Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers unused funds from the Internal Revenue Code's Section 9006(a) fund to the Unemployment Trust Fund's Employment Security Administration Account. The funds will support state programs providing reemployment services and eligibility assessments for unemployment benefits. It directly affects state unemployment agencies administering these services by providing additional resources for job training and benefit verification. The change involves reallocating existing unobligated funds without creating new taxes or spending.

Maddy summaryThe FAIR Leave Act (S 3321) repeals a 12-month waiting period requirement under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for spouses seeking leave. It directly affects spouses of employees covered by FMLA, removing a previous barrier to immediate eligibility. The key provision eliminates Section 102(f) of the FMLA, which had required spouses to work for 12 months before qualifying for leave. This change allows spouses to access FMLA leave from their first day of employment, without waiting for a year. The bill makes no other changes to FMLA provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to evaluate existing research on menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life health for women serving in the military or who are veterans. It directs them to identify gaps in knowledge about treatments for symptoms, the impact of military service (including combat exposure and toxins like PFAS), and the availability of care and training for healthcare providers. Within 180 days of enactment, the departments must submit a report and strategic plan to Congress detailing findings and outlining steps to address research gaps and improve care. The law directly affects military women, veterans, and their healthcare providers by aiming to enhance understanding and services for menopause-related health issues.

Maddy summaryThe RECAPTURE Act (S 3259) changes how leftover federal broadband funding is handled under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It requires that any unspent funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program not specifically designated for a project must be deposited into the federal Treasury to reduce the deficit, while funds designated for specific projects remain available to the grant recipient. This applies directly to states and local governments that received BEAD grants but have unused funds. The bill ensures unallocated broadband funds are redirected toward deficit reduction rather than remaining unspent.

Maddy summaryThe SIMSA Act of 2025 creates a new Schedule A for controlled substances under federal drug law. It defines Schedule A substances as those imported into the U.S. with chemical structures substantially similar to existing Schedule I-V substances and having similar effects on the central nervous system. The bill establishes procedures for the Attorney General to temporarily schedule substances for up to 5 years (with possible 180-day extensions), requiring consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services before permanent scheduling. It increases penalties for violations involving Schedule A substances, including prison terms up to 30 years for repeat offenses and higher fines, and requires specific labeling with IUPAC nomenclature for these substances.

Maddy summaryS 3272, the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Act of 2025, requires states to include new motorcyclist safety education in driver training programs. It amends federal law to mandate that driver education courses cover state-specific motorcycle laws (like lane-splitting rules) and "share-the-road" principles to improve awareness of motorcyclists. This applies directly to state driver education and motor vehicle agencies that provide driver training. The changes take effect two years after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryS 3262 requires the U.S. Secretary of Defense to develop a NATO-wide strategy for integrated air defense against drones (unmanned aerial systems), specifically targeting gaps that risk depleting expensive weapons when countering low-cost threats. The strategy must identify barriers to using affordable solutions like mass-produced ammunition, next-generation tech (e.g., AI, microwave weapons), and improved coordination among allies, with a focus on protecting NATO’s eastern flank countries like Estonia, Poland, and Romania. It mandates a 90-day submission to Congress detailing funding needs and a 2027 progress report, including plans to scale low-cost drone defense production with allies like Ukraine. The bill directly affects NATO’s collective defense posture and U.S. military coordination with partner nations.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts SNAP benefits for restaurant meals by requiring eligible meals to include at least one fruit/vegetable and protein, and limiting use to specific retail food stores with prepared sections (like delis or hot bars) that meet health standards. It bans participation from quick-service or fast-food restaurants and prohibits benefits for takeout meals, requiring all purchases to be for immediate consumption. States must now track participation and spending through new reporting requirements, including detailed data on participating stores and redemption amounts. The bill directly affects SNAP recipients who previously used benefits at restaurants for prepared meals.

Maddy summaryThis bill ends a special discounted postage rate currently available to political committees for mailing campaign materials. It directly affects political committees that use bulk mail for political communications, requiring them to pay standard commercial postage rates instead of the subsidized rate. The key mechanism is amending the postal code to remove the specific provision (previously subsection (e)) that authorized this discount. As a result, political committees would no longer receive a postal subsidy for their campaign mailings, shifting the cost to the committees themselves.

Maddy summaryS 495, the "Prove It Act of 2025," requires federal agencies to assess indirect economic impacts on small businesses when creating new regulations. It directly affects small businesses (including those indirectly impacted by regulations) and federal agencies responsible for rulemaking. Key provisions mandate agencies to include indirect costs (e.g., effects on suppliers or competitors) in regulatory flexibility analyses and establish a new process allowing small entities to petition the Small Business Administration’s Chief Counsel to review agency certifications claiming a rule won’t significantly harm small businesses. If the review finds significant impact, agencies must redo their analysis; failure to cooperate in the review process could prevent the rule from applying to small entities. The bill updates existing regulatory review procedures without creating new funding.