Sen. John Barrasso

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule setting greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (Phase 3). If passed, it would nullify the EPA rule (published April 22, 2024) under the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from taking effect. The rule directly affects manufacturers of trucks and buses by establishing new requirements for reducing emissions. The resolution does not create new standards but aims to block the existing EPA rule through a formal disapproval process.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would set new emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in model years 2027 and later. It directly affects automakers, as the rule would require them to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. The resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would be invalidated, meaning automakers would not need to comply with the 2027+ emissions standards outlined in the EPA's April 2024 proposal.

Maddy summarySRES 658 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 2024 as "Financial Literacy Month." It does not create new laws or funding but calls on federal, state, local, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to observe the month with awareness activities. The resolution cites statistics on financial challenges (like 5.9 million unbanked households and rising student debt) to emphasize the importance of financial education. It aims to raise public awareness about personal financial education's role in making sound money decisions and building wealth, without mandating any specific actions.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summaryS 4160, the POSTAL Act, prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or otherwise eliminating processing and distribution centers in any state if the action would result in that state having no such facility or negatively impact mail delivery. This directly affects USPS operations and residents in states where mail processing centers might otherwise be closed or merged. The bill restricts the USPS from taking actions that would remove all processing centers from a state or disrupt local mail service delivery. It applies to specific facilities defined as central mail handling centers that distribute mail for designated service areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for implementing, administering, or enforcing specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vehicle emissions rules. It directly affects the EPA's ability to enforce the proposed and final "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles" rules. The key mechanism blocks all fiscal year 2024 funds from being used for these particular rules or any substantially similar future rules. The bill does not alter the rules themselves but prevents their enforcement through funding restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 72) seeks congressional disapproval of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requiring companies to standardize climate-related financial disclosures for investors. If passed, it would block the SEC’s rule (published March 28, 2024) from taking effect, directly affecting public companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. The resolution uses a specific legal process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to invalidate the rule without altering its content. It does not create new regulations but halts the implementation of the SEC’s existing climate disclosure proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell commemorative coins honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 100,000), $1 silver coins (max 500,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all with designs reflecting soccer and the World Cup. A surcharge is added to each coin sale ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars), with all surcharge revenue going directly to FWC2026 US, Inc. to fund U.S. soccer programs, particularly youth initiatives and underserved communities. The coins may only be sold during 2026 and must cover all costs to avoid government expense.

Maddy summarySRES 645 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating April 20-28, 2024, as "National Park Week." It does not create new laws or affect any group directly; instead, it formally recognizes this week to highlight the National Park System. The resolution encourages the public to responsibly visit, experience, and support national parks, referencing the system’s history, visitor statistics (325 million visits in 2023), and economic impact ($50.3 billion in 2022). As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to promote awareness of national parks.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It specifically applies to cases involving discrimination based on actual or perceived Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics in schools and federally funded programs. The bill clarifies that this guidance does not expand the Department's authority, alter existing discrimination standards, or affect First Amendment rights. It aims to ensure consistent enforcement against antisemitism under existing civil rights law, as previously adopted by the Department of Education.