Sen. John Fetterman

Maddy summaryThe Affordability is Access Act of 2023 requires health insurance plans to cover over-the-counter contraceptives approved by the FDA without cost-sharing (such as copays or deductibles). It directly affects millions of people, especially those who rely on birth control but face cost barriers, including low-income individuals and people in contraceptive deserts. The bill clarifies that insurance coverage must include FDA-approved OTC contraceptives even without a prescription, and it mandates retailers to provide accurate information about these products without interfering with access. Retailers may refuse to sell the product if payment cannot be made, but they cannot block access or spread misinformation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of "unlawful seclusion or restraint" in schools receiving federal funding, including mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints that pose risks to students. It requires schools to implement positive behavioral interventions instead of restraint, mandates staff training in crisis intervention, and establishes procedures for reporting and following up after restraint incidents. The bill requires states to create monitoring plans and collect detailed data on restraint use, with specific reporting requirements for schools and Head Start programs. Schools must provide immediate parent notification after restraint incidents and hold meetings to discuss prevention strategies. The bill applies to public schools, special education schools, and other federally funded programs, but does not affect private schools not receiving federal support or home schools.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Medicare reimbursement rate increases for ground ambulance services through 2028. It adjusts specific payment percentages for ambulance providers: maintaining a 26.7% rate increase for "super rural" ambulance services and setting 4.3% and 3.4% increases for other ground ambulance services during 2025-2028. These changes directly affect Medicare beneficiaries using ground ambulance services and the ambulance providers who serve them, particularly in rural areas. The bill modifies existing Social Security Act provisions to adjust payment rates without altering Medicare eligibility or coverage rules. It provides temporary rate adjustments to help sustain ambulance service availability during this period.

Maddy summaryThe AIR PUMP Act requires airlines (air carrier employers) to provide crewmembers - such as flight attendants and pilots - with reasonable break time to express breast milk for up to one year after childbirth and a private, non-bathroom space for that purpose. These accommodations cannot be required during critical flight phases (e.g., takeoff or landing) and must not compromise flight safety, security, or require significant expense (like aircraft modifications). The bill also prohibits airlines from retaliating against employees who use these accommodations or file complaints. Violations would be enforced by the Secretary of Labor under existing Fair Labor Standards Act penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program to increase annual funding from $10 million to $15 million for fiscal years 2024-2028, expanding support for farmers and ranchers facing mental health challenges. It adds crisis lines to the program's services and creates new referral pathways to connect individuals with certified community clinics, rural health centers, and other approved healthcare providers. The changes directly affect agricultural workers and their families by improving access to behavioral health counseling and wellness support. Key provisions include updated funding levels and expanded partnerships with specific healthcare facilities to ensure comprehensive mental health care.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.

Maddy summarySRES 203 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month (observed in May) as a time to celebrate Jewish Americans' contributions to U.S. society and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges the community's historical impact and calls on leaders to combat antisemitism. The resolution highlights Jewish Americans' roles in government, arts, science, and their 350-year history in the U.S., while referencing rising antisemitic incidents and Holocaust awareness gaps. It aligns with annual bipartisan Senate resolutions since 2006, emphasizing education and inclusion without proposing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to prevent, detect, and respond to foreign animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease. It allocates $233 million annually from the Commodity Credit Corporation for fiscal years 2024-2028, broken into specific amounts: $10 million for prevention, $70 million for surveillance, and $153 million for rapid response. These funds directly support USDA’s animal health programs, benefiting livestock producers, agricultural markets, and food safety systems by strengthening disease preparedness. The bill updates previous funding levels and timeframes from the 2019-2023 period to cover the next five years.

Maddy summaryS 1665 establishes an Advisory Commission to study mental health challenges faced by college students. The Commission, appointed by the Secretary of Education within 60 days of the bill's enactment, will include 20 members representing students with mental health disabilities, university staff, advocacy groups, and federal agencies. It will examine campus mental health services, policies affecting students, and data on how mental health impacts academic success, then produce a final report with recommendations. The bill does not directly fund services but aims to provide evidence-based guidance to improve support for students with mental health needs across all higher education institutions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new 21-day administrative leave for active-duty service members to obtain reproductive care not provided at military medical facilities (such as abortions or fertility treatments like IVF), or to accompany a spouse or dependent receiving such care. It also authorizes travel and transportation allowances for this care, explicitly covering abortion and assisted reproductive technology. The bill prohibits additional requirements like mandatory counseling or chaplain consultations for requesting this leave, while prioritizing privacy for service members and their families. It defines "non-covered reproductive health care" to include specific procedures like egg retrieval, sperm processing, and in vitro fertilization, ensuring these are eligible for the new leave and travel benefits.