Maddy summaryThe Natural GAS Act of 2023 requires the Department of Energy to conduct a full fuel cycle analysis and disclose the results on appliance labels when developing new energy efficiency standards for water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and gas cooktops/ranges/ovens. It mandates that the Department certify new rules won’t cause a significant shift from gas to electric appliances in residential, commercial, or replacement markets. The bill exempts small manufacturers (as defined by federal regulations) from the rule application and requires the analysis results to be prominently displayed on energy efficiency labels at the point of sale. This directly affects federal agencies, appliance manufacturers, and consumers by shaping how future efficiency standards are created and communicated.
Sponsored bills
Tribal Adoption Parity Act This bill allows Indian tribal governments to determine whether a child has special needs for the purposes of the adoption tax credit.
Maddy summaryThis bill would block U.S. federal funding for two international environmental agreements until China's classification in those treaties changes. Specifically, it prohibits funds for the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer protection) until China is removed from "developing country" status, and blocks funds for the UN Climate Change Convention until China is added to Annex I (the list of developed nations). The bill requires the President to certify to Congress that these treaty changes have occurred before funding can resume. It affects only U.S. government spending on these agreements, not direct policy changes for citizens or businesses.
Maddy summaryThe FAST Fix Act of 2023 amends the Small Business Act to prioritize federal technology funding for small businesses in states that historically receive fewer Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I awards. It defines "underperforming States" as the 18 states with the lowest SBIR/STTR Phase I awards and requires the Small Business Administration to prioritize applications from businesses in these states. The bill also sets a $500,000 funding cap per award over two years, waives matching requirements for underperforming states, and mandates biennial reporting on program outcomes and state performance. This directly affects small businesses in 18 specific states and the Small Business Administration’s administration of the FAST program.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the sole lead agency for environmental reviews (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline projects, requiring other federal and state agencies to coordinate with FERC early in the process. It mandates strict deadlines (90 days after FERC completes review) for agencies to issue required permits, with public tracking of progress on FERC’s website. The bill directly affects natural gas project developers, FERC, and state/federal agencies handling permits, streamlining reviews to reduce delays. Key mechanisms include requiring agencies to join FERC’s review process or face restrictions on supplemental reviews, and mandating regular progress reports to FERC. It focuses on procedural coordination, not environmental standards, to expedite project approvals.
Maddy summaryS 989, the North American Energy Act, requires federal approval for new cross-border oil, natural gas, or electricity infrastructure projects in the U.S. It mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or Secretary of Energy issue a "certificate of crossing" within 90 days for such projects, unless they're deemed not in the U.S. public interest. The bill specifically accelerates approvals for natural gas imports/exports to Canada and Mexico (requiring approval within 30 days) and eliminates the need for Presidential permits for these projects. It does not affect existing facilities or projects with pending permits, and it repeals certain existing requirements for electricity transmission approvals. This bill directly affects energy companies seeking to build new border-crossing infrastructure.
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 summaryThe PRIME Act exempts certain local meat processing from federal inspection requirements. It allows custom slaughter facilities to process animals and prepare meat products for exclusive sale within the same state - either to households or to restaurants, grocery stores, or other food businesses that serve consumers directly in that state. Facilities must comply with their state's laws regarding slaughter and processing, and the bill explicitly states it does not override state regulations on meat handling or sales. This change applies only to intrastate transactions, keeping federal oversight for meat sold across state lines.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Treasury to instruct American representatives at multilateral development banks (like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank) to oppose new loans to China. It is based on findings that China exceeded the income threshold for graduation from development assistance in 2016 and has since received over $20 billion in loans from these institutions. The bill requires annual reports tracking China's borrowing, U.S. voting efforts to end lending to countries that have surpassed graduation thresholds, and the status of China's eligibility. It directly affects China's access to multilateral development financing and the operational policies of these banks.