Sen. Jon Ossoff

Maddy summaryThe Accountability for Endless Wars Act of 2023 would require all current and future authorizations for military force in foreign conflicts to expire after specific timeframes. Existing authorizations, such as the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), would terminate six months after the bill is enacted. Future authorizations would expire ten years after they are approved by Congress, ending indefinite military engagement authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two specific legal authorizations for U.S. military force against Iraq: the 1991 authorization (Public Law 102-1) and the 2002 authorization (Public Law 107-243). If enacted, it would end the legal basis for military operations in Iraq under these two resolutions. The repeal directly affects the executive branch’s authority to use military force against Iraq under these specific laws. It does not create new policy but removes existing legal permissions.

Maddy summaryThe Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act creates a federal grant program to fund public parking facilities for commercial trucks along highways and near freight facilities. It authorizes $175 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing to $320 million by 2026, to address parking shortages that impact driver safety and traffic flow. Eligible projects include building rest areas, expanding parking at truck stops or ports, and improving existing facilities, all requiring free public access and no fees for drivers. The program mandates stakeholder input from trucking companies and safety officials, with annual reports to Congress on project effectiveness and parking availability.

Maddy summaryThe International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023 establishes a permanent Special Envoy for LGBTQI+ human rights at the Department of State to lead U.S. foreign policy efforts addressing discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ people globally. The bill requires the Special Envoy to develop an annual global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ individuals, with mandatory reporting on countries that criminalize same-sex relationships or discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. It directs U.S. foreign assistance to support programs that protect LGBTQI+ rights, including health initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS in LGBTQI+ communities, and requires training for U.S. personnel and foreign officials on LGBTQI+ rights issues. The bill also mandates regular congressional briefings on the status of LGBTQI+ rights worldwide and U.S. government efforts to address abuses.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $162 million for fiscal year 2023 to fund the hiring and rehiring of additional law enforcement officers through existing grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. It directly affects state and local law enforcement agencies that receive these federal grants. Key provisions require agencies using these funds to conduct mandatory background checks and psychological evaluations for new officers, with costs covered by the appropriated funds or agency resources. The bill focuses on strengthening hiring standards and funding for public safety personnel without altering broader policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that federal transportation funding restrictions do not apply to state or local general sales taxes or generally applicable sales taxes. It amends two sections of federal law (49 U.S.C. §47107 and §47133) by replacing references to "local taxes" and "State tax" with "local excise taxes" and "State excise tax," respectively. The key change explicitly excludes general sales taxes from being subject to federal rules governing how transportation funds can be used, directly affecting state and local governments that collect these taxes for transportation projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax code to boost research and development (R&D) investment by businesses. It allows companies to immediately deduct R&D costs (instead of amortizing them over 5 years) and expands refundable tax credits for small businesses, raising the annual credit cap from $250,000 to $750,000 by 2032. Small businesses with gross receipts under $15 million can now qualify for higher credit rates (up to 20% of R&D costs) and may exclude years with no R&D expenses when calculating credits. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 2022, directly benefiting R&D-focused startups and small businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the existing adverse effect wage rate for H-2A agricultural workers through December 31, 2023. It requires the Secretary of Labor to maintain the wage rate in effect in each state as of December 1, 2022, for these workers during that period. The bill directly affects agricultural employers hiring H-2A visa holders and the workers themselves, preventing immediate changes to their wage rates. It does not alter the actual wage amount but ensures stability by preserving the prior rate for one additional year. This is a procedural adjustment to current wage implementation rules.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service. It specifies three coin types: up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (90% gold), 400,000 $1 silver coins (90% silver), and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins, all to be issued in 2025. A surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollars) will be added to each coin's sale price, with all funds going directly to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to support its diplomatic history preservation work. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring all design, production, and marketing expenses to be recovered through coin sales.