Sen. Tim Sheehy

Maddy summaryThis bill would require federal agencies to submit detailed reports about new regulations to Congress before they take effect. Major rules (defined as those with an annual economic effect of $100 million or more, or significant effects on competition, employment, or public safety) would need congressional approval via a joint resolution before taking effect, with Congress having 70 days to act. Nonmajor rules would have a different, shorter review process. The bill would also require agencies to publish cost-benefit analyses and other supporting documentation, and would mandate that rules be reviewed and potentially reapproved after 10 years.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the federal tax credit for carbon capture (Section 45Q) to expand eligibility for companies capturing carbon dioxide. It adds new qualifying uses for the credit, including using captured carbon as a "tertiary injectant" in oil/gas extraction projects and certain other storage methods. The credit amount is set at $17 per metric ton for 2025-2026, then adjusted annually for inflation after 2026. The changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, directly affecting businesses engaged in carbon capture and storage.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary exemption process under the Endangered Species Act for water projects meeting "critical human water needs," such as municipal drinking water, firefighting, public health, or food security. Water management agencies (federal, state, or local) must first exhaust conservation measures and alternative water sources before seeking an exemption. Exemptions last up to 180 days and require monthly reports on water use, alternative development efforts, and species impacts, with annual reports to Congress. The Secretary of the Interior must issue implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment. This directly affects water agencies managing critical infrastructure during shortages while maintaining ESA protections through strict conditions and oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows federal land managers to skip full environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for specific wildfire prevention projects on federal land. It directly affects agencies managing federal lands near communities, infrastructure (like schools, power lines, and water systems), and areas with endangered species habitat. Key provisions let projects removing dead/insect-infected trees or hazardous fuels near critical infrastructure qualify for this fast-track process, but only if they cover 10,000 acres or less and meet risk criteria. The exemption does not apply to wilderness areas, lands where vegetation removal is prohibited, or lands within national monuments as of the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Fair Access to Banking Act (S 401) prohibits large financial institutions ($10 billion+ in assets) and payment networks from denying services to lawful businesses based on political or reputational factors, such as the type of legal business they operate. It requires banks to justify denials using objective, risk-based standards instead of category-based decisions, and mandates written explanations for denials. The law enables lawsuits against violators with treble damages and civil penalties up to 10% of service value (capped at $10,000 per violation). It directly affects major banks, payment processors, and credit unions that serve large-scale customers, ensuring fair access for businesses operating within federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies by requiring the closure of DEI offices, rescinding related executive orders (including those on racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion), and prohibiting federal funds from being used for DEI-related activities. It defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" as including training that asserts certain groups are inherently superior or inferior, or requiring employees to sign statements about such concepts. The bill affects all federal agencies, personnel, contractors, and grantees by banning DEI training, offices, and related activities while exempting Equal Employment Opportunity offices and disability-related programs. It also creates a private cause of action allowing individuals to sue for violations with penalties of $1,000 per violation per day.

Maddy summaryS 364, titled the "Hearing Protection Act" (though it regulates firearm silencers, not hearing protection), changes federal law to treat firearm silencers like firearms for tax and regulatory purposes. It imposes a 10% federal tax on silencers (similar to firearms), preempts state laws that tax or regulate silencers beyond federal rules, and requires the destruction of existing silencer registration records within one year. The bill clarifies definitions of "firearm silencer" in federal law and modifies licensing requirements for these devices. This directly affects silencer owners, manufacturers, and state governments that previously imposed additional restrictions or taxes.

Maddy summaryThe STOP MADNESS Act (S 363) proposes imposing U.S. economic sanctions on foreign governments and entities that resist repatriating migrants who entered the U.S. unlawfully or knowingly facilitate such immigration. It would block financial transactions with U.S. financial systems for targeted foreign governments and foreign persons meeting specific criteria, including those obstructing U.S. repatriation efforts or aiding illegal immigration. The bill requires the President to submit annual reports to Congress detailing sanctions actions and enforcement, with a 7-year reporting period. It defines key terms like "knowingly" and specifies exemptions for intelligence and law enforcement activities.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 9) seeks congressional disapproval of a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) rule issued in October 2024. The rule provided guidance for listing "voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts" on exchanges, which would have governed how these carbon credit trading contracts could be traded. If passed, the resolution would block this guidance from taking effect, meaning the CFTC's rule would have no legal force. This action directly affects the CFTC and market participants involved in carbon credit derivative contracts, preventing the new regulatory framework from being implemented.

Maddy summarySRES 49 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week." It recognizes Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), which serve over 230 federally recognized tribes and provide culturally grounded education to Native and non-Native students in underserved communities. The resolution calls for public observance through activities that highlight TCUs' role in preserving indigenous languages, supporting tribal communities, and preparing students for the workforce. This symbolic measure does not create new laws or allocate funding, but aims to raise national awareness of TCUs' contributions.