ratification deadlines are binding and cannot be extended retroactively. It concludes that any future effort to adopt the ERA would require a new congressional proposal, not modifications to the 1972 version. This resolution does not change current law or affect ongoing state ratification efforts for a new ERA proposal.

Maddy summaryS 805, the Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2023, increases penalties for importers who commit customs fraud or gross negligence. It triples civil penalties for fraudulent violations (to three times the domestic value) and raises gross negligence penalties (up to ten times the domestic value), while adding a five-year import ban for fraudulent violators and a two-year ban for gross negligence. The bill also creates a new private lawsuit mechanism, allowing U.S. manufacturers, workers, or trade groups harmed by customs violations to sue violators for triple damages plus attorney fees. Additionally, it excludes individuals or related businesses found guilty of such violations from participating in the U.S. importer of record program. This directly affects importers who violate customs laws, U.S. businesses competing with fraudulent imports, and customs enforcement processes.