Sen. James Lankford

Maddy summaryThe Regulatory Accountability Act establishes new requirements for federal agencies when creating significant regulations. It defines a "major rule" as one likely to cause $100 million or more in annual economic impact, requiring agencies to consider multiple alternatives, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and publish frameworks for assessing the rule's effectiveness. The bill also clarifies that agency guidance documents are not legally binding and must be published in a single online location. These changes apply to most federal agency rulemaking, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in the regulatory process.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand internet access for schools through the E-Rate program, specifically addressing the "homework gap" by increasing funding for student connectivity. The rule, published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024, would have modified how schools and libraries access broadband under the E-Rate program. If passed, the resolution would cancel this rule, preventing it from taking effect under federal disapproval procedures. This is a procedural action targeting a specific FCC regulatory change, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryS 1678, the Securing America's Ports of Entry Act of 2025, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire 1,000 additional officers annually until staffing meets annual workload needs based on traffic data, including seasonal surges and pre-pandemic trends. It mandates a report identifying infrastructure upgrades to improve opioid interdiction at ports, including technology gaps and safety equipment for officers. The bill also imposes new reporting requirements for temporary officer reassignments, agreements with ports, and annual progress on staffing targets. These changes directly affect CBP officers, port facilities, and the legislative committees overseeing border security operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax deductions for small businesses and manufacturers by raising limits on expensing equipment and assets. It permanently extends a business interest deduction rule and boosts the Section 179 deduction cap from $1 million to $2.5 million (with the phaseout threshold rising from $2.5 million to $4 million). The changes apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2024, and include inflation adjustments starting in 2025. These provisions directly benefit eligible small businesses and manufacturers by reducing their taxable income when purchasing qualifying equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses to immediately deduct research and development (R&D) costs instead of spreading them over 60 months, directly benefiting companies investing in innovation. It increases the refundable R&D credit cap for small businesses from $250,000 to $750,000 over time, with specific phase-in amounts starting in 2025. Additionally, it expands access for startups by raising the gross receipts threshold for eligibility from $5 million to $15 million and increasing credit rates for qualified small businesses. These changes aim to make R&D tax incentives more accessible and valuable for smaller companies and new ventures.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated single point of contact within the Social Security Administration for individuals affected by identity theft involving their Social Security number. It directly affects victims whose SSN was misused to fraudulently claim benefits (under Titles II, VIII, or XVI of the Social Security Act) or whose physical card was lost during delivery. The key provision requires the SSA to assign a specially trained team to coordinate all aspects of the victim's case, track it to resolution, and maintain continuity even if team members change. The team must be accountable for the case until fully resolved, with procedures ensuring case history continuity and victim notification during transitions. The requirement takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1612) prevents U.S. funding for United Nations agencies if Palestine gains any status beyond observer status. It amends existing laws to replace "full membership" with "any status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status" in U.S. funding rules for UN agencies. This would block U.S. financial support for UN bodies if Palestine achieves full membership or equivalent standing. The bill directly affects U.S. foreign aid policy toward UN agencies and Palestine's potential UN representation.

Maddy summaryThe MOMS Act establishes a federal website called pregnancy.gov that will connect pregnant and postpartum women with local resources for healthcare, housing, childcare, and other support services. It creates grant programs for nonprofits that assist women in carrying pregnancies to term, with restrictions prohibiting these organizations from providing or referring for abortion services. The bill also amends child support laws to allow for child support obligations to begin at conception for unborn children, with payment amounts determined by courts based on the best interests of the mother and child. Additionally, it provides grants for telehealth equipment to improve prenatal and postnatal care access in rural and medically underserved areas.

Maddy summaryS 1625 establishes a DHS working group to examine threats posed to U.S. security by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), focusing on how the CCP exploits immigration systems (including identity theft and visa processes), engages in unfair trade practices (like forced labor and intellectual property theft), and supports drug trafficking and money laundering. The working group must assess DHS programs addressing these threats, identify gaps in security efforts, and coordinate across agencies, while ensuring privacy and civil liberties protections. It requires annual reports to Congress detailing the CCP’s activities and the group’s findings, with a classified annex allowed for sensitive information. The working group will terminate seven years after its creation, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryS 1619, the Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act, requires federal agencies providing disaster aid (like FEMA, SBA, and HUD) to publish detailed spending data online. Agencies must report quarterly, within 30 days, including total funds disbursed, project-specific details (names, locations, completion status), and funding sources for all projects. This applies to all disaster assistance under the Stafford Act, flood insurance, and related programs. The bill mandates machine-readable data on a new subpage of the federal spending website, directly affecting how agencies disclose disaster funding to the public.