Maddy summaryS 1624, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, redirects civil monetary penalties from securities violations to fund pediatric research. It transfers fines collected from companies violating food, drug, supplement, and cosmetic regulations (under the Securities Exchange Act) into a dedicated NIH pediatric research fund. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the NIH Director to coordinate pediatric research using these funds and avoid duplication of existing efforts. It also mandates a 4-year report to Congress detailing funded projects and advancements in pediatric research. This policy change directly affects the NIH, pediatric research initiatives, and companies subject to the securities penalties.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Maritime Fuel Tax Parity Act extends an existing tax exemption for alternative motorboat fuels to cover vessels operating exclusively between U.S. Atlantic coast ports (including the Gulf of Mexico) or Pacific coast ports (including territories). This change, effective after December 31, 2021, removes an excise tax for these domestic coastal vessels on qualifying fuels. The exemption previously applied to other vessel types but did not cover vessels confined to single-coast domestic trade. The bill does not alter tax treatment for vessels operating internationally or between different coasts.
Maddy summarySRES 382 is a Senate resolution designating October 2023 as Filipino American History Month. It celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States, including their roles in military service, healthcare, labor movements, and other fields. The resolution encourages public observance through educational programs and activities to honor their legacy. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new legal obligations or benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 30% federal tax credit for owners of hydroelectric dams who make specific upgrades to their facilities. It directly affects dam operators who install qualifying improvements like fish passage systems, water quality enhancements, dam safety upgrades, or river restoration projects (such as removing obsolete structures). The credit applies to property placed in service after December 2022, requires prior approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state officials, and expires for approvals received after 2031. It also includes special provisions for small, off-grid "approved remote dams" under 20 megawatts.
Maddy summaryThis bill would add Iceland to the list of countries eligible for U.S. E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor) visas, which allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for business or investment purposes. It requires that Iceland provide similar visa access to U.S. citizens as a condition for this change. The bill directly affects Icelandic business owners and investors seeking to establish or manage U.S. operations. This is a procedural change to immigration law, not a new policy, and aims to create visa parity with other treaty partners.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal grant programs to support agriculture education at institutions serving Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities. It requires these grants to last no longer than three years (previously indefinite) and increases annual funding from $10 million to $15 million for fiscal years 2024 through 2028. The changes directly affect Alaska Native-serving and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions receiving agriculture education grants under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act. The key provisions establish fixed grant durations and boost funding levels to better support these specific educational programs. These adjustments aim to provide more stable, predictable resources for student programs in agricultural fields.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare's coverage for telehealth services by adding new categories of healthcare providers who can deliver these services and receive payment. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking therapy services (like physical, occupational, speech, or audiologic therapy) via telehealth, as well as the therapists and assistants providing them. Key provisions include authorizing Medicare to pay for telehealth services provided by qualified audiologists, occupational therapists and their assistants (under supervision), physical therapists and their assistants (under supervision), and speech-language pathologists. The bill also allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify additional eligible providers for telehealth services under Medicare.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses Congress's support for Israel by declaring it is not a racist or apartheid state, rejecting antisemitism and xenophobia, and affirming the U.S. as a steadfast partner. It serves as a symbolic statement of bipartisan backing without creating new laws, funding, or obligations. Introduced by Senators Cotton, Cruz, and others in July 2023, it reflects congressional sentiment rather than policy change.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire the maximum number of new air traffic controllers each year from 2024 through 2028, based on the training capacity of the FAA Academy. It directly affects the FAA, which must set annual hiring targets aligned with its ability to train new controllers. The law does not change existing hiring rules but mandates that the FAA utilize its full training capacity each year for new controller hires during this period. It excludes certain individuals specified under federal law, but the core provision focuses on maximizing new controller recruitment within available training resources.
Maddy summaryThe Pay Our Military Act of 2023 ensures that military personnel, Defense Department civilians supporting them, and qualifying Defense contractors continue receiving pay during any funding gap in fiscal year 2024. It appropriates funds from the Treasury to cover military pay, allowances, and support staff salaries when regular budget legislation is delayed. The funding remains available until either a full budget is passed, a continuing resolution is enacted, or January 1, 2025, whichever occurs first. This bill directly affects active-duty service members, reserve components, Defense civilians, and contracted support staff by guaranteeing their compensation during fiscal uncertainty.