Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a legal "protective zone" around National Guard members during deployments under federal law. It defines a 15-foot area marked by signs, warnings, or barriers as a zone where entering or staying is prohibited if done to interfere with their duties. Violating this zone carries fines, up to one year in prison, or up to five years if physical contact occurs. The law explicitly states it does not restrict peaceful protests or protected speech happening outside the marked zone.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a single online application system for all federal disaster assistance programs, replacing multiple separate applications. It requires FEMA to establish a unified platform by 360 days after enactment, allowing survivors to apply once for aid like housing, small business loans, or food benefits, track their application status, and receive updates. The system mandates data security standards and allows FEMA to waive certain paperwork rules during disasters while requiring transparency through public notices. This directly affects disaster survivors seeking aid and federal/state agencies administering disaster assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes how the FDA inspects facilities manufacturing biosimilar drugs (similar but not identical versions of biologic medicines) in the U.S. It requires the FDA to hold a public meeting and issue a report on expanding international inspection agreements, update inspection tools to increase remote assessments (like virtual site reviews), and develop a strategic plan within a year to address staffing and communication challenges specific to biosimilar facility inspections. The bill directly affects FDA inspectors, biosimilar drug manufacturers, and the FDA's inspection processes for domestic facilities. It focuses on improving inspection efficiency and communication without changing drug approval standards or safety requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. export control laws to include Taiwan in specific certification, reporting, and licensing requirements previously listing only New Zealand. It directly affects U.S. military exports and transfers involving Taiwan by adding Taiwan to lists of eligible recipients in multiple sections of the Arms Export Control Act. The key provision creates a new expedited review process (15 days for government-to-government deals, 30 days for others) for defense transfers from U.S. allies (NATO members, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel, New Zealand) to Taiwan. This aims to streamline military equipment transfers while requiring a report on implementation within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. exporters to obtain a license before sending digital sequences of human- or AI-designed synthetic DNA or RNA to "foreign entities of concern" (such as entities tied to specific countries like China). It directly affects biotechnology companies, researchers, and academic institutions that export these digital genetic blueprints. The key mechanism is a new license requirement for exporting the digital files representing synthetic biological sequences, which are defined as binary files or digital representations of DNA/RNA molecules. This policy change aims to prevent foreign adversaries from accessing U.S. biotechnology research and intellectual property through export channels.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 3453 ("No Bounties on Badges Act"), authorizes the Attorney General to offer rewards for information leading to arrests, convictions, or prevention of attacks against U.S. federal law enforcement officers. It specifically creates a program allowing rewards for tips about acts harming or killing officers, conspiracies to do so, or efforts to prevent such attacks. The law directly affects federal law enforcement officers (the targets of potential violence) and individuals who provide actionable information to authorities. It amends existing law to add this reward mechanism under Title 18, U.S. Code, section 3071, without restricting other bounty programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Public Health Service Act to formally define "short-term limited duration insurance" (STLDI) as health insurance plans with contracts expiring within 12 months of their start date. It allows these plans to include renewal options without premium increases based on health status. The definition directly affects health insurance issuers selling STLDI and consumers purchasing these temporary coverage options. This change creates a clear regulatory category for short-term plans but does not alter their availability or requirements beyond the defined terms.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to report detailed payment information - including the purpose, funding source, and payment type - to the Treasury before disbursing funds. It mandates agencies to verify recipient bank account details and cross-check payment records to prevent errors or fraud. The Treasury gains access to databases like the National Directory of New Hires and tax/Social Security data (with privacy safeguards) to identify and recover improper payments. These requirements apply to all agencies using Treasury payment systems, aiming to improve transparency and reduce wasteful spending.

Maddy summaryThe AGRITOURISM Act (S 3392) creates a new Agritourism Advisor position within the USDA to support rural businesses. This role will directly assist farms and ranches offering agritourism activities - like farm stays, winery tours, u-pick operations, and farm-to-table dining - by connecting them to federal resources. The Advisor will coordinate USDA programs, provide technical assistance, share best practices, and help update farm enterprise development tools. The bill aims to strengthen rural economies by making it easier for small agricultural businesses to diversify through tourism. It applies to all states, tribal lands, and USDA programs nationwide.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames seven creeks in North Carolina after local residents, including Noah Styron Creek, Hunter Parks Creek, and Kole McInnis Creek. It updates official references in all federal documents, maps, and records to reflect these new names. The bill has no policy impact beyond changing geographic identifiers and directly affects the specific waterways listed with their coordinates. As a commemorative naming act, it does not alter laws or regulations.