Sen. Chuck Grassley

This resolution supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary definition for "agrivoltaic systems" (where solar energy and farming coexist on the same land) and requires the USDA to develop a permanent definition within two years, considering regional factors. It amends the Rural Energy for America Program to prioritize solar projects using agrivoltaic systems and mandates data collection on farmland types, soil management, and project details. The bill also directs the USDA to create public guidance on soil and water protection for solar installations on farmland and requires a 3-year study on agrivoltaic systems' compatibility with crops and livestock. These changes directly affect farmers, solar developers, and USDA programs managing farmland, solar energy, and conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes Federal Pell Grants tax-free for students. It amends the tax code to exclude Pell Grants from taxable income, meaning recipients won't pay federal income tax on these funds. The change applies to Pell Grants awarded under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as long as they're used for qualified education expenses like tuition. The policy change takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022.

Maddy summarySRES 208 is a Senate resolution designating November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day." It encourages U.S. citizens, particularly those connected to military service, to reach out to veterans through peer-to-peer conversations to support their mental health and transition from military life. The resolution highlights veteran suicide statistics (6,146 deaths in 2020) and emphasizes that isolation - exacerbated by the pandemic - increases risks for conditions like PTSD. It does not create new programs but urges public engagement to connect veterans with support systems. This is a symbolic, awareness-raising measure with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution expresses Congress's support for Israel by declaring it is not a racist or apartheid state, rejecting antisemitism and xenophobia, and affirming the U.S. as a steadfast partner. It serves as a symbolic statement of bipartisan backing without creating new laws, funding, or obligations. Introduced by Senators Cotton, Cruz, and others in July 2023, it reflects congressional sentiment rather than policy change.

Maddy summarySRES 349 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating September 19, 2023, as "National Stillbirth Prevention Day." It recognizes that approximately 21,000 pregnancies end in stillbirth annually in the U.S., with higher risks for Black, Hispanic, Native Pacific Islander, and Indigenous families. The resolution calls for increased public awareness, support for evidence-based prevention efforts, and better data collection to address this issue. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide observance through awareness programs, without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThe HEROIAM SLAVA Act of 2023 requires the President to block all U.S. transactions involving assets of Russian government-owned entities 60 days after the bill becomes law, using existing sanctions authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. It directly affects Russian state-owned entities operating within U.S. jurisdiction or involving U.S. persons. The bill explicitly excludes sanctions on the importation of physical goods (like manufactured products or supplies), clarifying that this exception covers tangible items but not other transactions. This policy change expands U.S. sanctions to target Russian state assets while maintaining access to physical goods imports.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal courts from considering acquitted conduct - conduct for which a defendant was found not guilty at trial or dismissed via motion - when determining a sentence, except to potentially reduce a sentence. It amends federal sentencing law to prevent judges from using such acquitted conduct as a basis for harsher penalties. The law applies only to cases with judgments entered after the bill's enactment date. It directly affects defendants in federal criminal cases where prior charges were dismissed or resulted in an acquittal.

Maddy summaryThe Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act (S 2771) would amend the Affordable Care Act to allow individuals to enroll in standalone dental insurance plans through health insurance marketplaces without needing to also have a health insurance plan. This change removes a current barrier that previously prevented people from accessing dental coverage if they weren't enrolled in a health plan. The bill directly affects people seeking dental insurance who do not have or do not want a comprehensive health insurance plan. By prohibiting restrictions based on health insurance status, the law aims to make dental coverage more accessible for these individuals.