Sen. Tom Cotton

Maddy summaryThe Bureaucratic Overreach Review Act (S 4641) requires federal agencies to review every case since the 1984 Chevron decision where courts deferred to an agency's interpretation of a law, and to publish a written memo stating whether they will maintain, change, or reverse that interpretation. It also mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report within 180 days listing all such cases, the relevant laws or rules, and how private parties were affected. This bill directly impacts federal agencies and the private individuals or businesses involved in past regulatory decisions. The goal is to increase transparency and accountability in how agencies interpret federal laws, without altering current legal standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Army to retrofit all high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (as defined in the Army's Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Strategy) with anti-lock brake systems and electronic stability control kits by September 30, 2030. The Army must develop a detailed plan within 90 days of enactment, including production timelines, challenge mitigation, monthly retrofit rates, funding, and transportation logistics for the Red River Army Depot in Texas. The Army must also submit annual certifications by March 1 each year (starting in 2026) confirming budget resources will meet the retrofitting deadline. The bill directly affects the Army's vehicle fleet and its logistics operations at the specified depot.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 97) seeks to block a Department of Labor rule finalized in April 2024 that redefined overtime exemptions for certain white-collar workers. The rule would have changed how employers classify executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees for overtime pay purposes. By invoking Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, this resolution aims to nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It directly affects employers and workers covered by the rule, but the resolution itself does not change existing labor standards - it only prevents the rule from being implemented.

Maddy summaryThe Mandatory E-Verify Act of 2024 would require all U.S. employers to use a permanent electronic verification system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires, with implementation deadlines based on company size (from 6 months to 18 months after enactment). The bill establishes specific procedures for handling verification results, including a 10-business-day process for resolving tentative non-confirmations, and imposes penalties for employers who fail to use the system. It also requires states to share driver's license information with the E-Verify system, with potential loss of federal funding for non-compliant states. The law aims to prevent unauthorized employment while including provisions for fraud prevention and worker protections.

Ensuring Nationwide Access to a Better Life Experience Act or the ENABLE Act This bill makes permanent three tax provisions relating to ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts established to assist disabled individuals, specifically provisions allowing increased contributions to such accounts, the allowance of a retirement savings contribution tax credit up to $1,000, and allowing a tax-free rollover from a qualified tuition (529 plan) to an ABLE account.

Maddy summaryThe STATUE Act (S 4546) makes it a federal crime to willfully damage or destroy public monuments, statues, plaques, or memorials on federal property or when the act involves interstate commerce. It specifically prohibits such actions under two circumstances: if the perpetrator uses interstate travel or mail, or if the monument is on federal land. Violators face fines (minimum $1,000 or the damage cost, whichever is higher) and prison sentences of 5 to 10 years. The law directly affects individuals who damage federally protected monuments or use interstate means to commit such acts.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 96 seeks to block a Department of Education rule that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools (e.g., colleges, K-12 programs receiving federal aid). If approved, it would invalidate the rule published April 29, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33474), preventing it from taking effect under a congressional disapproval process. This would maintain existing nondiscrimination standards for education programs instead of implementing the new rule. The resolution directly affects all schools and programs receiving federal education funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 2024 as "ALS Awareness Month" to highlight amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes ALS patients, caregivers, and advocates. The resolution affirms the Senate's commitment to supporting access to treatments, advancing research, reducing financial burdens, and ensuring quality care for those affected. It directly affects the ALS community in the U.S., including patients, families, and organizations working toward treatments and cures.

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.