Sen. John R. Curtis

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a definition in existing law to clarify which countries are considered "foreign countries of concern" for restrictions on foreign talent recruitment in federally funded research. It directly affects research institutions and programs receiving federal funding under the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. The key change broadens the definition to include any program, position, or activity (whether directly or indirectly provided) involving foreign talent recruitment, removing prior limitations on how such recruitment might occur. This adjustment ensures the restriction applies more comprehensively to prevent malign foreign influence in U.S. research.

Maddy summarySRES 326 is a Senate resolution commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires and the 31st anniversary of the 1994 AMIA bombing. It expresses strong condemnation of both attacks, honors the victims and their families, and urges the U.S. government to support Argentina’s ongoing investigations into these terrorist acts. The resolution specifically calls for U.S. technical assistance to Argentina, enforcement of INTERPOL Red Notices for suspects, and continued international pressure to bring perpetrators to justice. It also commends Argentina’s efforts to designate Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations and adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism. As a commemorative resolution, it focuses on reaffirming support for justice rather than implementing new policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 283) designates July 6, 2025 - the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama - as "A Day of Compassion." It affirms U.S. support for the Tibetan people’s human rights, including their distinct religious, cultural, linguistic, and historical identity. The resolution references the 2020 Tibetan Policy and Support Act, emphasizing that decisions about Tibetan Buddhist leadership (including future Dalai Lamas) must be determined by religious authorities within Tibetan Buddhism, not by the Chinese government. As a ceremonial resolution, it expresses symbolic support but does not create new legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2034 Salt Lake City Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It specifies four coin types ($5 gold, $1 silver, half-dollar, and proof silver $1) with defined quantities and designs reflecting U.S. athletic participation. A surcharge on each coin sale (e.g., $35 for $5 coins) funds the respective Olympic committees' legacy programs, including youth sports initiatives. The coins are legal tender but intended solely for commemoration, with surcharges directed to the organizing committees after covering minting costs.

Maddy summaryS 278, the Kids Off Social Media Act, prohibits social media platforms from allowing children under 13 to create or maintain accounts and requires platforms to delete accounts of children under 13. It also bans the use of personalized recommendation systems for children under 13 and teens aged 13-16, with limited exceptions for basic device information. The bill requires schools receiving certain broadband subsidies to certify they prevent student access to social media on school devices through technology protection measures. Platforms would face enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission for violations, and the bill excludes certain educational platforms from the definition of "social media platform" to allow for educational use. The bill would take effect one year after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the existing Colorado River Basin conservation pilot program by updating its name and adjusting key deadlines. It changes the program's official title to match the new bill and extends its funding period from ending in 2024 to 2026, while shifting the final implementation year from 2025 to 2027. The bill does not alter the program's conservation requirements or directly affect specific groups; it only modifies the timeline for an existing federal pilot program. This is a procedural adjustment to the 2015 law, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution disapproves an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have reclassified certain industrial pollution sources under the Clean Air Act. Specifically, it blocks the EPA's September 2024 rule (89 Fed. Reg. 73293) which aimed to change how "major sources" of pollution could be reclassified as "area sources" under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. If enacted, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, maintaining the existing regulatory framework for industrial facilities currently classified as major sources. The resolution directly affects the EPA's regulatory authority and the compliance requirements for affected industrial facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Policy Development and Cybersecurity within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The office, led by an Associate Administrator, will develop market-based policies to promote innovation, competition, and digital inclusion in communications technologies while coordinating cybersecurity and privacy policies. It will conduct studies on internet access, foster collaboration between security researchers and service providers, and provide guidance on securing communications networks. The bill directly affects the NTIA's operations and indirectly impacts the broader communications industry, small businesses, and rural service providers through its policy coordination efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to clarify how they treat special districts (like water, fire, or sanitation districts with budget autonomy) as eligible recipients for federal grants and funding. Within 180 days of enactment, the OMB Director must issue guidance defining this eligibility, and agencies must implement the guidance within one year. Special districts directly affected include those created by state law to perform specific governmental functions separately from general local governments. The bill mandates agencies to align their policies with this guidance and report on implementation to Congress within two years.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 255) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring former U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri, who died on May 13, 2025. It recognizes his 40+ years of public service, including his roles as Missouri Governor (1973-1977, 1981-1985) and U.S. Senator (1987-2011). The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn briefly as a mark of respect and transmit a copy to his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.