Sen. Pete Ricketts

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax code to boost research and development (R&D) investment by businesses. It allows companies to immediately deduct R&D costs (instead of amortizing them over 5 years) and expands refundable tax credits for small businesses, raising the annual credit cap from $250,000 to $750,000 by 2032. Small businesses with gross receipts under $15 million can now qualify for higher credit rates (up to 20% of R&D costs) and may exclude years with no R&D expenses when calculating credits. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 2022, directly benefiting R&D-focused startups and small businesses.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 20) seeks to block a 2023 rule from the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that classified certain firearms with stabilizing braces as rifles under federal law. If passed, it would nullify the rule, meaning firearms equipped with these braces would no longer be subject to the rule’s classification requirements. The resolution uses the congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to stop the rule from taking effect, directly affecting firearm manufacturers and owners who use stabilizing braces on weapons.

Maddy summarySRES 113 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing the importance of rural and agricultural media programming. It states that such programming - including farm weather updates, market news, and rural lifestyle content - is vital for farmers, ranchers, and the public’s understanding of food systems and supply chain issues. The resolution cites media consolidation as reducing access to this content and urges TV/streaming services to prioritize delivering it. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or mandate specific actions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summarySRES 107 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposed by Congress in March 1972, expired when its 7-year ratification deadline passed without enough states approving it. It affirms that Congress has no constitutional authority to alter the terms of a proposed amendment after it is submitted to states or after it expires. The resolution cites legal precedents, including Supreme Court rulings and a 2020 Department of Justice opinion, stating that ratification deadlines are binding and cannot be extended retroactively. It concludes that any future effort to adopt the ERA would require a new congressional proposal, not modifications to the 1972 version. This resolution does not change current law or affect ongoing state ratification efforts for a new ERA proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill revises a federal regulation to allow small meat processors to own local market agencies. It directly affects small-scale meat packers with annual slaughter volumes below specific limits: fewer than 700,000 cattle/sheep or 3 million hogs per year. The key change requires the Agriculture Secretary to exempt qualifying packers from existing ownership restrictions in federal regulations. This would enable smaller processors to more easily operate or own local meat marketing facilities without violating current rules. The policy change is purely procedural, modifying an existing regulation rather than creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryS 804, the Black Sea Security Act of 2023, directs the U.S. government to develop a coordinated strategy for the Black Sea region within 180 days. It requires the National Security Council to coordinate with agencies like State and Defense to enhance security assistance, energy diversification, and economic partnerships with Black Sea states (Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia). The strategy must address security challenges like Russian aggression, promote democratic resilience through media and anti-disinformation efforts, and strengthen economic ties to counter Russian and Chinese influence. This bill mandates concrete policy actions but does not fund specific programs, focusing instead on interagency coordination and long-term planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Clean Air Act to modify how the EPA grants waivers for fuel formulations. It creates a new pathway allowing fuels to enter commerce if they meet Reid Vapor Pressure standards (a measure of fuel volatility) either by matching certified vehicle fuels or by complying with existing waiver conditions. The changes directly affect fuel retailers and manufacturers seeking EPA approval for fuel blends. Key provisions update waiver procedures and clarify Reid Vapor Pressure requirements, specifically adjusting percentage thresholds and notification timelines for certain fuel types. The bill does not create new regulations but adjusts existing processes for fuel approval under the Clean Air Act.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses Congress's support for the Local Radio Freedom Act by opposing new fees for local radio stations playing music over the air. It states that imposing performance fees would harm the longstanding relationship between radio stations and the music industry, jeopardize emergency broadcasts and local programming, and cause economic hardship for radio stations and small businesses (like bars and retail stores) that rely on free music licensing. The resolution specifically urges against any new fee, tax, or royalty related to radio stations' public performance of sound recordings. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new law but formally advocates for maintaining the current system.

Maddy summaryThe Stopping Border Surges Act (S 685) makes significant changes to immigration policy affecting unaccompanied children and asylum seekers. It requires specialized interviews for unaccompanied children with officers trained in child trafficking cases, mandates custody transfers to Health and Human Services within 30 days for children not meeting certain criteria, and shortens the asylum application window from one year to six months. The bill also adds new requirements for credible fear interviews, creates penalties for asylum fraud including potential fines and up to 10 years in prison, and modifies family detention standards to limit release of minors with parents who are not lawfully present in the U.S. These provisions aim to streamline immigration processes while adding safeguards against potential fraud and abuse.