Maddy summaryThe SIMSA Act of 2024 creates a new Schedule A for synthetic drugs that have chemical structures substantially similar to existing controlled substances but aren't yet listed in the Controlled Substances Act. It allows the Attorney General to temporarily or permanently schedule these substances based on their chemical structure and effects, with a 30-day notice period and a maximum 5-year temporary period. The bill increases penalties for violations involving Schedule A substances (up to 20 years in prison for first offenses), requires specific labeling for Schedule A substances, and establishes registration requirements for importers and exporters. It also includes provisions for research on substances newly added to Schedule A and allows for sentencing review if a substance is later descheduled.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 816) commemorates the 73rd anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed on August 30, 1951. It symbolically affirms the U.S. commitment to the Philippines' security alliance amid recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, including incidents like the August 2024 ramming of Philippine vessels. The resolution condemns China's "persistent and unprovoked aggression," reaffirms the treaty's relevance to attacks on Philippine military assets, and urges stronger U.S. support for Philippine defense. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policy but publicly reinforces the existing security partnership.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to support community coalitions working with schools to prevent drug use among students. It authorizes $7 million annually (2025-2030) for grants up to $75,000 per year to community coalitions that already receive federal drug prevention funding and have formal partnerships with local schools. Grantees must use funds to implement tailored prevention programs for students, supplementing rather than replacing existing funding, and must follow specific reporting requirements. The program directly affects community coalitions and schools in partnership, aiming to reduce substance use through coordinated local efforts.
Maddy summarySRES 808 is a Senate resolution expressing gratitude to Commander Jeremy Robertson and the crew of the USS Carney for their 235-day deployment in the Middle East. It specifically recognizes their interception of 51 Houthi-launched threats (including missiles and drones), protection of commercial shipping lanes, and assistance in extinguishing a fire on a civilian vessel. The resolution formally acknowledges their role in defending U.S. allies and international waters during a period of heightened conflict. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations.
Maddy summaryS 4973, the "No Kings Act," removes presidential and vice presidential immunity from federal criminal prosecution, requiring such cases to be handled in federal district courts with appeals limited to the D.C. Circuit. The bill specifically bars the Supreme Court from reviewing cases involving claims of presidential immunity for official acts, including dismissals of indictments or overturning convictions. It directly affects current and former presidents and vice presidents by subjecting them to the same federal criminal accountability as all other citizens. Key provisions prevent courts from considering whether alleged crimes were part of official duties unless Congress specifies otherwise, and clarify that state criminal laws remain applicable.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm that no person, including the President and other federal officials, is above the law. It would require all officials holding authority under the U.S. government to be subject to ordinary criminal prosecution for both official and unofficial actions. The amendment mandates that general laws apply to the President unless specified otherwise and grants Congress power to enforce this by, for example, extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting a sitting President during their term. If ratified by three-fourths of states, this change would become part of the Constitution, altering how federal law applies to high-level government officials.
Maddy summarySRES 797 designates August 16, 2024, as National Airborne Day to honor the history and contributions of U.S. airborne forces, commemorating the first official U.S. Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940. The resolution calls on the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities recognizing airborne forces' legacy in military operations from World War II through modern conflicts. This is a symbolic, non-binding designation with no direct legal or financial impact on specific groups.
Maddy summarySRES 799 is a non-binding Senate resolution supporting Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21, 2024. It encourages the public to promote prevention of illicit fentanyl use, educate youth about its dangers, and participate in community activities that foster drug-free lifestyles. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but symbolically aligns with federal and community efforts to address the fentanyl crisis, which has been linked to over 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2023. It directly urges Americans - particularly young people and communities - to commit to healthy, drug-free living through awareness and prevention.
Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies tax rules for government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It amends the tax code to specify that the U.S. government or its agencies are not considered "tax-exempt entities" when applying certain rules to these GSEs' stock. The change affects how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are treated under tax law but does not create new housing programs or directly impact rural housing investments. The title "Preserving Rural Housing Investments" is misleading, as the bill addresses only a narrow tax clarification with no direct policy changes for housing. The amendment applies to taxable years ending after July 30, 2008.