Sen. Dan Sullivan

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to reduce European reliance on Russian energy by promoting U.S. natural gas exports to NATO allies and partners. It requires the State Department to develop a transatlantic energy strategy within 180 days and expedites LNG export approvals for qualifying countries, including NATO members and Japan. The bill also mandates sanctions on companies investing over $1 million in Russian energy pipelines, targeting projects like Nord Stream 2. These provisions directly affect NATO members, U.S. energy exporters, and entities involved in Russian pipeline development.

Maddy summaryS 566, the "Charitable Act," modifies tax deductions for charitable contributions for individuals who do not itemize their deductions on federal income taxes. It allows these taxpayers to deduct up to one-third of their standard deduction amount for 2023 and 2024 tax years, instead of the usual itemized deduction. The bill also removes references to a repealed penalty provision (Section 6662(b)(10)) and adjusts related penalty language in the tax code. This directly affects non-itemizing taxpayers who make charitable contributions, providing a new deduction option for those years only. The changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2022.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans made to veterans as a qualifying "member business loan." This change directly affects credit unions, allowing them to count such loans toward regulatory requirements for member business lending. The bill adds a new definition specifying that "member business loan" includes loans to veterans, using the standard definition of "veteran" from Title 38 of the U.S. Code. The amendment takes effect 180 days after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 17) is a symbolic measure introduced in the U.S. Senate on February 16, 2023, to formally apologize to veterans of the Vietnam War for the mistreatment they faced upon returning home. It directly affects Vietnam War veterans and their families by recognizing their sacrifice and acknowledging the hostile reception they endured due to the war's divisiveness. The resolution urges the President to acknowledge this mistreatment during the Vietnam War Commemoration and expresses support for improved educational efforts in U.S. schools about veterans' experiences. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, provide funding, or alter policy - it serves solely as a formal statement of apology.

This resolution designates February 16, 2023, as National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. It also encourages the people of the United States and members of Congress to commemorate the life and civil rights advocacy of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich by continuing the important work of ensuring equality for Alaska Natives and Native Americans.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act to exclude basic allowance for housing (BAH) paid to military members from income calculations for food assistance programs. It directly affects military families who receive housing allowances and apply for benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The key change adds a specific provision (paragraph 20) to the Act, ensuring BAH is not counted as income when determining eligibility. This adjustment makes it easier for military families to qualify for nutrition assistance by removing their housing allowance from income calculations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires any U.S. agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program to be treated as a treaty, mandating Senate approval by a two-thirds vote before it can take effect. It directly affects the President, who cannot bypass this requirement to waive or reduce sanctions related to Iran's nuclear activities. The key provision blocks the President from granting sanctions relief or taking related actions under any Iran nuclear deal - including joint plans, side agreements, or future documents - without first securing Senate treaty approval. This applies to all forms of agreements, whether legally binding or not, and covers all related materials like annexes or technical understandings.

Maddy summaryThis bill guarantees that the federal government will cover at least 75% of eligible costs for hazard and flooding mitigation projects, instead of allowing up to 75%. It directly affects state and local governments applying for federal disaster relief funds under the Stafford Act. Key provisions include changing the funding requirement to a minimum 75% federal share (with a possible 100% maximum) and adding a new requirement to address post-wildfire flooding and debris flow from burned areas. The bill takes effect for assistance provided after its enactment date.

Maddy summaryS 444 requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness treaty before it becomes binding on the United States. The bill mandates that agreements resulting from the WHO’s pandemic treaty negotiations (currently led by the International Negotiating Body) must be treated as treaties under the U.S. Constitution, requiring Senate ratification with a two-thirds vote. It directly affects U.S. foreign policy implementation by ensuring congressional oversight of international pandemic agreements. The bill responds to concerns about WHO’s pandemic management and aims to prevent executive agreements from bypassing Senate review.

Maddy summaryThe COMFORT Act (S 456) allows mental health professionals to provide emotional support counseling to military families anywhere in the U.S. (including states, D.C., and territories) without location restrictions for the provider or family. It specifically covers licensed mental health providers recognized by the Defense Secretary, or Department of Defense personnel/contractors working under authorized programs. The law removes barriers that previously required counseling to occur at specific locations, enabling services to be provided on-base, remotely, or at other locations within the U.S. This directly affects military families seeking non-medical counseling and the providers authorized to deliver it under Defense programs.