Maddy summaryS 930, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, creates a presumption that public safety officers (such as firefighters and police) who develop specific cancers after exposure during duty have work-related injuries. It defines "exposure-related cancer" to include 22 types (like lung, leukemia, and WTC-related cancers) and presumes these cancers are work-related if officers were exposed during service, diagnosed within 15 years of retirement, and the cancer caused death or permanent disability. The bill requires the Bureau to review scientific evidence to add new cancer types to the list within 180 days of a petition. This directly affects families seeking benefits for fallen officers by shifting the burden of proof to the Bureau, not the claimants.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 722 is a Senate resolution expressing gratitude for the heroism of U.S. Armed Forces members who participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. It commemorates the 80th anniversary of this pivotal World War II operation, which helped end the war, and commends the leadership and bravery of those who fought. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging public ceremonies to honor veterans' sacrifices and recognizes France's efforts to preserve Normandy's historical sites as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor historical service and legacy.
Maddy summaryThe EdCOPS Act of 2024 creates a new education assistance program under existing law to help public safety officers and their children pursue higher education. It provides direct financial assistance (based on the VA's calculation method) to officers who have served at least 8 years with a commitment to continue for 4 more years, or to their children who receive transferred eligibility. The program covers up to 45 months of full-time education or equivalent part-time study, with children eligible until age 27. This policy directly affects law enforcement officers and their families by reducing education costs, aiming to improve recruitment and retention in public safety roles.
Maddy summarySRES 705 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol. It commends the service of current and past Border Patrol agents, including honoring 155 agents who died in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for improving working conditions and retention for Border Patrol agents but does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or policy.
Maddy summarySRES 707 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month in May. It formally celebrates Jewish Americans' 350+ year contributions to U.S. society, culture, and history - highlighting their roles in government, arts, science, and community service. The resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society to condemn antisemitism and promote education about Jewish heritage, responding to documented rises in antisemitic incidents and Holocaust misinformation. It does not create new laws but affirms longstanding congressional recognition of this month, which has been observed annually since 2006 through presidential proclamations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as "Older Americans Month" through a ceremonial Senate action. It does not create new laws or alter existing programs, but rather formally recognizes the contributions and importance of older adults in the U.S. The resolution encourages the public to honor older individuals' achievements, share their wisdom with younger generations, and acknowledge their role as community assets. This designation aligns with the longstanding tradition started by President Kennedy in 1963, which has been observed annually since 1965.
Maddy summarySRES 701 designates the week of May 19-25, 2024, as "National Public Works Week" to recognize professionals who maintain essential infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services. The resolution directly honors public works professionals employed by federal, state, local governments, and private organizations. It urges communities to celebrate their contributions to public safety, health, and community well-being through recognition activities. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding legal effect but formally acknowledges the role of these workers.
Maddy summaryThe FASTA Reform Act of 2024 amends the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 to streamline how the federal government sells, leases, or redevelops its real estate properties. It reduces the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Board from five to four members, allows agencies to use "no cost, nonappropriated contracts" for expert real estate services to get better value for taxpayers, and requires the Board to notify local governments and federally recognized tribes seven days before finalizing property disposal reports. The bill extends the Board’s operational deadline to December 31, 2026, and adds requirements for agencies to include property usage data (like employee counts and campus details) in their recommendations. These changes directly affect federal agencies managing real estate, the Board, and communities near federal properties where disposal or redevelopment occurs.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal laws to ensure Indian Tribes have equal access to surplus federal property as states. It updates definitions across multiple statutes (including GSA disposal rules, McKinney-Vento homeless assistance, airport transfers, and wildlife conservation) to replace "State" with "Indian Tribe, State" where applicable, explicitly including tribes in eligibility. The key mechanism is revising legal language to remove barriers preventing tribes from applying for surplus property. It directly affects federally recognized tribes seeking to acquire or use federal surplus real estate for community needs. The bill does not change property use rules but ensures tribes are treated equally in the disposal process.
Maddy summaryS 4369, the Secure Smartports Act of 2024, requires the Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center to develop a strategy and conduct outreach to U.S. shipping companies, port operators, and logistics firms about national security risks associated with Chinese smartport technology. It specifically identifies entities like COSCO, CCCC, ZPMC, and CMG as posing risks to U.S. supply chains, national security, and commercial activity, including potential system access disruptions. The outreach must align with existing executive orders and laws related to supply chain security and port safety. The bill does not impose new restrictions but mandates coordination with agencies like the Coast Guard and FBI to address these identified risks.