Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summarySRES 434 is a non-binding Senate resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Monroe Doctrine, first articulated by President James Monroe in 1823. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups; instead, it formally recognizes the historical significance of the doctrine's principles. The resolution reasserts the U.S. position opposing external powers extending "malign influence" in the Western Hemisphere, citing recent U.S. military posture statements about Chinese and Russian activities in Latin America and the Caribbean. It serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of the doctrine's enduring influence on U.S. foreign policy, without implementing any concrete policy changes.

Maddy summarySRES 435 is a Senate resolution designating October 30 through November 4, 2023, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who own small businesses, highlighting their role in the economy (over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses employing 2.9 million people). The resolution expresses support for veterans' entrepreneurship, encourages policies reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and thanks veterans for their service through business ownership. This is a symbolic recognition with no new legal requirements or funding.

This resolution recognizes October 2023 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.

Maddy summaryThe Don’t DO IT Act would require the federal government to deny right-of-way applications for solar and wind energy projects on federal land if a state legislature has passed specific legislation disapproving that project. The Secretary of the Interior must deny the application upon receiving notice from the state Governor that the state legislature enacted disapproval legislation. This directly affects renewable energy developers seeking federal land permits and grants states authority to block such projects within their borders. The bill does not change federal approval standards for other projects or mandate state disapproval - it only triggers a federal denial when a state specifically disapproves a project.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal funding rules to support stillbirth prevention programs. It allows funds under the Social Security Act to cover evidence-based activities like tracking fetal movements, improving birth timing for high-risk pregnancies, smoking cessation support, and community home visits. The bill directly affects pregnant individuals, particularly those in higher-risk groups identified in the findings (such as Black mothers, those with medical conditions like diabetes, or those aged 35+). Key provisions update funding language to explicitly include stillbirth prevention research and programs, aiming to address disparities where stillbirth rates are significantly higher among certain demographics. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand access to proven prevention strategies.

Maddy summaryThe FIRESHEDS Act establishes a new framework for managing wildfire risk on federal lands by creating "fireshed management areas" through agreements between federal agencies and state governors. These areas, designated in the top 10% of wildfire exposure risk, allow faster implementation of projects like fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and fire breaks without full environmental reviews under NEPA. The law prioritizes protecting communities, infrastructure, and watersheds while requiring annual progress reports to Congress. It applies to National Forest System lands and public lands, with specific exclusions for wilderness areas and roadless zones.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Forest Service to increase transparency for its Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program. It mandates that the agency annually publish regionally (across the Forest Service's 9 regions) a detailed list of projects considered for funding, including project descriptions, public comments received, project rankings, and proposed outcomes. The Forest Service must also solicit and consider public input during project selection by publishing project lists and accepting comments. This directly affects the Forest Service’s funding decisions and provides the public with clearer access to how remediation projects are chosen and prioritized.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks the EPA from implementing new vehicle emissions rules for model years 2027 and later, specifically targeting the "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards" rule. It amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future regulations from mandating specific technology (like electric components) or limiting the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill directly affects the EPA’s authority to set emissions standards and the auto industry’s ability to sell certain vehicle types. It ensures emissions rules cannot restrict consumer choices among new vehicle models.