Sen. James Lankford

Maddy summarySRES 671 is a ceremonial Senate resolution supporting the designation of April 28-May 4, 2024, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the U.S. for their economic contributions, noting they support over 62 million jobs through 33 million businesses. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of small businesses' resilience and role in strengthening local economies. As a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, it does not impose requirements or directly affect specific entities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2024, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls" to honor victims and raise public attention. It calls on the American public and organizations to commemorate affected women (both documented and undocumented cases) and show solidarity with families. The resolution is symbolic - requiring no new funding, laws, or government action - solely aiming to increase awareness of this crisis. It directly affects Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities by acknowledging their disproportionate vulnerability to violence. The resolution references specific statistics on violent crime rates against Native women and the case of Hanna Harris, a Northern Cheyenne woman whose murder highlighted this issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to publish an advance notice 90 days before proposing major regulations, giving the public earlier opportunity to comment. A "major rule" is defined as one likely to impose $100 million or more in annual economic impact, significantly increase costs for consumers or industries, or affect competition, health, safety, or the environment. The advance notice must explain the problem the rule addresses, outline regulatory alternatives considered, and cite legal authority, followed by a 30-day public comment period. Exceptions apply for routine rules, when compliance would be impractical, or if the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs deems it unnecessary.

Maddy summaryThe SMART Act of 2024 requires federal agencies to plan for and conduct post-implementation reviews of major regulations. It defines "major rules" as those with significant economic impact ($100 million+ annually), major cost increases, or substantial effects on health, safety, or competition. Agencies must create assessment frameworks before finalizing such rules and conduct reviews within 10 years to measure actual effects against predicted outcomes, including public input and cost-benefit analysis. These reviews must be published online, and agencies must justify any delays or exemptions. The law directly affects federal agencies issuing major regulations, adding a structured review process without altering the rules themselves.

Maddy summaryThe ELITE Vehicles Act would repeal federal tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles and related infrastructure. Specifically, it eliminates the existing credit for new electric vehicles (previously under Section 30D), the credit for previously-owned clean vehicles (Section 25E), and the credit for commercial clean vehicles (Section 45W). It also removes electric vehicle recharging stations from the alternative fuel refueling credit. These changes would take effect 30 days after enactment, directly affecting individuals and businesses that currently claim these tax benefits when buying or installing qualifying electric vehicle equipment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule setting greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (Phase 3). If passed, it would nullify the EPA rule (published April 22, 2024) under the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from taking effect. The rule directly affects manufacturers of trucks and buses by establishing new requirements for reducing emissions. The resolution does not create new standards but aims to block the existing EPA rule through a formal disapproval process.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would set new emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in model years 2027 and later. It directly affects automakers, as the rule would require them to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. The resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would be invalidated, meaning automakers would not need to comply with the 2027+ emissions standards outlined in the EPA's April 2024 proposal.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summarySJRES 73 is a joint resolution introduced by Senators Rubio, Cotton, and others seeking to disapprove a federal rule issued by multiple agencies, including Education, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, regarding partnerships with faith-based and neighborhood organizations. The rule, published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2024, would have established guidelines for these partnerships. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect by invoking a standard congressional disapproval process under federal law. The resolution is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Maddy summaryS 4163, the Ammunition Supply Chain Act, requires the Secretary of the Army to submit a report within 180 days of enactment on U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities for nitrocellulose and related components used in ammunition manufacturing. The report must address improving sourcing of smokeless gunpowder materials, reducing single-point failure risks in facilities, mitigating disruptions from global demand, and leveraging private sector capacity. This bill directly affects the Department of Defense and ammunition manufacturers by mandating an assessment of supply chain risks. It does not enact new policy but requires a detailed evaluation to strengthen ammunition production reliability.