Require Employees To Uniformly Return Now Act or the RETURN Act This bill prohibits Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees from teleworking during the period beginning five business days after the enactment of this bill and ending on the date on which the IRS certifies that the processing backlog for income tax returns has been eliminated.
Maddy summaryS 160, titled "Sarah's Law," amends immigration law to require mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with crimes causing death or serious bodily injury. It specifically applies to individuals who entered without inspection, held revoked visas, or fall under certain immigration categories. The bill also mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notify crime victims or their families about the alien's identity, immigration status, custody details, and removal efforts. This policy change directly affects non-citizens facing such charges and ensures victims receive ongoing case information.
Maddy summaryS 165, the "Let Them Learn Act," prohibits the use of federal or local funds in Washington, D.C., to require students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for school enrollment or participation in school activities. It directly affects D.C. public elementary and secondary schools (covered schools) and their students by blocking vaccine mandate enforcement through public funding. The bill also repeals a prior D.C. law that had established such vaccine requirements for school students and early childhood workers.
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates the Chief Diversity Officer position within the Department of Defense (DoD) by repealing Section 147 of Title 10, U.S. Code, and removes a related Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion role established in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. It directly affects the DoD by prohibiting the creation of any new position that mirrors these roles using federal funds. The key mechanism is a funding ban preventing the DoD from establishing or funding similar diversity-focused leadership positions. This policy change removes specific diversity-related roles from DoD leadership structure.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires certain publicly traded companies (called "covered issuers") to disclose in their annual SEC filings whether they or their subsidiaries/joint ventures have Chinese Communist Party (CCP) organizations operating within them. It mandates specific disclosures about any CCP involvement in company operations and whether the board of directors owes fiduciary duties to shareholders under applicable law. The reporting obligation begins with the second annual report filed after the bill's enactment, applying to companies required to submit reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The bill does not ban CCP activities but imposes new transparency requirements for affected companies.
Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent government shutdowns by automatically continuing funding for most federal programs at the previous fiscal year's level if Congress fails to pass a full budget by the start of the new fiscal year. The automatic funding would continue in 14-day increments until a budget is enacted, with the government returning to normal funding levels once a budget is passed. During these automatic funding periods, government employees (including congressional staff) would face restrictions on travel, with limited exceptions for returning to Washington, D.C. or responding to national security events. The bill also establishes specific procedures for Congress to prioritize budget negotiations during these periods. This would affect the entire federal government and its operations during budget stalemates.
Maddy summaryS 143, the "Turn OFF THE TAP Act," prohibits U.S. federal agencies from entering into contracts with or providing funds to entities listed on specific U.S. sanctions lists. It directly affects federal agencies (like departments or bureaus) and any businesses or organizations on the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s SDN list, Chinese military-industrial lists, or other designated national security risk lists. The bill blocks all federal funding - whether for direct contracts, purchases, investments, or indirect support - from flowing to these sanctioned entities. Key provisions include banning federal contracts with listed entities and preventing federal funds from being used to support them indirectly through third parties. This applies to entities owned by or linked to those on the restricted lists.
Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates January 2023 as "National Stalking Awareness Month" to raise public awareness about stalking. It directly affects the general public, stalking victims, and organizations providing victim support services by encouraging broader education and resource-sharing. The key mechanism is the Senate’s formal designation of the month, coupled with calls for policymakers, law enforcement, colleges, and community groups to increase awareness and support for victims. The resolution does not create new laws but promotes existing efforts to address stalking through coordinated public education and resource availability.
Maddy summaryThe Educational Choice for Children Act creates tax credits for individuals and corporations that contribute to scholarship organizations providing educational scholarships. Individuals can claim a credit up to 10% of their adjusted gross income or $5,000, while corporations can claim up to 5% of taxable income. Scholarships are available to students in households earning no more than 300% of the area median income and can be used for public or private school expenses, including religious schools. The bill establishes a $10 billion annual cap on total contributions with funds allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and requires scholarship organizations to verify student income and distribute scholarships to multiple students. It also prohibits government control over scholarship organizations and schools, ensuring maximum freedom for these organizations.
Maddy summaryThe A PLUS Act (S 110) allows states to consolidate federal education funds under a "declaration of intent," giving them flexibility to manage programs like Title I under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) while reducing administrative burdens. States must submit a declaration outlining eligible programs, commit to using funds to supplement state funding (not replace it), and report annually on student progress to parents and taxpayers. Key provisions include limiting administrative costs to 1% of consolidated funds (or 3% if excluding Title I), requiring accountability for disadvantaged students, and prohibiting consolidation of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds. The bill directly affects states, local school districts, and parents through streamlined fund use and transparency requirements.
