Maddy summaryThe Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2024 would require federal agencies to submit detailed reports to Congress before implementing new regulations, including cost-benefit analyses, economic impact assessments, and information about how the public can access the supporting data. Major regulations (those with significant economic effects) would need congressional approval through a joint resolution within 70 legislative days, while nonmajor regulations would follow a simpler disapproval process. The bill would also require agencies to publish all guidance documents online and create a regulatory budget system to track regulatory costs. This would increase transparency in the regulatory process and give Congress more formal oversight over federal regulations. The bill would affect all federal agencies that issue regulations and would require them to comply with these new review procedures.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 5066, the "No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2024," requires the President to obtain explicit congressional approval before imposing new import duties. It mandates that the President first submit a proposal with a rationale to Congress, followed by a joint resolution passed by both chambers to authorize the duty. This applies to duties under major trade laws like the Tariff Act of 1930 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, but excludes full import embargoes. The bill directly affects the President’s authority to act unilaterally on trade duties and shifts that power to Congress.
Maddy summaryS 3664, the Royalty Transparency Act, requires executive branch employees and federal contractors/grant recipients to disclose royalties earned from inventions or other sources. Specifically, it mandates that government employees report royalties from inventions developed during federal employment, and contractors/grant applicants must disclose all royalties received from non-government sources over the past decade. Agencies must publish these reports online within 120 days and provide unredacted copies to Congress within 30 days of a member’s request. The bill overrides existing exemptions under the Stevenson-Wydler Act and Federal Technology Transfer Act to ensure transparency. It directly affects federal employees, contractors, and grant applicants who receive royalties.
Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.
Maddy summaryThis bill temporarily halts U.S. funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) until the Senate approves any new international pandemic treaty. It prohibits the U.S. from joining or funding any WHO pandemic agreement unless it first receives Senate ratification as a treaty. The funding freeze begins when such an agreement is signed and ends only after the Senate approves the treaty. This directly affects WHO funding and the process for international pandemic cooperation.
Maddy summaryS 4881 repeals the requirement for men to register for potential military conscription under the Military Selective Service Act. It transfers the Selective Service System's assets and records to the General Services Administration and prohibits federal or state penalties for failing to register before repeal. The bill ensures past non-registration won't affect eligibility for federal benefits, jobs, or moral character assessments. It also preserves existing protections for conscientious objectors under current law.
Maddy summaryThe PIONEER Act establishes a regulatory sandbox program that allows businesses to temporarily test new products or services without being subject to certain regulatory requirements (referred to as "covered provisions"). Companies must apply for waivers through the Office of Federal Regulatory Relief, demonstrating how they'll protect consumers from health, safety, or economic risks while mitigating potential harms. Waivers are initially granted for two years with potential for up to four additional two-year extensions, requiring businesses to publicly disclose testing details to consumers and submit regular reports. The program includes a review process with input from agency advisory boards and an appeal mechanism for denied applications. After six years of successful testing, the Office may recommend to Congress that specific regulations be permanently repealed.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 105) prohibits a specific U.S. military sale to Saudi Arabia, blocking the transfer of defense articles and services listed in a July 29, 2024, congressional notice. It directly affects the U.S. government (preventing the sale) and Saudi Arabia (denying access to the listed items). Key provisions include banning follow-on maintenance and support for aircraft like KC-130J and C-130, cryptographic devices, spare parts, training, and technical services. The resolution targets a proposed sale described in Transmittal No. 24-43 under the Arms Export Control Act.
Maddy summaryS 4859, the Standing to Challenge Government Censorship Act, prohibits government employees (including contractors and the President/Vice President) from pressuring social media platforms, news sites, or other "covered platforms" to censor constitutionally protected speech. It bans actions like demanding content removal, labeling speech as false, restricting user access, or sharing user data with the government without a warrant. The bill creates a legal remedy allowing individuals or state governments to sue the government agency or employee responsible for such violations, seeking damages and court orders to stop the censorship. It directly affects government employees, platform providers, and users whose speech or data is impacted by these prohibited actions.
Maddy summaryS 4727 (SOPRA) amends federal law to change how courts review agency actions. It requires federal courts to decide all legal questions about agency rules and interpretations "de novo" (from scratch), rather than giving deference to agency explanations. This directly affects courts, federal agencies, and individuals or groups challenging agency regulations in court. The key provision mandates that courts must re-examine all agency interpretations of statutes, rules, and guidance documents without relying on prior agency views. The bill does not alter agency powers but changes the judicial review process for legal challenges.