Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a single gold medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment collectively, recognizing their service during the Revolutionary War. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be permanently displayed at the Rhode Island State Library, with Congress encouraging its use for research and potential display at other historically significant locations. Bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs, and all medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law. The bill directly honors the regiment, which in 1778 became one of the first integrated units in American history by recruiting over 200 Black and Indigenous soldiers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates federal grants to fund security upgrades (like cameras) or accessibility improvements (for ADA compliance) at pregnancy-help organizations. It directly affects organizations that provide services to individuals facing unintended pregnancies with the goal of encouraging childbirth, excluding any group that performs, supports, or affiliates with abortion services. Grants cannot be used for abortion-related activities or provided to organizations that offer such services. The bill authorizes funding for these specific facility improvements, with strict conditions on how the money may be spent.

Maddy summaryThe DAIRY PRIDE Act (S 549) amends federal food labeling rules to prevent plant-based products from using dairy-related terms like "milk," "yogurt," or "cheese" unless they meet the FDA's definition of dairy: derived from the lacteal secretion of hooved mammals (e.g., cows). It directly affects manufacturers of plant-based alternatives (e.g., almond, oat, or coconut milk) that currently label products with dairy terms. The bill requires the FDA to enforce this definition through new guidance within 180 days of enactment, clarifying that products not meeting the standard cannot be marketed as dairy. It does not change nutritional requirements but aims to reduce consumer confusion about product composition.

Maddy summaryThe National Right-to-Work Act would amend federal labor law to prohibit requiring employees to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. It removes existing provisions in the National Labor Relations Act that allowed for "union security agreements" (such as agency shops) and similarly amends the Railway Labor Act for railroad workers. This change would mean private sector and railroad workers nationwide would not face mandatory union fees to retain their jobs, applying to all new or renewed employment agreements after enactment. The bill directly affects all covered employees in the private workforce and railroad industry by eliminating forced financial contributions to labor unions.

Maddy summaryThe FOCA Act (S 537) requires federal agencies and recipients of federal construction funds to prohibit bid specifications or project agreements from mandating or banning contractor agreements with labor organizations (like unions), or discriminating against contractors based on such affiliations. It applies to all federal construction contracts and subcontracts awarded after the law's enactment, aiming to ensure open competition, reduce costs, and expand opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses. Federal agencies must update their regulations within 60 days to implement these rules, with limited exemptions only for urgent public health, safety, or national security threats - not labor disputes. This law directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and federal construction projects funded by the government.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the Supreme Court to no more than 9 justices. It would directly affect the composition of the Supreme Court by preventing future expansions beyond the current 9-justice structure. The key provision requires a constitutional amendment, which would need ratification by 38 state legislatures (three-fourths of states) within seven years of congressional submission. Congress would also gain authority to pass laws enforcing this limit. The amendment does not change the current court size but aims to restrict future changes to the Court's membership.

Maddy summarySRES 72 is a non-binding Senate resolution passed on February 16, 2023, declaring that Russia’s actions in Ukraine meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. It cites specific atrocities, including mass killings of civilians, deliberate destruction of infrastructure (like hospitals and farmland), forced displacement of Ukrainians, and systematic sexual violence, as evidence of intent to destroy the Ukrainian people. The resolution calls on the U.S. government to support Ukraine, back international accountability efforts, and urges the President to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act on those responsible. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but formally recognizes the Senate’s position on Russia’s conduct.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 471) gives states more flexibility in determining which Medicaid providers can participate in state plans if they perform abortions. It allows states to set their own criteria for excluding abortion providers from Medicaid participation, except in specific cases. The exceptions require coverage for abortions needed due to rape or incest, or when a physician certifies a life-threatening physical condition related to pregnancy. This directly affects Medicaid providers who perform abortions and state Medicaid programs, changing how states manage provider participation under federal Medicaid rules.

Maddy summaryS 503 establishes a new Space National Guard as a reserve component of the U.S. Space Force, composed of state-level units in areas where the Space Force operates. It directly affects National Guard members in participating states, territories, Puerto Rico, and D.C., who would join this new space-focused reserve force. The bill requires implementation within 18 months and mandates annual congressional briefings on its progress, including missions, personnel, and funding. It also clarifies definitions in military law and explicitly states the bill won’t require relocating existing military installations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new health and documentation requirements for importing live dogs into the U.S. It requires all imported dogs to be vaccinated, parasite-free, properly identified, and accompanied by a certificate from an accredited veterinarian. Importers must submit electronic documentation before arrival, and dogs imported for transfer (like adoption or sale) must be at least 6 months old. Exceptions exist for research, veterinary treatment, or Hawaii-specific cases where dogs stay within the state. Violations could trigger fines, quarantine, or removal of dogs.