Sen. Eric Schmitt

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the federal deadline for submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) from January 1 to October 1 before a student's planned enrollment year. It directly affects students seeking federal financial aid for college by requiring them to submit their FAFSA earlier each year. The key provision amends the Higher Education Act to update the submission date, moving it from January to October. This change aims to provide students with earlier access to aid information.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to enter agreements with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation for hosting private events in specific Park buildings (like the Arch Visitor Center and Old Courthouse). The agreement must include strict terms to protect park resources, such as limiting event frequency, requiring liability insurance, and ensuring events don't disrupt public access or degrade the Park. The Foundation must pay fees to cover wear-and-tear and all costs from the events, including administrative expenses. The bill directly affects the Foundation (as the designated nonprofit partner) and the Gateway Arch National Park operations. It does not restrict the National Park Service from hosting its own events or issuing permits to others.

Maddy summaryS 4593, the "No More Political Prosecutions Act of 2024," amends federal law to remove a legal protection for the President, Vice President, and former Presidents/Vice Presidents. Specifically, it deletes language in Section 1442(a) of title 28, U.S. Code, that previously shielded these officials from lawsuits related to their official duties. This change means civil suits or criminal prosecutions against these top officials for actions taken in office would no longer be blocked by this specific legal provision. The bill applies to cases pending or filed after its enactment.

Ensuring Nationwide Access to a Better Life Experience Act or the ENABLE Act This bill makes permanent three tax provisions relating to ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts established to assist disabled individuals, specifically provisions allowing increased contributions to such accounts, the allowance of a retirement savings contribution tax credit up to $1,000, and allowing a tax-free rollover from a qualified tuition program (529 plan) to an ABLE Account.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 732) celebrates the 247th anniversary of the U.S. flag's creation (June 14, 1777) and expresses support for the Pledge of Allegiance. It affirms the Pledge's constitutionality, referencing historical context like its 1954 addition of "under God" and the 2004 *Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow* Supreme Court case. The Senate states the Pledge remains a constitutional expression of patriotism, recognizing its longstanding role in American life. This is a symbolic resolution with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare Advantage plans (private insurance plans that cover Medicare benefits) to implement electronic systems for prior authorization requests by 2027, replacing outdated methods like fax. Starting in 2026, these plans must publicly report detailed data on prior authorization decisions - including approval/denial rates, appeal outcomes, and processing times - to the government. The government will publish this data online so seniors and providers can see how plans handle requests. These changes aim to reduce delays in care for seniors by making the process more transparent and timely.

Ensuring Nationwide Access to a Better Life Experience Act or the ENABLE Act This bill makes permanent three tax provisions relating to ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Accounts established to assist disabled individuals, specifically provisions allowing increased contributions to such accounts, the allowance of a retirement savings contribution tax credit up to $1,000, and allowing a tax-free rollover from a qualified tuition (529 plan) to an ABLE account.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 96 seeks to block a Department of Education rule that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools (e.g., colleges, K-12 programs receiving federal aid). If approved, it would invalidate the rule published April 29, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33474), preventing it from taking effect under a congressional disapproval process. This would maintain existing nondiscrimination standards for education programs instead of implementing the new rule. The resolution directly affects all schools and programs receiving federal education funding.

Maddy summaryThe Dismantle DEI Act of 2024 would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies by rescinding related executive orders, closing DEI offices, and prohibiting federal funding for DEI training and activities. The bill defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" to include training that asserts certain racial or ethnic groups are inherently superior or inferior, and bans federal funds from being used for such programs. It would apply to federal offices, training, contracting, grants, advisory committees, and education programs, with enforcement through private lawsuits and penalties of $1,000 per violation per day. The bill specifically exempts Equal Employment Opportunity offices and offices enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act from these restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal law to change how courts review agency regulations. It requires federal courts to independently decide all legal questions - including the interpretation of statutes and the Constitution - when reviewing agency actions, rather than deferring to agency interpretations. The law specifically prohibits courts from using gaps or ambiguities in laws as justification for expanding agency rulemaking authority or deferring to agency interpretations. This directly affects federal courts and agencies (like the EPA or FCC) by limiting judicial deference to agency interpretations of laws they enforce.