Sen. James E. Risch

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks the EPA from implementing new vehicle emissions rules for model years 2027 and later, specifically targeting the "Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards" rule. It amends the Clean Air Act to prevent future regulations from mandating specific technology (like electric components) or limiting the availability of new vehicles based on engine type (e.g., gasoline vs. electric). The bill directly affects the EPA’s authority to set emissions standards and the auto industry’s ability to sell certain vehicle types. It ensures emissions rules cannot restrict consumer choices among new vehicle models.

Maddy summaryS. Res. 406 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Richard Clarence Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa (served 1973-1979), who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that the House of Representatives and Clark’s family be informed, and directs the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, reflecting the Senate’s collective tribute to a former member.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 12, 2023, as "National Loggers Day" to recognize the logging industry's contributions. It highlights the industry's role in creating rural jobs, supporting forest management, and providing renewable materials for products. The resolution emphasizes logging's environmental benefits, including maintaining habitats, protecting watersheds, sequestering carbon, and reducing wildfire risks through sustainable practices. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThe Jobs in the Woods Act (S 3063) creates a federal grant program to fund forestry career training in qualifying rural communities. It provides competitive grants of $500,000-$2 million to eligible entities (like nonprofits, tribes, states, or schools) serving areas with populations under 20,000, low-income status, and adequate broadband access. Grants support sustainable workforce development programs targeting forestry operations, with priority given to projects addressing aging workforces, youth engagement through secondary schools, and job placement. The program is authorized for $10 million annually from 2024-2028, with grants lasting up to 4 years.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived under an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, including a specific waiver related to funds from South Korea to Qatar (documented in a September 11, 2023, congressional transmission). It blocks any U.S. government action to release funds or assets to Iran under that agreement and prohibits future waivers, suspensions, or relief for these sanctions. The bill directly affects Iran's access to certain financial assets tied to the agreement. It targets concrete policy changes by reversing prior relief without altering broader sanctions frameworks.

This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.