Sen. Kevin Cramer

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and streamlines the process for states and agencies to certify that federally permitted projects (like dams or pipelines) won't harm water quality. It requires certifying authorities to publish clear certification requirements upfront, make written decisions within 90 days based only on specific water quality standards (sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307), and explain their reasoning. The changes directly affect project applicants seeking federal permits and state agencies handling water quality certifications. Key mechanisms include setting a strict 90-day timeline for decisions, banning arbitrary delays, and ensuring certifications are strictly tied to established water quality rules.

Maddy summarySRES 413 is a symbolic Senate resolution condemning foreign nationals in the U.S. who endorsed or supported Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or Hezbollah - designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) - for their roles in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel that killed over 1,300 people, including 30 U.S. citizens. It urges the President to enforce existing immigration law (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B)(i)(VII)) by revoking visas and initiating deportation for such individuals. The resolution affirms no equivalence between FTO terrorism and Israel’s self-defense, rejects anti-Semitism, and commemorates the victims. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but calls for applying current visa ineligibility rules.

Maddy summaryS. Res. 406 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Richard Clarence Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa (served 1973-1979), who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that the House of Representatives and Clark’s family be informed, and directs the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, reflecting the Senate’s collective tribute to a former member.

Maddy summaryS 3053 prohibits U.S. imports of crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas from Venezuela and Iran, effective 15 days after enactment. The bill directly affects energy exporters in those countries by blocking a key revenue stream. It includes an exception for energy products seized by U.S. authorities due to existing sanctions. The prohibition is justified under World Trade Organization security exceptions related to national security concerns about these nations' ties to terrorist groups.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived under an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, including a specific waiver related to funds from South Korea to Qatar (documented in a September 11, 2023, congressional transmission). It blocks any U.S. government action to release funds or assets to Iran under that agreement and prohibits future waivers, suspensions, or relief for these sanctions. The bill directly affects Iran's access to certain financial assets tied to the agreement. It targets concrete policy changes by reversing prior relief without altering broader sanctions frameworks.

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies when a worker is classified as an employee versus an independent contractor under federal law. It adds specific criteria: a worker is an independent contractor if the company doesn't control *how* the work is done (only the final result) and the worker has entrepreneurial risks and opportunities. The bill explicitly prohibits using factors like compliance with health/safety standards, insurance requirements, or meeting deadlines to classify workers as employees. This directly affects workers (determining their eligibility for minimum wage, overtime, and union rights) and businesses that classify workers as contractors.

Maddy summaryS.3028, the PUNISH Act of 2023, extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by preventing their modification or removal until a specified termination date. It requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress assessing whether Iran's government or affiliated entities (like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have engaged in activities such as assassinations, violence against U.S. citizens, or politically motivated detention of Iranian nationals in the U.S. The bill maintains current sanctions tied to Executive Orders 13871, 13876, 13902, and 13949, as well as sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund. These measures remain in effect until the President certifies compliance with specific conditions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to complete specific studies before finalizing or enforcing its proposed Motor Vehicle Dealers Trade Regulation Rule (the 2022 rule and similar future rules). It mandates a quantitative study on automotive retailing, consumer testing on new mandates, and an economic analysis of costs/benefits - each open to 30 days of public comment and peer-reviewed - before the FTC can proceed. These requirements must be submitted to Congress, and the rule must apply equally to all auto sellers (franchised, independent, and direct). The bill directly affects the FTC’s rulemaking process and motor vehicle dealers, delaying implementation until these steps are completed.