Sen. Mike Lee

Maddy summarySRES 45 is a non-binding Senate resolution introduced on February 9, 2023, by a group of senators expressing the Senate's view that the current migration levels at the U.S. southern border constitute a crisis. This resolution does not create new laws or policies, nor does it directly affect any individuals or groups - it serves solely as a symbolic statement of the Senate's position. It contains no concrete policy mechanisms or implementation plans, as resolutions of "sense" are typically used for expressing opinions rather than enacting change. The resolution was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee but has no legal effect.

Maddy summaryS 334, the Retain Skilled Veterans Act, limits the appointment of retired military members to senior-level positions within the Department of Defense. The bill amends a law to restrict appointments to roles at or above GS-14 (senior-level) in the Department of Defense's competitive or excepted service. This directly affects retired members of the Armed Forces seeking such high-level positions in defense-related government work. The change modifies existing hiring rules but does not create new benefits or programs for veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the President from blocking or delaying new oil, gas, coal, or mineral leases on federal lands (including national forests, public lands, and the outer continental shelf) without explicit congressional approval. It specifically prevents the President from imposing moratoria on new energy leases or withdrawing federal lands from energy development without an act of Congress. The law applies directly to federal land management decisions, requiring Congress to authorize any action that would restrict energy leasing or development on these lands. This is a procedural change affecting how federal energy leasing and land use decisions are made.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a Department of Labor rule published in the Federal Register on December 1, 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 73822), which addressed "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights." If enacted, it would block the rule from taking effect, directly affecting retirement plan fiduciaries (such as those managing 401(k) plans) who must follow these standards. The resolution uses a specific disapproval process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, to nullify the rule without altering its content. This is a procedural action targeting the rule's implementation, not a new policy.

Maddy summarySRES 35 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating October 22-28, 2023, as "Natural Product Industry Week." It honors the natural products industry (including dietary supplements like vitamins and herbs) by recognizing its economic contributions, such as supporting over 754,000 U.S. jobs and generating $121.6 billion in economic output. The resolution cites industry statistics - like 80% of U.S. adults using supplements in 2021 - and emphasizes the industry’s role in promoting health and wellness. It does not create new laws, regulations, or funding, but formally acknowledges the sector’s impact on the economy and public health.

Maddy summaryS 251, the "Stop Supreme Court Leakers Act of 2023," makes it a federal crime for current Supreme Court employees or officers to leak specific confidential information. The bill defines confidential information broadly, including internal case notes, draft opinions, communications between justices and staff, and personal details of justices not already public. It prohibits unauthorized disclosure of this information and imposes criminal penalties: up to 10 years in prison for most violations, or a $10,000 fine specifically for leaking internal notes. The law directly affects only current Supreme Court staff, adding a new Section 1522 to Title 18 of the U.S. Code to enforce these protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow individuals with valid concealed carry permits from their home state to carry concealed handguns in other states that either permit concealed carry for residents or don't ban it. It requires permit holders to have a government-issued ID, meet federal firearm possession rules, and carry only handguns (excluding machineguns or destructive devices). Carrying would still follow local restrictions in the destination state, such as bans in schools or government buildings. The bill does not change how states issue permits but creates automatic recognition of valid permits across participating states.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 3) is a symbolic statement affirming religious freedom as a fundamental human right protected under the U.S. Constitution. It specifically recognizes the 237th anniversary of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (enacted January 16, 1786) and affirms that religious freedom allows all people - of any faith or no faith - to live, work, and worship according to their beliefs. The resolution emphasizes that religious freedom is a unifying principle essential to American democracy, citing historical documents like the First Amendment and presidential proclamations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but serves to publicly affirm this principle on Religious Freedom Day.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 6) disapproves of the District of Columbia Council's approval of the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 (D.C. Act 24-640). It directly affects D.C. residents by challenging a local law that would have expanded voting rights for non-resident property owners in D.C. elections. The resolution uses a procedural mechanism under federal law to formally reject the D.C. Council's action, requiring Congress to vote on disapproval within a set timeframe.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the U.S. Department of Energy from selling petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to any entity owned or controlled by China, or to entities that might later export those products to China. It directly affects the Department of Energy’s management of the reserve and Chinese entities seeking to purchase U.S. oil. The key mechanism requires the Secretary of Energy to block sales to China-linked entities and to ensure any sale does not result in the petroleum being exported to China. This is a direct restriction on existing reserve operations, not a new policy. The bill applies to all current and future sales from the reserve.