Sen. Michael F. Bennet

Right to IVF Act This bill provides a statutory right to access fertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access fertility treatments and to make decisions about the use of their reproductive genetic material (e.g., embryos) without limitation or interference. Health care providers and insurers have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. Manufacturers of applicable drugs or devices also have the right to provide these drugs or devices. The bill supersedes state laws that limit or otherwise interfere with the provision of fertility treatments as set out under this bill, including laws that require medically unnecessary procedures or services in conjunction with fertility treatments or that restrict the ability of individuals to receive fertility treatments based on marital status or sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity). The bill does not affect state health and safety regulations for medical facilities or health care providers that are in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards and for which the purpose cannot be achieved in another, nonrestrictive manner. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, individuals, or entities that implement or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers may also bring civil actions.  In addition, the bill provides for coverage of fertility treatments under Medicare and Medicaid and for members of the uniformed services and veterans. It also requires private insurers that cover obstetrical services to also cover fertility treatments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 816) commemorates the 73rd anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed on August 30, 1951. It symbolically affirms the U.S. commitment to the Philippines' security alliance amid recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, including incidents like the August 2024 ramming of Philippine vessels. The resolution condemns China's "persistent and unprovoked aggression," reaffirms the treaty's relevance to attacks on Philippine military assets, and urges stronger U.S. support for Philippine defense. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policy but publicly reinforces the existing security partnership.

Maddy summarySenate Bill S 5034 creates the Office of American Energy Workers within the Treasury Department to support workers displaced by coal mine or fossil fuel plant closures. It provides up to 60 months of wage replacement (adjusted for inflation), health insurance coverage continuation, retirement savings contributions, and educational benefits for workers and their children. To qualify, workers must have been employed at a coal mine or fossil fuel facility for 12 months at 30+ hours weekly before closure. The bill also prioritizes hiring these workers for new clean energy projects funded by federal grants.

Maddy summaryThe VALOR Act of 2024 establishes specific criteria for determining when a democratically elected government exists in Venezuela, requiring the President to submit such determinations to Congress. The bill imposes sanctions on the Maduro regime and blocks transactions involving Venezuelan government debt instruments, cryptocurrency, and property, while requiring regular reports on sanctions implementation and foreign entities doing business with the Maduro regime. It outlines a plan for U.S. assistance to Venezuela once a democratically elected government is recognized, including humanitarian aid and support for democratic institutions, with the President required to submit determinations to Congress when such a government is in place. The act affects U.S. engagement with international financial institutions regarding Venezuela and sets conditions for lifting sanctions as democratic progress is made.

Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.

Maddy summarySRES 804 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Edmundo González Urrutia as Venezuela's President-elect following the July 28, 2024, presidential election. The resolution states that González won "with an overwhelming number of votes" in a process the Carter Center deemed "not free nor fair" and lacking electoral integrity. It notes international concern over the election's transparency and asserts the Senate stands in solidarity with Venezuelans' democratic aspirations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not alter U.S. policy or Venezuela's political status but formally acknowledges González's victory as recognized by multiple international governments.

Maddy summaryThe NO BAN Act (S 4961) expands federal anti-discrimination protections in immigration law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on national origin or religion for nonimmigrant visa holders, refugees, and other temporary travelers. It reforms Section 212(f) of immigration law by requiring the President to provide specific, credible evidence to Congress within 48 hours before restricting entry, mandating narrow tailoring of such restrictions, and requiring waivers for family/humanitarian cases. The bill also creates detailed reporting requirements for all entry restrictions, including quarterly updates to Congress and public reports on visa denials, waivers, and refugee admissions. This directly affects travelers, visa applicants, and refugees impacted by presidential entry bans or restrictions, while adding new procedural checks on executive authority.

Maddy summaryThe Digital Integrity in Democracy Act (S 4977) amends Section 230 of the Communications Act to create a new exception: social media platforms with at least 25 million U.S. monthly users must remove *objectively false information* about election timing, location, voter eligibility, or penalties if notified. Platforms must delete such content within 24 hours on election days or 48 hours otherwise, and provide written confirmation of removal. Violations allow the Attorney General, state officials, or candidates to sue for $50,000 per item of unremoved false information. The law explicitly excludes political speech about candidates, officeholders, or parties from this definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor U.S. and Filipino military personnel who defended Bataan, Corregidor, and Attu during World War II, as well as the impacted Saskinax̂ people of Attu who were imprisoned by Japan. The medal, designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, would be presented by congressional leaders and permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover production costs, with proceeds returned to the U.S. Mint. The bill recognizes historical service through a commemorative medal without creating new benefits or entitlements.

Maddy summarySRES 781 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams competing in the 2024 Paris Games. It commends athletes, coaches, and supporters without creating new laws or funding, and affirms commitment to safety for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves only to recognize Team USA’s achievements and solidarity. It directly addresses athletes, coaches, and organizers but does not alter any existing programs or obligations.