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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 386 designates October 4, 2023, as National Energy Appreciation Day to honor energy workers and highlight the sector's contributions to reducing poverty, strengthening national security, and improving global quality of life. The resolution encourages federal, state, local, and community organizations - including schools, businesses, and nonprofits - to observe the day with educational events. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies, serving solely as a symbolic recognition of the energy industry's role in the U.S. economy and global impact.
Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Senate's support for diplomatic efforts to ensure Mexico complies with a 1944 treaty requiring annual water deliveries of 350,000 acre-feet to the U.S. It addresses Mexico's repeated failure to meet this obligation, which has contributed to water shortages for farmers in south Texas. The resolution urges U.S. diplomats to work with Mexico through the International Boundary and Water Commission to secure reliable water deliveries as specified in the treaty. It does not create new legal requirements but calls for renewed diplomatic engagement to fulfill existing treaty commitments.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Secretary of State to use diplomatic resources to help U.S. diplomats and officials with the International Boundary and Water Commission advance efforts ensuring Mexico complies with the 1944 water treaty. It requires the U.S. to actively seek Mexico’s adherence to the treaty’s terms for sharing water from the Colorado, Tijuana, and Rio Grande rivers. The bill focuses on strengthening U.S. diplomatic engagement to secure predictable water deliveries from Mexico, without creating new legal obligations for Mexico.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public elementary, secondary schools, and colleges from receiving federal funding if they use their facilities to house non-citizens under federal immigration orders (excluding those already admitted to the U.S.). It amends existing law to block federal financial assistance for schools that provide shelter for these individuals, while exempting short-term disaster shelters (under 72 hours) or facilities used during declared disasters. The policy directly affects public educational institutions receiving federal programs, requiring them to avoid hosting such non-citizens to maintain funding eligibility. It does not restrict schools from housing other groups or affect private institutions.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2982) mandates a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) into online sales of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The GAO must examine business models used by illicit sellers, how financial transactions occur via online platforms (especially impacting users under 18), federal and state government collaboration efforts, and how platforms detect and report drug sales. The study will analyze enforcement processes, referral patterns to law enforcement, and identify gaps in current efforts. The GAO must submit a report to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment. This is a procedural study bill with no immediate policy changes or direct impact on citizens or businesses.
Maddy summarySRES 377 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Restaurant Week (September 22-October 3, 2023) and honoring Hispanic restaurant owners and employees. It highlights that Hispanic individuals own 41,817 food service businesses (2020 Census) and represent 25.1% of restaurant workers, noting the industry’s role as a major economic driver and "training ground" for diverse workers. The resolution celebrates their contributions to the U.S. economy and acknowledges how the restaurant sector enables Hispanic workers to support families and pursue opportunity. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies, funding, or obligations.
Maddy summaryS 2953 requires the federal government to annually identify and review significant regulations that are duplicative (overlapping with other rules), burdensome (imposing excessive costs or unfunded mandates), or outdated (not updated in 10 years). The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Administrator must compile a list of such regulations, consult with agencies, and submit it to Congress for review. Congress then has 30 days to propose joint resolutions for repeal, which would move through expedited procedures in both chambers with limited debate and no amendments. The bill directly affects federal agencies responsible for creating regulations and businesses/individuals subject to those regulations, but does not automatically repeal any rules - only establishes a process for Congress to act on identified regulations.
Maddy summarySRES 208 is a Senate resolution designating November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day." It encourages U.S. citizens, particularly those connected to military service, to reach out to veterans through peer-to-peer conversations to support their mental health and transition from military life. The resolution highlights veteran suicide statistics (6,146 deaths in 2020) and emphasizes that isolation - exacerbated by the pandemic - increases risks for conditions like PTSD. It does not create new programs but urges public engagement to connect veterans with support systems. This is a symbolic, awareness-raising measure with no binding policy changes.
Maddy summaryS 2911, the "Protecting the Right To Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2023," prevents federal officials from using emergency declarations to impose gun control. It bans the President from declaring emergencies under the National Emergencies Act or the Stafford Act for gun control purposes, and stops the Health and Human Services Secretary from declaring public health emergencies for the same reason. The bill also amends the Stafford Act to explicitly prohibit emergency declarations that would restrict firearm possession, sale, or transfer of firearms, ammunition, or related accessories. This directly affects how federal emergency powers can be used during crises, limiting actions that could impact gun rights under the Second Amendment.