Maddy summaryS 4973, the "No Kings Act," removes presidential and vice presidential immunity from federal criminal prosecution, requiring such cases to be handled in federal district courts with appeals limited to the D.C. Circuit. The bill specifically bars the Supreme Court from reviewing cases involving claims of presidential immunity for official acts, including dismissals of indictments or overturning convictions. It directly affects current and former presidents and vice presidents by subjecting them to the same federal criminal accountability as all other citizens. Key provisions prevent courts from considering whether alleged crimes were part of official duties unless Congress specifies otherwise, and clarify that state criminal laws remain applicable.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 3594, the SHARE IT Act, requires U.S. federal agencies to share custom-developed software code (created by or for the government) through public or private repositories within 210 days of enactment. It mandates agencies to make metadata about this code publicly accessible and develop policies for sharing, reuse, and security oversight, while exempting classified code or code posing privacy risks. The bill directly affects all federal agencies by requiring them to reduce duplicated software development efforts, improve system interoperability, and enhance security through shared code review. Key mechanisms include standardized reporting on code reuse, quarterly repository updates, and annual congressional reports tracking agency compliance and exemptions.
Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Section 1983 of federal law (42 U.S.C. 1983), which currently allows lawsuits against state and local officials for violating constitutional rights. The amendment adds "of the United States" before "of any State," explicitly extending this legal right to sue to federal officials acting under federal authority. It directly affects individuals who believe federal employees or agencies violated their constitutional rights, such as through unlawful searches or denials of due process. The key change enables civil lawsuits against federal actors under the same legal standard previously only applicable to state and local government actions.
Maddy summaryThe Health Workforce Innovation Act creates a federal grant program to fund community-driven training initiatives for allied health professionals in underserved and rural areas. Eligible applicants include community health centers, rural clinics, and vocational schools that train healthcare workers. Grants support partnerships with schools, pre-apprenticeships, culturally competent training, and expanded internships to increase the healthcare workforce, while prohibiting use for construction or replacing existing funding. Each grant is capped at $2.5 million and must run for at least three years.
Maddy summaryThe NO BAN Act (S 4961) expands federal anti-discrimination protections in immigration law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on national origin or religion for nonimmigrant visa holders, refugees, and other temporary travelers. It reforms Section 212(f) of immigration law by requiring the President to provide specific, credible evidence to Congress within 48 hours before restricting entry, mandating narrow tailoring of such restrictions, and requiring waivers for family/humanitarian cases. The bill also creates detailed reporting requirements for all entry restrictions, including quarterly updates to Congress and public reports on visa denials, waivers, and refugee admissions. This directly affects travelers, visa applicants, and refugees impacted by presidential entry bans or restrictions, while adding new procedural checks on executive authority.
Maddy summaryThe Restoring Congressional Authority Act modifies how courts review agency actions under Section 706 of Title 5, United States Code. It requires courts to consider congressional intent when determining if an agency's interpretation of a statute was reasonable, directing them to examine committee reports, Dear Colleague letters, and other congressional communications. The bill establishes a fast-track process for Congress to overturn court decisions finding agency interpretations unreasonable, allowing a joint resolution to be introduced within 60 days of such a decision. The legislation makes technical amendments to numerous federal laws to update references to the revised Section 706.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at rest areas along federal highways. It directly affects state transportation agencies managing rest areas and EV drivers who need charging during long trips. The key provision amends federal highway law to explicitly include EV charging as a permitted facility at rest stops, removing previous barriers. This change applies to standard electric cars (light-duty vehicles) and makes no new funding commitments, only updating existing infrastructure rules. The bill focuses on enabling charging access without altering federal agency authority over highway management.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 30, 2024, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to honor individuals who report government misconduct. It directs federal agencies to inform employees, contractors, and the public about their legal right to report waste, fraud, or misconduct through honest and good-faith disclosures. Agencies must also acknowledge whistleblowers' contributions to combating fraud and protecting public funds. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new legal protections or alter existing whistleblower laws. It focuses on raising awareness and recognizing the role of whistleblowers in safeguarding taxpayer resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill provides $5 million annually from 2025 to 2029 to fund 6-week summer reading programs at schools participating in federal summer meal programs. It targets schools where at least 50% of pre-K-3 students are reading below grade level, requiring programs to include library access and literacy activities. States will distribute funds to eligible schools through competitive grants, with schools needing to partner with community organizations to implement the programs. The law focuses on supporting early literacy during summer breaks when learning gaps often widen for students in qualifying schools.