Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryThe Small Business Cyber Resiliency Act establishes a central resource hub within the Small Business Administration to improve cybersecurity support for small businesses. It requires the SBA to partner with existing small business development centers and other resource providers to deliver free cybersecurity tools, training, and incident response guidance directly to small business owners. The bill also mandates annual reports tracking how many small businesses received assistance and requires a study on cybersecurity risks faced by small businesses that shifted online during the pandemic (2020-2021). These provisions aim to make cybersecurity resources more accessible without creating new government funding.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 41) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific immigration rule issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2023, addressed "Circumvention of Lawful Pathways" in immigration processing. The resolution would formally block the rule from taking effect by directing Congress to disapprove it under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. This action directly affects how USCIS and immigration courts implement certain immigration pathways.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution expresses the chamber's support for nuclear power as a clean, reliable energy source critical to achieving a secure, low-emission grid. It commits the Senate to promoting nuclear energy development, including establishing domestic uranium production, strengthening the nuclear supply chain, and cultivating a skilled workforce. The resolution also highlights nuclear energy as an export opportunity for U.S. manufacturing expertise. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect policy implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes federal Endangered Species Act protections for grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) in the lower 48 U.S. states and a specific experimental population in Idaho and Montana. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to remove these bears from the endangered species list within two years of enactment, ending current legal restrictions. The bill also establishes a process for future protections if specific population segments meet recovery criteria, while prohibiting courts from reviewing the removal. This directly affects federal conservation management and land use decisions in states where grizzly bears live, but does not immediately allow hunting or alter existing state management plans.

Small Business Growth Act This bill increases from $1 million to $2.5 million the limitation on expensing of depreciable business assets. It also increases the asset threshold amount used to reduce the expensing limitation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to maintain all northern border ports of entry (between the U.S. and Canada) open for equal or more hours daily than they operated before the pandemic. It directly affects CBP operations and travelers/businesses using these ports, mandating that hours return to pre-COVID-19 levels. The key provision specifies that operating hours must match those in effect immediately before the March 2020 public health emergency declaration related to the pandemic. The bill does not change border security policies but reverses pandemic-era reductions in port availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Coordinator" within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small businesses adopt and use modern technologies. The coordinator will work with other federal agencies (like the FCC and Commerce Department), identify helpful tools and training, and provide staff training on technologies including AI, IoT, and 5G. It also requires the SBA to conduct a study on how broadband access and emerging tech impact small businesses, including surveys on speed, cost, and usage. The coordinator must submit biennial reports to Congress on these efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $1.88 billion to support Ukraine's energy sector reconstruction and help European countries reduce dependence on Russian energy. It provides funding for rebuilding Ukraine's damaged energy infrastructure, technical assistance for grid modernization, and support for European nations to diversify energy sources away from Russian supplies. The bill includes requirements for certifications regarding Ukrainian energy company governance and anti-corruption measures, while also addressing environmental remediation needs from war damage and nuclear safety concerns at Ukrainian power plants. Funding is allocated with $1.1 billion for Ukraine's energy sector and $500 million for European energy diversification efforts. The legislation emphasizes coordination with international partners and requires regular reporting to Congress on how these programs benefit U.S. energy suppliers and manufacturers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2647, SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023) provides federal funding to improve stillbirth data collection, research, and education. It authorizes $5 million annually for states to collect stillbirth data using existing health records while protecting privacy, $1 million for developing standardized data collection guidelines and public educational materials, and $3 million for specialized training programs in perinatal pathology and stillbirth research. The bill directly affects state health departments, medical professionals (like obstetricians and pathologists), and families impacted by stillbirth through improved data systems and educational resources. Key provisions require standardized data reporting, consultation with affected families and healthcare providers, and mandatory reports on program progress within five years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility and use by broadening what health coverage qualifies and what expenses can be paid from HSAs. It allows individuals with Medicaid, CHIP, TRICARE, veterans' health plans, or health care sharing ministries (a type of faith-based health cost-sharing program) to use HSAs, and increases annual contribution limits significantly (to $10,800 for individuals and $29,500 for families). It also permits HSA funds to pay for health insurance premiums, periodic provider fees for defined care packages, and health care sharing ministry membership fees as qualified medical expenses. These changes directly affect HSA account holders, particularly those using non-traditional health coverage options or seeking greater flexibility in medical expense management.