Sen. Mike Rounds

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers performing abortions to provide the same immediate medical care and hospital admission to any infant born alive during or after the procedure, as they would for any newborn. It mandates reporting of any failure to provide this care to law enforcement and imposes penalties including fines or up to 5 years in prison for violations. Women who undergo abortions may pursue civil lawsuits for damages, including compensation for physical/psychological harm and three times the abortion cost, if providers fail to comply. The law directly affects abortion providers, hospitals, and the women receiving abortion services.

Maddy summaryThe Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023 would require Congress to approve most major federal regulations before they take effect. Major rules, defined as those with significant economic impact (estimated at $100 million or more annually), would need a joint resolution of approval from both chambers within 70 days. Agencies would be required to submit detailed reports to Congress before rules take effect, including cost-benefit analyses, economic effects, and other relevant information. This would increase congressional oversight of the regulatory process, though it includes exceptions for national security, emergencies, and monetary policy rules.

Maddy summaryS 160, titled "Sarah's Law," amends immigration law to require mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with crimes causing death or serious bodily injury. It specifically applies to individuals who entered without inspection, held revoked visas, or fall under certain immigration categories. The bill also mandates that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notify crime victims or their families about the alien's identity, immigration status, custody details, and removal efforts. This policy change directly affects non-citizens facing such charges and ensures victims receive ongoing case information.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to make key improvements for participating farmers and ranchers. It expands cost-sharing to cover grazing infrastructure like fencing and water systems (e.g., wells, pipelines), allows land with such infrastructure to be reenrolled after contracts end, and increases the annual rental payment cap from $50,000 to $125,000. The bill also adds new continuous enrollment options for land enrolled in state wildlife enhancement programs and clarifies that management payments now cover non-haying/grazing activities. These changes directly affect agricultural landowners enrolled in the CRP who manage land for conservation, wildlife habitat, or grazing.

Maddy summaryThe SHORT Act revises federal firearm regulations to eliminate separate restrictions on short-barreled rifles and shotguns. It redefines shotguns used for sporting purposes to avoid being classified as destructive devices and removes language that previously treated these weapons differently from other firearms. The bill also requires states to recognize federal compliance as meeting state registration requirements for these weapons and preempts state taxes or registration rules on them in interstate commerce. Finally, it mandates the federal government to destroy related ownership records within 365 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the President from declaring federal emergencies under three key laws (the National Emergencies Act, Public Health Service Act, and Stafford Act) for purposes related to abortion. Specifically, it blocks emergency declarations meant to promote, support, or expand abortion access, or to take legal action against states that restrict abortion. The bill defines "abortion" as intentionally terminating a pregnancy (with limited exceptions for live birth or health) using instruments, medicine, or devices. It directly affects federal emergency powers, preventing their use to advance abortion policy or challenge state abortion laws. The law does not change existing abortion regulations but restricts how emergency declarations can be utilized.

Maddy summaryThe A PLUS Act (S 110) allows states to consolidate federal education funds under a "declaration of intent," giving them flexibility to manage programs like Title I under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) while reducing administrative burdens. States must submit a declaration outlining eligible programs, commit to using funds to supplement state funding (not replace it), and report annually on student progress to parents and taxpayers. Key provisions include limiting administrative costs to 1% of consolidated funds (or 3% if excluding Title I), requiring accountability for disadvantaged students, and prohibiting consolidation of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds. The bill directly affects states, local school districts, and parents through streamlined fund use and transparency requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the FDA from approving new abortion drugs and restricts existing approved drugs to in-person administration by certified healthcare providers. It requires providers to be certified in pregnancy assessment, ectopic pregnancy diagnosis, and emergency care capabilities, and mandates that drugs can only be dispensed in clinics, offices, or hospitals. The bill also imposes new reporting requirements for adverse events (like hospitalizations or severe infections) and requires providers to document risks to patients before prescribing. These provisions apply to all drugs defined as "abortion drugs" under the bill, which includes any substance intended to terminate pregnancy (excluding specific medical exceptions).

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal funds from covering abortions in most circumstances, including health benefits plans, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or when a pregnancy endangers a woman's life. It specifically bars the use of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for health plans that cover abortion, requiring insurers to disclose abortion coverage details separately in marketing materials. The law applies to all federal health programs and ACA marketplace plans, ensuring taxpayer dollars aren't used for abortion services or coverage. It does not affect private insurance plans purchased with non-federal funds or separate abortion coverage options.

Maddy summaryS 52, the American Beef Labeling Act of 2023, requires mandatory country of origin labeling for beef and ground beef products sold in the U.S. It directly affects beef producers, importers, and retailers who must label the country where cattle were raised. The bill amends existing labeling laws to explicitly include beef (and ground beef) alongside lamb, and directs the U.S. Trade Representative and Agriculture Secretary to develop a WTO-compliant method to reinstate this labeling within 180 days of enactment, with full implementation required within one year. This policy change ensures consumers receive clear origin information for beef products.