Sen. Pete Ricketts

Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal funding for repairing aging flood control infrastructure and enhances watershed protection programs. It directly affects local organizations managing dams, levees, and water systems by allowing them to receive up to 90% federal cost coverage (instead of 65%) for rehabilitation projects in limited-resource areas. Key provisions include requiring the Secretary to consider long-term watershed health when restoring damaged areas and expanding the Regional Conservation Partnership Program to prioritize flood/drought mitigation, water protection, and sustainable land use on a regional scale. These changes aim to strengthen community resilience against flooding through targeted infrastructure investment and broader resource management.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 428) recognizes the record-setting Volleyball Day event in Nebraska on August 30, 2023, which drew 92,003 attendees - breaking the world record for women’s sports attendance and surpassing previous NCAA women’s volleyball records. It specifically honors the University of Nebraska volleyball program for setting these records, including the longest sellout streak in NCAA women’s sports and multiple national championships. The resolution formally congratulates the university, players, and supporters, and directs copies to Nebraska’s governor, university leadership, and volleyball coaches. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes but serves to publicly acknowledge this athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2028, extending funding and updating requirements for dam safety. It defines "small disadvantaged community" (under 50,000 population with income below 80% of state median) and ensures these communities receive priority for dam rehabilitation grants. Key provisions require dam owners to commit to long-term maintenance plans and mandate floodplain management plans - either already in place or developed within two years - to reduce flood risks and protect communities. The bill also establishes a risk-based priority system for states to allocate grants for high-hazard dams.

Maddy summaryS 3112 requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner to annually review inspection policies at ports of entry and border patrol areas. This review must specifically examine how fentanyl is being smuggled across borders and how people are illegally crossing into the U.S., including where these crossings occur. The goal is to ensure CBP uniformly implements inspection practices that adapt to new methods used for smuggling drugs and people. The bill directly affects CBP officers and border patrol agents who carry out these inspections at U.S. border locations.

Maddy summaryThe ABC Act requires Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security offices to review and simplify their application, eligibility, and communication processes. It directly affects family caregivers who help loved ones navigate these programs by targeting repeated paperwork, inconsistent information requests, and poor communication. Key mechanisms include mandating agencies to reduce duplicate forms, improve website accessibility (including ADA compliance), shorten call wait times, and provide multilingual support based on feedback from caregivers and advocacy groups. Agencies must submit detailed reports to Congress within one year outlining their findings and planned improvements.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks the EPA from implementing new vehicle emissions rules for model years 2027 and later, specifically targeting the "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards" rule. It amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future regulations from mandating specific technology (like electric components) or limiting the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill directly affects the EPA’s authority to set emissions standards and the auto industry’s ability to sell certain vehicle types. It ensures emissions rules cannot restrict consumer choices among new vehicle models.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies and streamlines the process for states and agencies to certify that federally permitted projects (like dams or pipelines) won't harm water quality. It requires certifying authorities to publish clear certification requirements upfront, make written decisions within 90 days based only on specific water quality standards (sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307), and explain their reasoning. The changes directly affect project applicants seeking federal permits and state agencies handling water quality certifications. Key mechanisms include setting a strict 90-day timeline for decisions, banning arbitrary delays, and ensuring certifications are strictly tied to established water quality rules.

Maddy summarySRES 413 is a symbolic Senate resolution condemning foreign nationals in the U.S. who endorsed or supported Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, or Hezbollah - designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) - for their roles in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel that killed over 1,300 people, including 30 U.S. citizens. It urges the President to enforce existing immigration law (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B)(i)(VII)) by revoking visas and initiating deportation for such individuals. The resolution affirms no equivalence between FTO terrorism and Israel’s self-defense, rejects anti-Semitism, and commemorates the victims. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new law but calls for applying current visa ineligibility rules.