Sen. John Hoeven

Maddy summaryThis bill ends a specific tax rate used to fund hazardous waste cleanup under the Superfund program, effective January 1, 2023. It directly affects businesses and entities that paid this tax, as the rate will no longer apply after December 31, 2022. The bill also changes repayment rules for government advances from the Superfund, requiring quarterly repayments from unused funds until fully repaid. The title "Pay Less at the Pump" is misleading, as the bill does not address fuel costs or gas prices.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 31) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule implementing the "Federal Good Neighbor Plan" for ozone air quality standards established under the 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards. If approved, it would nullify the EPA rule (published June 5, 2023) that would have required certain states to address ozone pollution crossing state borders. The resolution uses a specific congressional disapproval process under Title 5 of the U.S. Code to prevent the rule from taking effect. This would directly affect states and industries subject to the ozone pollution regulations outlined in the EPA's submitted rule.

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 requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update its annual staffing reports for each air traffic control facility. It mandates reporting four specific data points: current certified controller staffing levels, the Collaborative Resource Workgroup's (CRWG) target staffing levels, projected attrition for the next three years, and the number of trainees. These changes aim to improve transparency around workforce planning by making staffing targets and future needs more visible in official reports. The requirement applies to all FAA-operated facilities and takes effect upon the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryS 1849, the SOS: Sustaining Outpatient Services Act, changes Medicare payment rules for certain off-campus outpatient services provided by hospitals. It directs Medicare to pay for these services using the same system as hospital outpatient departments, starting in 2024, but only for services where a specific physician specialty’s total Medicare payments were under $2 million in the previous year. This directly affects hospitals operating off-campus outpatient departments that meet this spending threshold. The key mechanism adjusts how Medicare calculates payments for qualifying services, ensuring they are covered under the hospital outpatient payment structure rather than separate physician billing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes "Operation Stonegarden," a new grant program providing $110 million annually (2024-2028) to law enforcement agencies in border states (Canada/Mexico) or coastal areas already coordinating with U.S. Border Patrol. It reauthorizes the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program with $400 million yearly for drug enforcement efforts and modifies the COPS Grant Program to require a report on improving access for rural and small agencies, while authorizing $665 million annually for community policing grants. The bill directly affects border law enforcement agencies, rural and underserved communities, and federal drug control offices. Key provisions include funding for equipment/personnel, annual reporting requirements, and streamlined grant processes for smaller agencies.

Maddy summaryS 1843 (End Child Trafficking Now Act) requires adults (18+) entering the U.S. with minors under 18 to prove a family relationship through documents or a witness, with DNA testing as a last resort if proof is insufficient. If an adult refuses DNA testing or fails to provide valid proof, they may be denied entry and the minor treated as an unaccompanied child. The bill also creates a new federal crime ("recycling of minors") for adults who repeatedly use a minor they aren’t related to for illegal entry, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. This directly affects adults traveling with minors, immigration officers, and law enforcement handling entry-related trafficking cases.

Maddy summaryThe CARE Act of 2023 modifies the VA's program supporting family caregivers of veterans. It requires the VA Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress detailing application volumes, approvals, denials, and appeals, broken down by race, gender, service era, and branch of service. The bill also establishes a process for the VA to recognize non-profit organizations and individuals who assist veterans, family members, and caregivers in navigating VA services - without charging fees for these services. These changes directly affect veterans' family caregivers and the VA's administrative procedures for eligibility assessments and appeals.

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 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.