Sen. Christopher A. Coons

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal grants to improve mental health services in schools by targeting high-need schools (those with high poverty rates). It requires states to use funds to recruit counselors, psychologists, and social workers to meet specific staffing ratios: 250 students per counselor/social worker and 500 students per psychologist. States must provide 20% matching funds and prioritize schools with the greatest need, with annual reporting on progress toward these ratios. The bill authorizes $5 billion for fiscal year 2025 to support these efforts, aiming to increase access to school-based mental health care for students facing mental health challenges.

Maddy summaryThe GPA Act (S 4425) establishes U.S. sanctions against Georgian officials who obstruct Georgia's path to NATO and EU membership, including those involved in significant corruption or actions undermining Georgia's sovereignty. It requires the U.S. to review and potentially suspend foreign assistance to Georgia if the government continues policies that impede democratic development, such as the controversial "foreign agents bill" that restricts civil society. The legislation includes provisions to support Georgia's democratic institutions, free elections, and civil society while emphasizing U.S. support for Georgia's territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. It also mandates reports on disinformation, political prisoners, and corruption in Georgia, reflecting U.S. concerns about democratic backsliding and Georgia's relationship with Russia. The act includes a sunset provision, expiring five years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe BOLUSTER Act (S 4433) strengthens U.S.-European cooperation to deter Chinese military action against Taiwan. It requires the U.S. to consult with European governments on sanctions against China if Beijing engages in actions like occupying Taiwan territory, blockading the island, or supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The bill mandates development of a humanitarian aid plan for Taiwan in case of invasion or blockade, and requires a report on the economic impact of a sustained Chinese blockade. It also calls for increased political and economic relations between Europe and Taiwan, including new trade agreements and diplomatic engagement. Additionally, the legislation establishes an expedited process for European countries to transfer military equipment to Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit annual reports to Congress starting in 2024, focusing on three categories of small businesses: those owned and controlled by women, HUBZone-certified businesses, and those owned by service-disabled veterans. The reports must include detailed data such as certification rates, contract award amounts and percentages, examination results, and decertification numbers for each category. These reports aim to increase transparency about how federal contracting programs for these business groups operate, without changing eligibility rules or creating new requirements for businesses. The SBA must submit these reports by May 1 each year to the relevant congressional committees.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 174) condemns Eswatini's government for its human rights abuses and specifically the killing of activist Thulani Maseko on January 21, 2023. It calls on Eswatini to investigate Maseko's murder fully and impartially, end harassment of human rights advocates, uphold freedoms of speech and assembly, and begin a credible national dialogue on democratic reforms. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to support human rights defenders and consider sanctions against those violating rights. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but expresses the Senate's position and demands specific actions from Eswatini's government.

Maddy summarySRES 697 is a commemorative resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 2024, as "National Police Week" in the U.S. Senate. It aligns with the 1962 law authorizing the President to designate this week, honoring law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for officers, recognizes their service in protecting communities, and encourages public observance to honor their mission and sacrifices. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely ceremonial.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisors. It directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to determine if state laws "substantially provide" for specific rights including the right to form unions, bargain collectively, and have interest impasse resolution mechanisms. If a state law doesn't meet these standards, the FLRA would administer collective bargaining for affected employees. The bill also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would disrupt emergency services and preserves existing collective bargaining agreements in place before the bill's enactment. It does not preempt state laws that already meet these minimum standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits forced arbitration for age discrimination claims involving people aged 40 or older. It amends federal law to make any pre-dispute arbitration agreement or joint-action waiver unenforceable in cases alleging age discrimination under federal, tribal, or state law. The law directly affects older workers who face age discrimination at work, ensuring they can pursue claims in court rather than being forced into private arbitration. Key provisions require courts - not arbitrators - to decide if the law applies to a dispute, and it applies to all claims arising after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 692) designates May 7, 2024, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to raise public attention about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills. It highlights alarming statistics, including that illicit fentanyl was involved in 81% of drug-induced deaths among youth aged 14-23 in 2023 and that only 36% of teens were aware of fentanyl in fake pills. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges increased awareness and supports law enforcement efforts against counterfeit pills. It directly aims to educate families and young people about the risks of fake pills marketed as legitimate medications.

Maddy summarySRES 693 is a Senate resolution recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the historical contributions of these communities to U.S. history. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their achievements, growth (including demographic data and key anniversaries like the 50th anniversary of *Lau v. Nichols*), and ongoing challenges like anti-Asian hate crimes. It directly honors these communities and aims to raise awareness of their diverse impacts on American society.