Sen. John Hoeven

Maddy summaryThe Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act requires Senate approval before the U.S. can join any international pandemic agreement under the World Health Organization (WHO). It would suspend all U.S. funding to the WHO until the Senate ratifies such an agreement. This policy directly affects U.S. financial support to the WHO and the process for international health cooperation. The funding freeze would begin immediately and continue until the Senate approves the specific treaty.

Maddy summaryS 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," amends federal law to add a new aggravating factor for death penalty cases when someone kills or targets public safety officers. It directly affects law enforcement officers, prosecutors, firefighters, and other first responders who are killed or targeted while performing their duties or because of their role. The bill inserts a new provision (paragraph 17) into sentencing guidelines, specifying that killing an officer engaged in official duties, targeted due to those duties, or because of their status as a public safety employee qualifies as an aggravating factor for the death penalty. This change would allow federal courts to consider these killings as a specific reason to impose the death penalty under existing sentencing rules. The bill does not create new offenses but modifies sentencing considerations for existing murder charges involving public safety officers.

Maddy summarySRES 21 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating October 10, 2025, as "American Girls in Sports Day." It recognizes the positive impact of sports on young girls and celebrates women's athletic achievements in U.S. history. The resolution specifically calls for protecting "biological women and girls" in sports and references Title IX, while noting concerns about biological males competing in women's sports. This resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition and call to action for sports organizations.

Maddy summarySRES 19 is a Senate resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, commending his decades of public service, humanitarian work, and diplomatic achievements including the Camp David Accords and founding The Carter Center. The resolution specifically recognizes his Nobel Peace Prize, efforts to combat diseases like Guinea worm, and 30+ years of Habitat for Humanity homebuilding. It formally mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family, while highlighting his role in establishing U.S.-China diplomatic relations and creating the Departments of Education and Energy. As a symbolic resolution with no policy impact, it directly affects no individuals or entities but serves as a formal Senate tribute to Carter's historical contributions.

End Child Trafficking Now Act This bill imposes restrictions related to adult non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) being admitted into the United States with a minor. Such an adult may not be admitted with a minor unless the adult (1) presents documents and witness testimony proving that the adult is a relative or guardian of the minor, or (2) submits to a DNA test that proves such a relationship. The Department of Homeland Security may request a DNA test only if the required relationship cannot be established by the presented documents and witness testimony. An adult who does not consent to a requested DNA test shall be inadmissible. If the required relationship cannot be established and the immigration officer believes the adult is guilty of a felony offense, the officer may arrest the adult. The bill makes it a crime for an adult to knowingly use a minor to whom the adult is not a relative or guardian to enter the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to obtain fingerprints from noncitizen children under 14 years old if they suspect the child is a trafficking victim. It also creates a new federal crime for adults (18+) who knowingly use a minor for entry into the U.S. when not a blood relative or guardian, punishable by fines or up to 10 years in prison. The law mandates sharing fingerprints with health officials for unaccompanied children and requires annual reports to Congress and monthly public updates on trafficking apprehensions involving false relative claims. It directly affects children entering the U.S., potential traffickers, and federal agencies handling border security and child welfare.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state to carry concealed handguns in other states that either permit concealed carry for residents or don’t ban it entirely. It applies to permit holders who are federally eligible to possess firearms, require government-issued ID, and must follow the host state’s specific restrictions (like where carry is prohibited). The bill does not override state laws on issuing permits but ensures reciprocity for those who legally carry in their home state, excluding machineguns and destructive devices.

Maddy summaryThe Keeping Military Families Together Act of 2024 extends two existing benefits for veterans and their families. It updates the expiration dates for memorial headstones and markers for veterans and certain individuals, extending eligibility from 2025 to 2032. It also extends the authority to bury spouses and children of veterans in national cemeteries until 2032. These changes ensure continued access to commemorative services and burial options for eligible veterans and their families without creating new benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4404) designates the United States Postal Service facility at 840 Front Street in Casselton, North Dakota, as the "Commander Delbert Austin Olson Post Office." It updates all federal references - such as laws, maps, and documents - to use this new name for the Casselton post office. The bill makes no policy changes; it solely renames the facility to honor Commander Delbert Austin Olson. This is a ceremonial designation with no direct impact on services or regulations.

Maddy summaryThe bill, S 4129, establishes a federal grant program to support the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation in creating a library and museum in Medora, North Dakota, dedicated to preserving and showcasing Theodore Roosevelt's legacy. It requires the Foundation to match federal grant funds with at least double the amount raised from non-federal sources (such as state contributions or private donations) before receiving funding. Federal agencies must loan or transfer Roosevelt-related artifacts and objects - like historical documents or memorabilia - to the Foundation for public display without cost, while ensuring the federal government has no role in operating the Library. The Library will focus on preserving Roosevelt’s materials and providing educational programs to make his legacy accessible to the public.