Sen. John Boozman

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a report within 180 days of enactment examining competition among suppliers in VA contracting. The report must analyze contractor numbers, identify areas where competition has increased or decreased (especially in sole-source contracts), and recommend improvements. It specifically directs the VA to consult with its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) and use a similar defense department report as a model. The goal is to inform decisions that could improve competition for VA contracts, directly affecting how the VA procures goods and services and impacting veteran-owned small businesses that rely on federal contracting opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience within the Economic Development Administration to coordinate federal economic recovery efforts after major disasters declared under the Stafford Act. It creates a dedicated disaster team for rapid deployment to affected areas and changes the cost-sharing requirement for economic recovery grants to 100% federal funding - eliminating any state or local cost-share. The office will manage disaster appropriations, coordinate with FEMA under the National Disaster Recovery Framework, and oversee post-disaster economic programs. This directly affects communities receiving disaster recovery funds by providing full federal support for economic rebuilding projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires car manufacturers to include AM radio receivers as standard equipment in all new vehicles sold in the U.S., without additional cost to buyers. It mandates that AM radio controls be clearly visible on the dashboard for drivers. For vehicles sold before the rule takes effect, manufacturers must label them to disclose the absence of AM radio. The bill aims to maintain access to AM radio broadcasts, which are used for emergency alerts, but does not mandate new emergency systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2757) freezes current payment rates for veterans' transportation services provided through "special modes" (like non-emergency medical transport) starting January 1, 2023, preventing the VA from lowering these rates without strict conditions. It directly affects veterans relying on these transportation services and the contractors providing them. The key provision allows rate increases but requires the VA to conduct a detailed economic impact review, consult with veterans' groups and industry experts, and ensure new rates cover actual costs before any decrease can occur. This aims to protect veterans' access to care by preventing rate cuts that could disrupt transportation services.

Maddy summaryS 2745, the Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2023, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eliminate conflicts of interest in medical quality reviews and investigations. It mandates that VA staff involved in peer reviews or administrative investigations must recuse themselves if they have direct involvement with the care being reviewed, personal bias, or a supervisory relationship with the subject. The bill also requires the VA Secretary to notify Congress within 90 days when a medical center director is detailed to another position, including details about the new role and expected absence, and to appoint an acting director within 120 days. Additionally, it limits how long a director can be detailed away from their position (180 days, with limited 90-day waivers), requiring them to return or trigger a new hiring process unless an investigation is ongoing.

Maddy summarySRES 331 designates August 2023 as "National Catfish Month" to recognize the economic and cultural significance of the U.S. catfish industry. The resolution highlights that the industry supports over 9,000 jobs and contributes nearly $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy, while emphasizing catfish as a sustainable, year-round seafood source. It also acknowledges the industry’s role in regional cuisines and its status as the largest farm-raised seafood product in the United States. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness of the industry’s contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a provision in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to explicitly allow schools using federal funds to offer hunter safety education and similar activities like archery or culinary arts as part of approved educational programs. It directly affects schools and educational programs receiving funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by removing a previous restriction on using those funds for such activities. The key mechanism is a new exception inserted into Section 8526(7), clarifying that these educational programs remain permissible. The bill does not change funding levels or create new programs, but specifically permits existing funds to be used for these instructional activities. This is a technical amendment to clarify funding eligibility for certain educational offerings.

Maddy summaryS 2640 reauthorizes an annual $10 million funding stream for the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program through fiscal year 2027. This program, administered by federal law enforcement, allows non-violent fugitives to surrender safely without immediate arrest, typically to avoid harsher penalties later. The bill directly affects U.S. law enforcement agencies managing the program and provides predictable funding for their operations. It does not change the program's eligibility rules or procedures, only extending existing funding levels for four consecutive fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThe Supporting Our Seniors Act establishes a 12-member Commission on Long-Term Care to study and recommend policies addressing long-term care needs. The Commission, appointed by the President and congressional leaders with diverse expertise in aging, care services, and policy, must submit annual recommendations to Congress and agencies within one year of enactment. Key focus areas include expanding long-term care coverage for non-Medicaid seniors, improving caregiver supports (like tax incentives), reducing hospitalization costs through home-based services, and enhancing access to geriatric and palliative care. This bill creates a study body to inform future legislation, not direct funding or immediate policy changes, affecting seniors, caregivers, and long-term care systems through its recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2647, SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023) provides federal funding to improve stillbirth data collection, research, and education. It authorizes $5 million annually for states to collect stillbirth data using existing health records while protecting privacy, $1 million for developing standardized data collection guidelines and public educational materials, and $3 million for specialized training programs in perinatal pathology and stillbirth research. The bill directly affects state health departments, medical professionals (like obstetricians and pathologists), and families impacted by stillbirth through improved data systems and educational resources. Key provisions require standardized data reporting, consultation with affected families and healthcare providers, and mandatory reports on program progress within five years of enactment.