Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summarySRES 838 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating November 17, 2024, as "National Warrior Call Day." It aims to raise awareness about veteran and military member mental health by emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer connections during transition from service. The resolution cites statistics showing high veteran suicide rates (33.9 per 100,000 in 2021) and encourages all Americans to reach out to veterans or active-duty personnel for support. It does not create new laws or funding but urges public engagement through "making a warrior call" to prevent isolation. This resolution directly affects public awareness and voluntary actions, not specific individuals or programs.

Maddy summarySRES 844 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing September 15-21, 2024, as National Forensic Science Week. It formally supports forensic science service providers (like crime labs) and encourages them, local policymakers, media, and the public to engage through community events, lab tours, and discussions about forensic science needs. The resolution urges local officials to formally declare the week and visit labs, while inviting the public to learn about forensic work and its role in criminal justice. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, but aims to raise awareness of forensic science’s contributions to solving crimes and exonerating the innocent.

Maddy summaryThe Homeward Bound Act (S 5113) delays a 2024 rule requiring rabies testing for imported dogs for 18 months. It specifically applies to U.S. military personnel stationed abroad, diplomatic staff, and their family members, allowing them to import dogs from low-rabies-risk countries without the rule's requirements. The bill also directs the CDC to revise import rules to permit importing dogs of any age or unmicrochipped dogs born before the bill's enactment. These changes directly affect service animal handlers and military/diplomatic families seeking to bring pets into the U.S. from designated low-risk countries.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 5124 (Protect our Presidents Act), requires the U.S. Secret Service to provide presidential and vice-presidential candidates with security protection equivalent to that given to the sitting president. It specifically covers major party candidates who have accepted nominations at national conventions, their spouses, and the president-elect or vice president-elect. The Secret Service must report to congressional committees every 15 days during election years - detailing threat levels, security costs, personnel assigned, and any unmet security needs for each candidate. Candidates may decline the enhanced protection if they choose. The bill focuses on standardizing security protocols for candidates during elections, not on altering existing protections for current officeholders.

Maddy summaryThe STRATEGIC Act of 2024 establishes a comprehensive framework to counter the People's Republic of China's influence through expanded regulations, sanctions, and oversight measures. The bill directly affects U.S. institutions by prohibiting gifts and contracts from certain Chinese entities, requiring think tanks to disclose foreign funding, and restricting visa issuance for senior Chinese officials. Key mechanisms include amendments to the Foreign Agents Registration Act to strengthen enforcement, creation of new funds to counter Chinese influence, and requirements for reporting on climate cooperation and military installations. The legislation also establishes new oversight for science and technology agreements with China, creates a special envoy office for critical technologies, and implements sanctions against entities involved in South China Sea activities and intellectual property theft.

Maddy summarySRES 813 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Steven D. Symms, former U.S. Senator from Idaho (1980-1992). It formally expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and deliver a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. The resolution acknowledges his service in the Marine Corps, his 20-year congressional career (House 1972-1980, Senate 1980-1992), and his work on tax policy, infrastructure, and military base improvements. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - only symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThe VALOR Act of 2024 establishes specific criteria for determining when a democratically elected government exists in Venezuela, requiring the President to submit such determinations to Congress. The bill imposes sanctions on the Maduro regime and blocks transactions involving Venezuelan government debt instruments, cryptocurrency, and property, while requiring regular reports on sanctions implementation and foreign entities doing business with the Maduro regime. It outlines a plan for U.S. assistance to Venezuela once a democratically elected government is recognized, including humanitarian aid and support for democratic institutions, with the President required to submit determinations to Congress when such a government is in place. The act affects U.S. engagement with international financial institutions regarding Venezuela and sets conditions for lifting sanctions as democratic progress is made.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary 30-member Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Reform to review how federal agencies issue regulations. The committee would examine current regulatory processes, identify rules that could be repealed, and recommend ways for Congress to review proposed regulations with significant economic impact ($50 million or more annually) before they take effect. Composed of 15 Senate members and 15 House members appointed by party leadership, the committee would operate for one year and hold hearings on regulatory burdens across different economic sectors. It would also analyze the feasibility of creating a permanent committee to review major regulations, with recommendations submitted to Congress within 90 days of its termination.

Maddy summarySRES 795 is a Senate resolution expressing strong disapproval of the Department of Education's delayed implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act for the 2024-2025 academic year. The resolution cites specific issues, including the FAFSA application launching on December 31 (instead of the usual October 1), delayed data transmission to colleges until March, and resulting financial aid delays past National College Decision Day on May 1. This directly affected students - particularly those in foster care or experiencing homelessness - by reducing their time to compare college financial options. The resolution calls on the Department to address rollout problems for future cycles and testify to Congress, but it does not create new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.