Sen. J.D. Vance

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 32) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) on May 31, 2023. The rule, published as Regulation B under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), addressed how lenders must evaluate small business loan applications to prevent discrimination. If passed, the resolution would block this rule from taking effect, meaning lenders would not be required to follow these specific small business lending provisions. The bill directly affects the CFPB's regulatory authority and financial institutions that process small business loans under ECOA.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans Affairs Centennial and Heritage Act of 2024 establishes a new History Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to collect, preserve, and share the VA's history with veterans, the public, and government agencies. The Office must plan for the VA's 100th anniversary in 2030 through public exhibits, educational programs, and maintaining facilities for historical materials. It allows the VA to accept donations, lease facilities to nonprofit organizations for revenue support, and requires annual reports to Congress on progress toward centennial goals. This directly affects the VA's operations and its historical outreach efforts, without altering veterans' benefits or services.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 allocates $7 billion in federal funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2024. The ACP provides internet subsidies to help low-income households afford service, directly supporting millions of qualifying families. This funding ensures the program can continue operating throughout 2024, with the money remaining available until fully spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows border states (adjacent to the U.S. northern or southern borders) to place temporary, movable structures on federal land for border security without needing a special use permit, provided they give the relevant federal agency 45 days' notice. The structures can be placed for up to one year, with possible 90-day extensions if the Secretary concerned approves based on input from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which must determine that "operational control" of the border hasn't been achieved. It directly affects border states (like Texas, California, Arizona, Montana, Washington) and federal land agencies managing borderlands (such as the Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service). The key change removes a permitting barrier for temporary border security measures, tying extensions to CBP's assessment of border security status.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 517) congratulating the Columbus Crew soccer team for winning the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup. It formally recognizes the team's third championship title, acknowledges players, coaches, staff, and fans (including the Nordecke supporters group), and notes the team's record attendance in 2023. The resolution directs the Senate to send copies to team leadership, captain Darlington Nagbe, and the Nordecke board. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect or policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 513) recognizes December 17, 2023, as Wright Brothers Day and commemorates the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight on December 17, 1903. It formally honors Orville and Wilbur Wright's achievement, which launched modern aviation and remains foundational to flight technology. The resolution calls on all Americans to observe the day through appropriate programs and ceremonies, consistent with the permanent designation established by law in 1963. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely a commemorative resolution.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a 10% fee on remittance transfers (money sent to foreign countries) paid by senders. It directly affects individuals and companies sending money overseas, though U.S. citizens can claim a tax credit equal to the fee paid. Collected fees fund the Border Enforcement Trust Fund, which must be used for hiring border agents, building border barriers, and operating detention facilities for undocumented immigrants. The bill also requires annual reports tracking remittance amounts sent to each country.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the excise tax on investment income for large private colleges and universities. It applies specifically to non-religious institutions with at least $10 billion in non-exempt assets (assets not used for their educational mission) at year-end. The tax rate jumps from 1.4% to 35% on their net investment income. The change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2023.

Maddy summarySRES 500 is a Senate resolution designating November 8, 2023, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." It recognizes first-generation college students - those whose parents did not earn a bachelor's degree - and commemorates the anniversary of the 1965 Higher Education Act, which established key support programs like Federal TRIO and Pell Grants. The resolution urges all Americans to celebrate this day, acknowledge the contributions of first-gen students to the future workforce, and honor the Higher Education Act's role in expanding access to higher education. This is a symbolic designation with no new funding or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from providing health care or processing health care claims for individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are not already eligible for VA benefits under existing law. It directly affects non-citizens without legal immigration status who would otherwise seek VA health services. The key mechanism bans VA health care services and claims processing for this group, while preserving eligibility for veterans and others legally residing in the U.S. The bill does not alter current VA eligibility rules for citizens or lawfully present individuals.