Sen. Eric Schmitt

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 92) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established new greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel power plants and repealed an earlier rule. It targets the EPA's specific rule (published May 9, 2024), which set performance standards for new/modified plants, emission guidelines for existing plants, and removed the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution uses a procedural mechanism under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the rule, meaning it would prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, directly affecting how power plants regulate emissions under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 93) seeks to block a specific rule proposed by the Department of Commerce. It targets the rule titled "Revision of Firearms License Requirements" (published April 30, 2024, in the Federal Register), which would have changed requirements for firearms licenses. If passed, the resolution would prevent this rule from taking effect by invoking a congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code. The resolution directly affects the implementation of the Commerce Department's proposed firearms licensing changes, not the licensing requirements themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 94) seeks to block a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would have changed regulations for the Unaccompanied Children Program. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, aimed to update how unaccompanied alien children are placed, cared for, and provided services. If approved, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, keeping existing regulations in place. It directly affects the federal program that handles minors entering the U.S. without parents or guardians. The bill does not change the program's operations but stops the proposed regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThe Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2024 streamlines congressional review of "midnight rules" - regulations issued by federal agencies near the end of a presidential term. It allows Congress to disapprove multiple such rules in a single joint resolution, rather than requiring separate resolutions for each rule. This change applies specifically to rules for which the agency report was submitted during the final year of a president’s term. The bill directly affects federal agencies issuing these late-term regulations and Congress, which gains a more efficient process to block them.

Maddy summaryThe Defense Technology Report Parity Act requires defense contractors that develop software in China to disclose whether they have been subject to Chinese data laws, including the National Intelligence Law. It mandates that these companies describe their process for reporting software vulnerabilities to Chinese authorities and ensure their U.S. affiliates are notified within 48 hours if such vulnerabilities are reported to China. Within 180 days of enactment, the Department of Defense must issue regulations requiring contractors to retain and provide vulnerability records to the DoD. This bill directly affects U.S. defense contractors operating software development in China.

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 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.

Maddy summaryThe Promising Pathway Act 2.0 creates a new FDA pathway for conditional approval of drugs treating rare, progressive, and serious diseases. This allows patients with limited treatment options to access promising new drugs sooner, based on preliminary safety data from Phase 1 trials and effectiveness data from Phase 2 trials (or preliminary evidence for terminal pediatric rare diseases). The law requires drug sponsors to establish observational registries tracking patient outcomes, mandates specific labeling for conditionally approved drugs, and requires private health insurers and federal health care programs to cover these drugs without cost-sharing. Conditional approval is initially granted for 2 years with potential for up to 3 renewals (totaling 8 years), but can be withdrawn if safety data changes or sponsors fail to meet requirements.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 58) seeks congressional disapproval of a Department of Energy rule establishing new energy efficiency standards for consumer furnaces. It targets the specific rule published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 87502), which set requirements for furnace manufacturers. If passed, the resolution would nullify this rule, preventing it from taking effect and requiring the Department of Energy to withdraw the standards. The resolution directly affects furnace manufacturers and consumers by halting the implementation of these new efficiency requirements.

Maddy summarySRES 697 is a commemorative resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 2024, as "National Police Week" in the U.S. Senate. It aligns with the 1962 law authorizing the President to designate this week, honoring law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for officers, recognizes their service in protecting communities, and encourages public observance to honor their mission and sacrifices. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely ceremonial.