Maddy summaryThe PLAN for Broadband Act requires the federal government to create a coordinated strategy to improve broadband access nationwide. It mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to develop a National Strategy within one year of enactment, detailing all federal broadband programs and identifying gaps in coordination across 14 covered agencies (including the FCC and USDA). The bill then requires an Implementation Plan within 120 days, outlining how agencies will streamline efforts, reduce duplication, and lower administrative burdens for states, local governments, and Tribal entities participating in broadband programs. Key provisions include standardizing data reporting for federal broadband funding and establishing regular interagency meetings to accelerate infrastructure deployment. The strategy must address barriers to broadband adoption, particularly on Tribal lands, and be subject to public input and GAO evaluation.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the federal disaster relief law to expand how communities prepare for disasters. It directly affects state and tribal governments by requiring FEMA to issue guidance within one year on using funds to support local community emergency response teams and non-governmental organizations that provide disaster assistance. Key provisions include adding funding for mutual aid agreements between teams, training programs, and outreach to strengthen local resilience against storms, wildfires, and other disasters. The changes become effective 180 days after the bill is signed into law.
Maddy summaryS 4679, the Permitting Council Improvement Act of 2024, streamlines federal environmental review processes for infrastructure projects by strengthening the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. It requires agencies to mediate disputes over project timelines, establish alternative completion dates if deadlines are missed, and publish agency performance on a public Dashboard. The bill directly affects federal agencies (like the Department of Transportation and Army Corps of Engineers), project developers, and the public through enhanced transparency. Key mechanisms include mandatory dispute resolution procedures, strict deadlines for agency responses, and a new fee structure (capping at 1% of project costs) to fund the Council’s operations. Annual reports to Congress will track permitting trends, workforce needs, and Dashboard improvements, with $12-21 million authorized annually for the Council’s activities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to hire at least 600 additional officers annually until staffing targets are met, plus support staff for administrative functions. It mandates a report identifying infrastructure improvements at ports of entry to enhance drug interdiction (specifically for opioids), including detection equipment and officer safety gear. CBP must submit quarterly reports on temporary staff reassignments, notify port directors before redeployments, and provide annual updates on staffing progress and agreement assessments. The bill authorizes $136 million for fiscal year 2024 and $157 million annually through 2029 to fund these provisions.
Maddy summaryThe STEP Act requires federal agencies to identify programs at risk of significant improper payments, particularly new programs exceeding $100 million in annual spending during their first four years. Agencies must annually estimate improper payments using approved methods, report these estimates with CFO certification, and include detailed fraud risk management plans in their financial statements. Key provisions mandate agencies to document fraud risk profiles, antifraud strategies, and progress on internal controls for high-risk areas like payroll and grants. This law directly affects all executive agencies managing federal payments by imposing new transparency and accountability standards for financial reporting.
Maddy summaryThe Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 91) authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats who risked their careers and safety to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. These diplomats, representing countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and others, issued visas and provided safe passage to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution despite strict orders from their home governments. The medal will be presented collectively to the next of kin of each diplomat, along with representatives from their home countries, and then permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The act recognizes these individuals' bravery without implying they represent all who performed similar humanitarian acts during the Holocaust. The medal serves as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice and will be available for public display and research.
Maddy summarySRES 74 is a Senate resolution condemning Iran's state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority, which directly affects Baha'is in Iran facing systemic discrimination. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release imprisoned Baha'is, end hate propaganda against them, and reverse policies denying equal access to education, jobs, and religious practice. It also urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to demand Iran's compliance with international human rights treaties and use existing sanctions authority against Iranian officials responsible for abuses. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but formally expresses congressional condemnation of Iran's violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Maddy summaryS 5488 directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to obtain a statue of Benjamin Franklin within two years of enactment and place it in a public-accessible location within the U.S. Capitol by December 31, 2026. The bill requires the statue to be displayed during guided Capitol tours provided by the Capitol Visitor Center. This is a purely procedural measure with no substantive policy changes, solely focused on commemorating Benjamin Franklin through a public statue placement.
Maddy summarySRES 925 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Fred R. Harris of Oklahoma, who died on November 23, 2024, at age 94. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that his family be notified, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal expression of respect for a former senator’s legacy.
Maddy summaryThe ACCESS Act (S 4631) changes federal contracting rules by allowing contractors to use work experience or alternative credentials instead of formal education to meet job requirements. It prohibits federal agencies from requiring minimum education levels for contractor roles without a written justification explaining why such a requirement is necessary. The law also mandates the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue implementation guidance within 60 days, including instructions for agencies on justifying education requirements and recognizing industry credentials like apprenticeships. This affects federal contractors and executive agencies (e.g., departments like Defense or Health and Human Services) when issuing new contract solicitations starting 180 days after enactment.