Sen. John Hoeven

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal criminal offense for assaults on law enforcement officers that cause serious injury or involve specific circumstances like crossing state lines, using interstate commerce, or employing firearms. It increases penalties to up to 10 years in prison for assaults causing serious injury, with life imprisonment if death occurs or kidnapping/killing is involved. The bill requires the Attorney General to certify federal prosecution is necessary before proceeding, unless states lack jurisdiction or have requested federal involvement. It directly affects law enforcement officers (including federal, state, and local) by establishing new federal penalties for certain assaults against them.

Maddy summaryThe ELITE Vehicles Act would repeal federal tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles and related infrastructure. Specifically, it eliminates the existing credit for new electric vehicles (previously under Section 30D), the credit for previously-owned clean vehicles (Section 25E), and the credit for commercial clean vehicles (Section 45W). It also removes electric vehicle recharging stations from the alternative fuel refueling credit. These changes would take effect 30 days after enactment, directly affecting individuals and businesses that currently claim these tax benefits when buying or installing qualifying electric vehicle equipment.

Maddy summaryS 346, the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023, creates a new Office of the Special Investigator within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate competition violations by meat and poultry packers and live poultry dealers under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The Special Investigator, appointed by the Secretary, will use subpoenas to probe anticompetitive practices, bring civil actions, and coordinate with the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Homeland Security. This bill directly affects large meat and poultry companies regulated under the Packers and Stockyards Act, granting the Special Investigator authority to pursue enforcement actions without altering the Secretary’s existing subpoena powers. The law requires coordination with existing USDA offices and prohibits actions against entities not covered by the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule setting greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles (Phase 3). If passed, it would nullify the EPA rule (published April 22, 2024) under the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from taking effect. The rule directly affects manufacturers of trucks and buses by establishing new requirements for reducing emissions. The resolution does not create new standards but aims to block the existing EPA rule through a formal disapproval process.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would set new emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in model years 2027 and later. It directly affects automakers, as the rule would require them to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. The resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would be invalidated, meaning automakers would not need to comply with the 2027+ emissions standards outlined in the EPA's April 2024 proposal.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funding for implementing, administering, or enforcing specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vehicle emissions rules. It directly affects the EPA's ability to enforce the proposed and final "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles" rules. The key mechanism blocks all fiscal year 2024 funds from being used for these particular rules or any substantially similar future rules. The bill does not alter the rules themselves but prevents their enforcement through funding restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 72) seeks congressional disapproval of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requiring companies to standardize climate-related financial disclosures for investors. If passed, it would block the SEC’s rule (published March 28, 2024) from taking effect, directly affecting public companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. The resolution uses a specific legal process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to invalidate the rule without altering its content. It does not create new regulations but halts the implementation of the SEC’s existing climate disclosure proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell commemorative coins honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 100,000), $1 silver coins (max 500,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all with designs reflecting soccer and the World Cup. A surcharge is added to each coin sale ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars), with all surcharge revenue going directly to FWC2026 US, Inc. to fund U.S. soccer programs, particularly youth initiatives and underserved communities. The coins may only be sold during 2026 and must cover all costs to avoid government expense.

Maddy summarySRES 645 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating April 20-28, 2024, as "National Park Week." It does not create new laws or affect any group directly; instead, it formally recognizes this week to highlight the National Park System. The resolution encourages the public to responsibly visit, experience, and support national parks, referencing the system’s history, visitor statistics (325 million visits in 2023), and economic impact ($50.3 billion in 2022). As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to promote awareness of national parks.