Sen. Deb Fischer

Maddy summaryS 893, the "Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act," raises the mandatory retirement age for commercial airline pilots from 65 to 67 years old for most scheduled passenger flights. It directly affects pilots employed by airlines operating under standard commercial regulations (most major airline flights in U.S. airspace). The bill amends existing FAA rules to allow pilots over 65 to continue flying if already employed before the law's enactment or hired new, while requiring pilots aged 60+ to maintain a current first-class medical certificate. This change aims to retain experienced pilots without altering safety training requirements or medical standards for age.

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 bill establishes a temporary commission to develop a comprehensive U.S. strategy for relations with China, requiring a "whole-of-government" approach across all federal departments and agencies. The China Grand Strategy Commission would be composed of government officials and appointed experts with China expertise, tasked with defining U.S. national security priorities, assessing economic and security ties, and making recommendations to protect U.S. interests. The commission must submit its final report by September 1, 2025, and will terminate 120 days after submission. This proposal creates a structured process for developing coordinated policy toward China without implementing immediate policy changes.

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 summaryThis bill amends the Clean Air Act to modify how the EPA grants waivers for fuel formulations. It creates a new pathway allowing fuels to enter commerce if they meet Reid Vapor Pressure standards (a measure of fuel volatility) either by matching certified vehicle fuels or by complying with existing waiver conditions. The changes directly affect fuel retailers and manufacturers seeking EPA approval for fuel blends. Key provisions update waiver procedures and clarify Reid Vapor Pressure requirements, specifically adjusting percentage thresholds and notification timelines for certain fuel types. The bill does not create new regulations but adjusts existing processes for fuel approval under the Clean Air Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess how airlines prepare for weather events and natural hazards like storms, floods, and extreme heat. The GAO will evaluate airlines' operational planning, FAA oversight, and potential improvements for resilience, then report findings to Congress within 18 months. It directly affects airlines (through their operational planning) and the FAA (as regulator), but does not impose new requirements on carriers. The study aims to inform future policy decisions without altering current airline operations or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses Congress's support for the Local Radio Freedom Act by opposing new fees for local radio stations playing music over the air. It states that imposing performance fees would harm the longstanding relationship between radio stations and the music industry, jeopardize emergency broadcasts and local programming, and cause economic hardship for radio stations and small businesses (like bars and retail stores) that rely on free music licensing. The resolution specifically urges against any new fee, tax, or royalty related to radio stations' public performance of sound recordings. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new law but formally advocates for maintaining the current system.

Maddy summaryS 719 creates a new federal loan program to help farmers and ranchers buy precision agriculture technology, which uses tools like GPS mapping and soil sensors to reduce water, fertilizer, and chemical use while improving crop yields. The program offers loans up to $500,000 with a 12-year term, requiring borrowers to provide collateral like a lien on the purchased technology. The Department of Agriculture must track loan recipients' farm sizes, demographics, and environmental benefits (like reduced water use), reporting annually to Congress and the public. This directly affects crop and livestock producers seeking to adopt these technologies, with no eligibility restrictions based on farm size or type.

Maddy summaryThe PRECISE Act of 2023 modifies existing farm programs to encourage farmers and ranchers to adopt precision agriculture technologies, such as GPS-guided equipment and soil sensors, which track and optimize resource use (like water, fertilizer, and seed). It increases loan guarantees to 90% for precision agriculture technology purchases and boosts payments under conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by up to 90% of costs for these technologies. The bill requires coordination between the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to streamline support and defines precision agriculture to include tools that reduce waste and improve efficiency. These changes directly affect agricultural producers, particularly beginning, socially disadvantaged, and environmentally focused farmers, by lowering financial barriers to adopting these technologies.