Sen. John Barrasso

Maddy summarySJRES 95 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have regulated the disposal of coal ash (coal combustion residuals) from power plants, particularly focusing on old, unlined surface impoundments. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the EPA rule, preventing it from taking effect and preserving current disposal requirements for electric utilities. This bill uses the Congressional Review Act process to block the rule, which was published in the Federal Register on May 8, 2024. It directly affects power plants managing coal ash waste but does not create new regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the existing Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act of 2019 by extending a waiver period. It removes a specific subsection (f) and changes the expiration date in another provision to January 1, 2031. The bill directly affects U.S. energy-related policies tied to Europe by delaying the end of a current waiver. It does not create new energy security measures but adjusts the timeline for an existing provision. The change is procedural, with no new substantive requirements added.

Maddy summaryS 4484, the "Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act," imposes U.S. sanctions on individuals or entities supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating or prosecuting "protected persons." It directly affects ICC officials, foreign nationals aiding ICC actions against U.S. citizens or officials from non-ICC ally nations (like Israel), and their immediate family members. Key provisions require the President to block property and deny visas to targeted individuals, while permanently rescinding all U.S. funding for the ICC. The bill defines "protected persons" as U.S. military personnel, government officials, and allied officials from nations not party to the ICC’s Rome Statute.

Maddy summaryS 930, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, creates a presumption that public safety officers (such as firefighters and police) who develop specific cancers after exposure during duty have work-related injuries. It defines "exposure-related cancer" to include 22 types (like lung, leukemia, and WTC-related cancers) and presumes these cancers are work-related if officers were exposed during service, diagnosed within 15 years of retirement, and the cancer caused death or permanent disability. The bill requires the Bureau to review scientific evidence to add new cancer types to the list within 180 days of a petition. This directly affects families seeking benefits for fallen officers by shifting the burden of proof to the Bureau, not the claimants.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 91) seeks to block a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule that set minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and required transparency in Medicaid payments. If passed, it would cancel the rule (89 Fed. Reg. 40876), preventing it from taking effect under a specific congressional review process. The rule directly affects long-term care providers and Medicaid programs by imposing new staffing and reporting requirements. This resolution is procedural - it does not create new law but halts the implementation of the CMS rule.

Maddy summarySRES 722 is a Senate resolution expressing gratitude for the heroism of U.S. Armed Forces members who participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. It commemorates the 80th anniversary of this pivotal World War II operation, which helped end the war, and commends the leadership and bravery of those who fought. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging public ceremonies to honor veterans' sacrifices and recognizes France's efforts to preserve Normandy's historical sites as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor historical service and legacy.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 717 calls on the Biden Administration to pursue three specific actions regarding Iran's nuclear program: censure Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), refer the issue to the UN Security Council, and reaffirm measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. It directly addresses the executive branch, urging diplomatic and multilateral steps based on Iran's noncompliance with nuclear safeguards under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The resolution cites Iran's enrichment of uranium to 60% purity, advanced centrifuge development, and obstruction of IAEA inspections as key justifications. It does not create new laws or impose direct requirements but seeks to guide U.S. diplomatic strategy at international forums.

Maddy summarySRES 707 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month in May. It formally celebrates Jewish Americans' 350+ year contributions to U.S. society, culture, and history - highlighting their roles in government, arts, science, and community service. The resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society to condemn antisemitism and promote education about Jewish heritage, responding to documented rises in antisemitic incidents and Holocaust misinformation. It does not create new laws but affirms longstanding congressional recognition of this month, which has been observed annually since 2006 through presidential proclamations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as National Foster Care Month to raise public awareness about challenges faced by children in foster care. It specifically highlights issues like the 368,530 children currently in foster care, the need for stable placements, and barriers to successful transitions to adulthood for youth aging out of the system. The resolution encourages Congress to develop policies that improve outcomes for these children, including supporting foster parents and preventing unnecessary entry into the system. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but aims to prompt legislative action through recognition and advocacy.

Maddy summaryS 4405, the Natural Gas Tax Repeal Act, repeals Section 136 of the Clean Air Act, which previously provided incentives for reducing methane emissions in the natural gas and petroleum industry. This bill directly affects natural gas and oil companies that participated in the methane emissions reduction program under the repealed section. The bill also rescinds any unobligated funds allocated for that program before its enactment. The legislation removes an existing federal incentive program without creating new taxes or regulations.