Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to revise its occupational classification system to properly count dual-role firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics as EMS practitioners. It directs the Secretary of Labor to add four specific job categories (including "Firefighter/EMTs" and "Firefighter/Paramedics") to the Standard Occupational Classification System within 120 days. This change directly affects the accuracy of national workforce data for EMS personnel, who respond to over 22 million emergency calls annually. The bill aims to ensure government agencies have reliable data to inform emergency preparedness and policy decisions related to public health crises and disasters. A report on implementation must be submitted to Congress within 270 days.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 133) honors the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. It recognizes the program’s work providing free alternative education and structured discipline to at-risk youth aged 16-18, commends over 200,000 graduates, and reaffirms Senate support for the program’s mission. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges the program’s role in helping youth develop skills through residential and mentoring phases. It was introduced by Senators Baldwin, Capito, Cassidy, and others in March 2023.

Maddy summaryThe SOIL Act of 2023 requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review foreign purchases of U.S. agricultural land and real estate within 50 miles of military bases if the buyer is from a country designated as a national security risk (like China or Russia) or a nonmarket economy country. It prohibits federal subsidies for agricultural land owned by such foreign entities and mandates an annual public report detailing foreign ownership by state, county, and country, including analysis of sectors and water rights. The bill also updates disclosure rules to include long-term land leases (over 5 years) and removes minimum acreage thresholds for reporting foreign land holdings. This directly affects foreign investors from targeted countries and U.S. agricultural landowners who might receive federal support.

Maddy summaryThe Natural GAS Act of 2023 requires the Department of Energy to conduct a full fuel cycle analysis and disclose the results on appliance labels when developing new energy efficiency standards for water heaters, furnaces, boilers, and gas cooktops/ranges/ovens. It mandates that the Department certify new rules won’t cause a significant shift from gas to electric appliances in residential, commercial, or replacement markets. The bill exempts small manufacturers (as defined by federal regulations) from the rule application and requires the analysis results to be prominently displayed on energy efficiency labels at the point of sale. This directly affects federal agencies, appliance manufacturers, and consumers by shaping how future efficiency standards are created and communicated.

Maddy summaryS 1047, the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2023, allows state and federal correctional facilities to use jamming systems to block cell signals from contraband devices or inmates within the facility. The bill restricts jamming to housing areas only, requires states operating such systems to cover all costs, and mandates consultation with local law enforcement before implementation. It also requires facilities to notify the Bureau of Prisons about their use of jamming systems. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is prohibited from blocking this specific use of jamming technology, but the law does not authorize jamming outside correctional facilities or for general security purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal "National Parkinson’s Project" under the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts across agencies in preventing, treating, and curing Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. It requires an integrated national plan, annual progress assessments, and a public Advisory Council - including patient advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers - to guide strategy and recommend actions. The project mandates data sharing among federal agencies and biannual reports to Congress evaluating federally funded Parkinson’s programs, aiming to improve care coordination, reduce financial burdens on Medicare and families, and advance research on environmental triggers. The law directly affects people living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and federal health agencies involved in research and patient services. The initiative is scheduled to sunset in 2035.

Maddy summaryThe Venezuelan Democracy Act establishes specific criteria for determining when Venezuela has a transition government or democratically elected government, including requirements for respecting human rights, restoring democratic institutions, and releasing political prisoners. It imposes financial sanctions on the Maduro regime, blocking transactions related to debt instruments and cryptocurrency, and restricts Venezuela's membership in international financial institutions until a democratically elected government is in place. The bill authorizes U.S. support for democratic groups, human rights observers, and humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people, while directing that aid be provided through transition or democratically elected governments. Sanctions can be suspended or terminated if Venezuela meets the established democratic transition criteria, aiming to promote democratic change through targeted sanctions and support for democratic institutions.

Maddy summaryThe FAST Fix Act of 2023 amends the Small Business Act to prioritize federal technology funding for small businesses in states that historically receive fewer Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I awards. It defines "underperforming States" as the 18 states with the lowest SBIR/STTR Phase I awards and requires the Small Business Administration to prioritize applications from businesses in these states. The bill also sets a $500,000 funding cap per award over two years, waives matching requirements for underperforming states, and mandates biennial reporting on program outcomes and state performance. This directly affects small businesses in 18 specific states and the Small Business Administration’s administration of the FAST program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public colleges and universities from denying religious student groups access to campus facilities or official recognition that is available to other student organizations. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and religious student organizations by requiring equal treatment based on the institution's policies for non-religious groups. The key provision states that no federal funds can be withheld from an institution that denies a religious group access to facilities or recognition due to its religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or conduct codes. The law applies to all public colleges receiving funds under the Higher Education Act of 1965.