Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 200) expresses support for designating April 30-May 6, 2023, as "National Small Business Week" to honor small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States. It recognizes that small businesses (over 33 million nationwide supporting 62 million jobs) are vital to the U.S. economy and highlights their resilience. The resolution specifically calls for celebrating their contributions, acknowledging challenges they face, and supporting efforts to improve access for underserved small businesses. As a symbolic gesture - not a law - it does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes small business impact.

Maddy summarySRES 106 is a 2023 U.S. Senate resolution condemning China's implementation of the Hong Kong national security law and related actions. It specifically criticizes the law's use to suppress dissent, target figures like pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai and Cardinal Zen, and undermine Hong Kong's autonomy under the "one country, two systems" framework. The resolution urges governments to hold China accountable, supports Hong Kong residents' fundamental freedoms, and calls for dropping all national security law charges against detainees. It does not create new laws or impose direct consequences but serves as a symbolic expression of congressional concern about Hong Kong's political rights and rule of law.

Maddy summaryThe RESTART Act (S 1449) streamlines environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act by setting page limits (150 pages for standard environmental impact statements, 300 for complex projects) and strict timelines (2 years for final environmental impact statements, 1 year for environmental assessments). It limits judicial review by requiring lawsuits to be filed within 60 days of publication and setting 180-day deadlines for courts to resolve cases. The bill also modifies Clean Water Act permitting requirements and includes specific provisions expediting approval for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project. These changes primarily affect federal agencies conducting environmental reviews, project sponsors seeking permits, and states involved in environmental permitting processes.

Maddy summaryThe TORPEDO Act of 2023 streamlines defense technology sharing between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom by modifying export control regulations. It creates an open general license for defense exports to these countries under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and establishes a license exception for Commerce Control List items. The bill requires the State Department to appoint a senior advisor for AUKUS implementation and mandates regular reports on the partnership's progress. These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic delays in sharing defense technologies with key allies as part of the AUKUS security partnership.

Maddy summaryS 1458 establishes a temporary program to help small businesses in specific industries - like retail, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing - purchase cybersecurity services. The Small Business Administration will create a free online marketplace where businesses can jointly buy cybersecurity products from approved vendors. The program expires on September 30, 2024, and requires a separate study on federal cybersecurity training initiatives for small businesses. This bill provides a purchasing tool but does not impose new regulations or alter existing cybersecurity standards.

Maddy summaryThe SPUR Act (S 1456) streamlines oil, gas, and mineral development on federal lands by requiring quarterly onshore oil and gas lease sales, allowing states to assume permitting authority for these activities, and limiting environmental review delays for energy projects. The bill reduces royalty rates for oil and gas leases to a minimum of 12.5 percent during its 5-year implementation period, prohibits the President from delaying energy leasing without congressional approval, and expedites LNG export approvals with a 45-day decision deadline. It directly affects oil and gas companies seeking permits, state governments that may take over permitting authority, and federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management. The legislation aims to increase domestic energy production by making federal leasing and permitting processes faster and more predictable.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes U.S. policy to strengthen economic, security, and democratic partnerships across the Western Hemisphere with democratic nations (excluding Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela). It directs the State Department to support collaborative efforts including security training for law enforcement, cybersecurity partnerships, reducing trade barriers, and anti-corruption initiatives. Key provisions require improving border security, disrupting transnational crime networks, expanding digital connectivity, and promoting transparent energy markets. The bill focuses on concrete policy actions like enhancing regional cybersecurity cooperation, streamlining customs processes, and strengthening democratic institutions through technical assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill reforms the eligibility rules for countries seeking U.S. development aid through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). It updates the income threshold requirement to align with World Bank graduation criteria and clarifies that presidential waivers of aid restrictions (like those under the Foreign Assistance Act) do not disqualify a country from becoming a "candidate country." The Board of the MCC will now determine eligibility based on these revised rules. This directly affects low-income countries aiming to receive U.S. economic assistance via the MCC program.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 682 (PARTNER with ASEAN Act), establishes U.S. policy to strengthen the 2022 U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It directs the U.S. to enhance cooperation with ASEAN through regular high-level engagement, support ASEAN’s inclusion of Timor-Leste as an observer, and encourages establishing an ASEAN delegation in the U.S. The bill also proposes extending existing diplomatic immunity protections to ASEAN under U.S. law. As a policy resolution, it does not create new programs or funding but sets direction for U.S. diplomatic engagement with ASEAN.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2023 as "Financial Literacy Month" to raise public awareness about the importance of personal financial education and the consequences of financial illiteracy. It cites statistics showing widespread challenges, including 4.5% of U.S. households being unbanked, high credit card debt (47% of adults), and limited school-based financial education (only 23 states require personal finance courses). The resolution calls on federal, state, local, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to observe the month with educational programs. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to highlight existing financial literacy gaps affecting all Americans.