Sen. Ted Budd

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 28) is a congressional resolution that blocks a rule proposed by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB). The rule aimed to define which digital payment companies (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) would be classified as "larger participants" in the market, subject to stricter regulations. By disapproving this rule, Congress ensures it has no legal effect, meaning the CFPB cannot enforce these specific oversight requirements on major digital payment platforms. This directly affects the CFPB’s regulatory authority and digital payment companies that would have been subject to the rule.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand internet access for schools through the E-Rate program, specifically addressing the "homework gap" by increasing funding for student connectivity. The rule, published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024, would have modified how schools and libraries access broadband under the E-Rate program. If passed, the resolution would cancel this rule, preventing it from taking effect under federal disapproval procedures. This is a procedural action targeting a specific FCC regulatory change, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryS 1675 would amend federal death penalty law to add a new aggravating factor for capital sentencing. Specifically, it would allow the death penalty to be considered if a defendant is an alien who entered or remained in the U.S. illegally and was convicted of killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a U.S. citizen. This provision directly affects defendants in federal murder cases who meet both criteria: violating immigration laws and committing violent crimes against citizens. The bill changes sentencing guidelines by expanding the circumstances under which the death penalty could be applied.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates "Workforce Pell Grants" to support students in short-term, job-focused training programs instead of traditional degree programs. It directly affects students enrolled in state-approved programs lasting 8-15 weeks (150-600 hours) that lead to portable credentials in high-demand fields, not graduate degrees or programs exceeding 600 hours. Key provisions require programs to meet state-determined job placement (70%+ within 180 days), earnings standards (median earnings exceeding 150% of poverty line), and academic credit transferability. The program starts July 1, 2026, replacing standard Pell Grants for eligible short-term training while preventing double-benefits with other aid.

Maddy summaryS 1696, the DRIVE Act, prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from creating rules requiring speed limiting devices on commercial trucks. It directly affects trucking companies, drivers, and manufacturers of commercial motor vehicles (like 18-wheelers) by blocking a specific regulation. The bill prevents the FMCSA from mandating that these vehicles be equipped with devices that limit their maximum speed. This is a procedural change that stops a potential future rule, not a current requirement.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare to cover "prescription digital therapeutics" (software-based treatments for medical conditions, like apps for diabetes management or mental health) starting January 1, 2026. It mandates Medicare to establish payment rules for manufacturers - considering actual costs and usage - and create specific billing codes for these tools. Manufacturers must annually report pricing, distribution volume, and user data to Medicare, with penalties for noncompliance. The bill directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, digital therapeutic developers, and healthcare providers who prescribe these digital health tools.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1694) restricts U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for colleges and universities that maintain relationships with Confucius Institutes or designated "Chinese entities of concern." It defines "Chinese entities of concern" as institutions or organizations tied to China's military, defense industry, or government security agencies. Starting 12 months after enactment, schools with such relationships would lose eligibility for DHS funds unless they terminate those ties. The law directly affects higher education institutions receiving DHS funding and requires them to sever connections to avoid losing federal support.

Maddy summaryThe STORM Act establishes a federal system to rapidly deploy out-of-state independent health care workers during emergencies. It allows the President to certify private technology platforms connecting licensed health care professionals (who work independently, not as employees) and coordinate with states to temporarily waive licensure requirements for these workers. This directly affects independent health care workers, states managing emergencies, and the federal government through streamlined deployment. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on waiver usage and provides liability protections for workers and platforms acting in good faith during emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill blocks federal contractors from using DeepSeek or similar AI tools developed by High Flyer (or its affiliates) for government work, with limited security waivers allowed for national defense or research. It requires a detailed report within one year on national security risks from AI platforms based in or linked to "countries of concern" (as defined in existing law). The report must analyze data privacy threats, including how U.S. user data stored in these platforms could be accessed by foreign governments, used for propaganda, or exploited for economic espionage. The law aims to protect U.S. data security and prevent foreign adversaries from leveraging AI systems for strategic advantage.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses to immediately deduct research and development (R&D) costs instead of spreading them over 60 months, directly benefiting companies investing in innovation. It increases the refundable R&D credit cap for small businesses from $250,000 to $750,000 over time, with specific phase-in amounts starting in 2025. Additionally, it expands access for startups by raising the gross receipts threshold for eligibility from $5 million to $15 million and increasing credit rates for qualified small businesses. These changes aim to make R&D tax incentives more accessible and valuable for smaller companies and new ventures.