Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 to clarify that the Secretary of the Interior may take land into trust for **any federally recognized Indian tribe**, updating the original language that referenced tribes "under Federal jurisdiction." It specifically **ratifies and confirms past land trust actions** taken for tribes recognized by the federal government at the time of those actions, preventing legal challenges based on recognition status. The bill explicitly states it **does not change other federal laws** or the Secretary's authority under them, and references to the Indian Reorganization Act in other laws will now include this amendment. This directly affects federally recognized tribes seeking land trust status and the Department of the Interior's administrative processes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 72 is a non-binding Senate resolution passed on February 16, 2023, declaring that Russia’s actions in Ukraine meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. It cites specific atrocities, including mass killings of civilians, deliberate destruction of infrastructure (like hospitals and farmland), forced displacement of Ukrainians, and systematic sexual violence, as evidence of intent to destroy the Ukrainian people. The resolution calls on the U.S. government to support Ukraine, back international accountability efforts, and urges the President to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act on those responsible. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes the Senate’s position on Russia’s conduct.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires background checks for most private firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals by mandating that such transfers occur through a licensed dealer. It directly affects unlicensed buyers and sellers of firearms who would otherwise transfer guns without checks, except for specific exceptions like family gifts, law enforcement transfers, temporary safety-related transfers, or transfers for hunting/shooting at designated locations. Key provisions include requiring licensed dealers to conduct background checks as if they were transferring the firearm themselves and adding a new requirement for written certification from the unlicensed transferee. The bill does not create a national gun registry and leaves state laws intact.
Maddy summaryThe DISCLOSE Act of 2023 requires organizations making campaign-related disbursements over $10,000 to disclose detailed information about their funding sources, including the names and addresses of major donors and the top 5 or 2 funders for political communications. It closes loopholes allowing foreign nationals to influence U.S. elections by prohibiting foreign contributions to ballot initiatives and requiring disclosure of foreign money in campaigns. The bill also mandates "stand by every ad" requirements, requiring political communications to include disclaimers identifying who paid for them and listing major funders. These provisions apply to corporations, labor organizations, and other groups making political expenditures, with the goal of increasing transparency in campaign finance.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act to exclude basic allowance for housing (BAH) paid to military members from income calculations for food assistance programs. It directly affects military families who receive housing allowances and apply for benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The key change adds a specific provision (paragraph 20) to the Act, ensuring BAH is not counted as income when determining eligibility. This adjustment makes it easier for military families to qualify for nutrition assistance by removing their housing allowance from income calculations.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a gold medal in honor of Constance Baker Motley, a pioneering civil rights lawyer and the first African-American woman appointed to a federal judgeship. The medal will be presented posthumously to her son, Joel Motley III, and niece, Constance Royster, by congressional leaders. The bill directs the U.S. Treasury to design and strike the medal (featuring Motley's image and name) and permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing Motley's legacy, not a policy change affecting public programs or regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to allow retirement plan fiduciaries to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions. Specifically, it permits fiduciaries to factor in ESG considerations - such as climate impact or diversity practices - as part of standard investment analysis or as tie-breakers when competing investments have comparable financial returns and risk. The bill clarifies that fiduciaries need not provide extra documentation for these ESG considerations and ensures ESG-aligned investments can still serve as default options in retirement plans. It directly affects retirement plan managers (e.g., for 401(k)s) and the investment choices they make for employee savings.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 5-year pilot program to reduce veteran suicide by improving transition support for service members leaving the military. It requires the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to provide a mandatory group module (covering suicide risk factors, resources, and firearm safety) and one-on-one counseling with VA social workers before discharge, including medical records transfer and referrals. The program will operate at 10+ military locations serving 300+ service members annually, with annual congressional reports assessing participation, activities, and outcomes. It directly affects service members transitioning to civilian life, particularly those at higher suicide risk, by connecting them to VA care and support services during a critical transition period.
Maddy summarySRES 67 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating February 2023 as "Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month" to recognize CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand careers. It does not create new policies or funding but expresses Senate support for CTE programs that connect students with workforce skills in fields like healthcare, technology, and construction. The resolution encourages educators and parents to promote CTE as a valuable educational pathway, referencing the 106th anniversary of the foundational Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or affected individuals.
Maddy summarySRES 65 is a Senate resolution opposing H.R. 25 (the FairTax Act of 2023), which would impose a 30% national sales tax on all goods and services. The resolution states this tax would raise average annual grocery costs by $3,500, car prices by $10,000, and home prices by $125,000 for working families and seniors. It supports middle-class tax cuts instead of burdening households, while opposing any tax changes that would cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid funding. The resolution expresses the Senate’s position against policies that disproportionately impact lower- and middle-income households.