Sen. James Lankford

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to prohibit colleges and universities receiving federal funding from authorizing, facilitating, funding, or supporting campus events promoting antisemitism. It requires institutions to comply with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples. The law directly affects all higher education institutions participating in federal student aid programs by mandating they take action against antisemitic events on their campuses.

Maddy summaryS 3053 prohibits U.S. imports of crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas from Venezuela and Iran, effective 15 days after enactment. The bill directly affects energy exporters in those countries by blocking a key revenue stream. It includes an exception for energy products seized by U.S. authorities due to existing sanctions. The prohibition is justified under World Trade Organization security exceptions related to national security concerns about these nations' ties to terrorist groups.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived under an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, including a specific waiver related to funds from South Korea to Qatar (documented in a September 11, 2023, congressional transmission). It blocks any U.S. government action to release funds or assets to Iran under that agreement and prohibits future waivers, suspensions, or relief for these sanctions. The bill directly affects Iran's access to certain financial assets tied to the agreement. It targets concrete policy changes by reversing prior relief without altering broader sanctions frameworks.

This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Maddy summaryS 3035 prohibits federal funding for research on gender transition treatments for minors under 18, including studies on hormonal or surgical procedures. It bans use of federal funds for any research aiming to affirm a minor's gender identity that differs from their sex assigned at birth, based on biological sex at birth. This directly affects researchers, medical institutions, and programs receiving federal grants that conduct such studies. The bill mandates that federal funding cannot support any research related to gender transition in minors, including observational studies gathering evidence on treatments.

Maddy summaryS.3028, the PUNISH Act of 2023, extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by preventing their modification or removal until a specified termination date. It requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress assessing whether Iran's government or affiliated entities (like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have engaged in activities such as assassinations, violence against U.S. citizens, or politically motivated detention of Iranian nationals in the U.S. The bill maintains current sanctions tied to Executive Orders 13871, 13876, 13902, and 13949, as well as sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund. These measures remain in effect until the President certifies compliance with specific conditions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

Maddy summaryS 1443, the "Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act," requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategy within 180 days for coordinating counter-drone systems at U.S. borders. The strategy must examine current capabilities, address privacy and civil liberties protections, and assess threats from drones used for smuggling or surveillance. It also mandates annual reports to Congress for seven years on resources needed and progress. This bill directly affects federal border security agencies and aims to standardize counter-drone efforts while safeguarding community rights.

Maddy summarySRES 391 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as "National Character Counts Week." It does not create new laws or obligations but encourages schools, families, youth organizations, and communities to focus on character education during that week. The resolution calls on these groups to embrace core values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and caring through events and activities. It is a non-binding recognition effort aimed at promoting character development among young people, not a policy change affecting specific individuals or programs.