Sen. Rick Scott

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 18) disapproves a Department of Homeland Security rule that would have expanded the "public charge" standard for immigration. The rule, published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2022, aimed to deny visas or green cards to immigrants who might rely on public benefits like housing or food assistance. By passing this resolution, Congress blocks the rule from taking effect, meaning immigrants applying for visas or permanent residency would not face this specific eligibility barrier. The resolution directly affects non-citizens seeking to enter or remain in the U.S. under immigration processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies customs requirements for international mail shipments handled by the U.S. Postal Service and private importers. It requires the Postal Service to transmit advance electronic shipping data for all international mail by December 31, 2023, and mandates monthly public reports on data submission volumes, screening requests, and seizures. Shipments lacking this data will be refused entry after December 31, 2023, and the Postal Service must publish monthly statistics on non-compliant shipments. The law directly affects the U.S. Postal Service, private importers, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, focusing on transparency and enforcement of existing customs data rules.

Maddy summaryThe Main Street Tax Certainty Act permanently extends the 20% tax deduction for qualified business income (QBI), which currently applies to owners of pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations. The bill achieves this by amending the tax code to remove an expiration date (via striking subsection (i) of Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code). This change directly affects small business owners who rely on the QBI deduction to reduce their taxable income. The key provision eliminates uncertainty about the deduction’s future, ensuring continued eligibility without requiring future legislative action.

Maddy summaryThe "No START Treaty Act" declares that the New START Treaty with Russia is no longer in U.S. national security interests due to Russia's non-compliance (including refusing inspections) and China's rapid nuclear expansion, directing the U.S. to withdraw from the treaty. It mandates a 90-day report from the Secretary of Defense assessing U.S. nuclear deterrence capabilities and proposing specific improvements, such as increasing bomber alert status and restoring submarine missile capacity. The bill sets strict conditions for future arms control agreements, requiring limits on China's nuclear arsenal, robust verification for both China and Russia, and coverage of non-strategic weapons and emerging systems like hypersonic weapons. Additionally, it prohibits unilateral U.S. nuclear reductions without a treaty meeting these conditions and blocks funding for the New START Treaty or successor agreements that fail to satisfy these requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires K-12 schools receiving federal funds to obtain parental consent before accommodating a student's gender identity (e.g., changing names/pronouns or facilitating gender transition) or withholding such information from parents. It prohibits schools from pressuring families toward gender transition, hiding details about a student's gender identity, or facilitating social transitions (like using gendered facilities) without parental knowledge. Schools must publicly post policies ensuring compliance and face potential loss of federal funding or lawsuits if they violate these rules. The bill directly affects all elementary and secondary schools receiving federal education funding, focusing on parental involvement in decisions about students' gender identity.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Veterans Community Care Program to ensure veterans can access mental health and substance-use services in the community when they cannot get timely in-person care through the VA. It amends eligibility rules to prevent denials based solely on provider wait times and requires the VA to prioritize veterans' preferred care options. New standards mandate that residential mental health programs providing community care must be state-licensed and accredited, with limited waivers allowed. The VA must also track and report metrics on mental health care requests, approvals, and denials. Finally, it requires congressional approval for any future changes to community care access rules.

This resolution expresses support for the designation of May 15, 2023, as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day and encourages the development of policies that help prevent scams targeting older adults.

Maddy summarySRES 215 is a Senate resolution designating May 9, 2023, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. It supports raising public awareness about the dangers of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills, which are often disguised as legitimate medications and contribute to overdose deaths. The resolution encourages existing law enforcement efforts to combat counterfeit pill distribution and acknowledges the severe impact of fentanyl on young people, citing statistics on rising overdose deaths. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the issue through congressional support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.

Maddy summarySRES 203 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month (observed in May) as a time to celebrate Jewish Americans' contributions to U.S. society and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges the community's historical impact and calls on leaders to combat antisemitism. The resolution highlights Jewish Americans' roles in government, arts, science, and their 350-year history in the U.S., while referencing rising antisemitic incidents and Holocaust awareness gaps. It aligns with annual bipartisan Senate resolutions since 2006, emphasizing education and inclusion without proposing concrete policy changes.