Maddy summaryThe Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2024 amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to strengthen federal quantum research and development. It establishes new programs for quantum research centers, instrumentation, network infrastructure, and user expansion, with $175 million annually allocated for research through 2029. The bill requires a 10-year strategic plan for quantum high-performance computing, creates a traineeship program for underrepresented students, and includes provisions to support small businesses in accessing quantum resources. It directly affects the Department of Energy, National Laboratories, universities, and the quantum technology industry. The law aims to accelerate U.S. leadership in quantum technology through coordinated research, workforce development, and commercialization efforts.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. government to regularly assess global critical mineral and rare earth element resources. Specifically, the Secretary of the Interior must submit biennial reports to Congress detailing: which minerals are controlled by foreign entities of concern (like adversarial nations), which are held by U.S. allies, mine output volumes, ownership structures, and cases where foreign governments forced U.S. entities to divest. It also establishes a process for U.S. persons to notify the government before divesting foreign mining assets and seek non-adversarial buyers. Additionally, the bill mandates a strategy to collaborate with allied nations on developing advanced mining and processing technologies, with annual progress reports to Congress.
Maddy summaryThis bill, the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2024, creates a 4-year period during which Medicare must cover innovative medical devices designated as "breakthrough" by the FDA, unless they are not used as labeled or pose an undue risk. It requires the FDA to make breakthrough device designation decisions within 6 months and mandates that Medicare issue final coverage decisions before the 4-year period ends. The bill also appropriates $10 million annually from 2025 to 2030 to fund these new Medicare coverage processes. This primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries, FDA, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Maddy summarySRES 861 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating September 2024 as "Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month" to educate the public. It directly affects communities impacted by sickle cell disease (SCD), which disproportionately affects Black and African American individuals (affecting ~100,000 people in the U.S. and 1 in 365 Black newborns). The resolution encourages nationwide programs during this month to raise awareness about SCD, emphasizing the need for research, early detection, effective treatments, and preventative care for complications. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally supports existing efforts to address SCD through public education.
Maddy summaryThe Sudan Accountability Act requires the U.S. Secretary of State to submit regular reports on human rights violations in Sudan, including detailed assessments of atrocities like sexual violence and attacks on civilians, and U.S. responses to these violations. It mandates biannual determinations on whether actions by Sudanese armed groups constitute genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity, with public reports and congressional briefings. The bill also directs the development of a strategy to protect civilians through diplomatic efforts, targeted sanctions, and enhanced humanitarian access, while authorizing U.S. assistance for victim support and accountability mechanisms. These provisions primarily affect U.S. government agencies and aim to strengthen accountability for violence against Sudanese civilians, particularly women and children.
Maddy summaryThe Building Chips in America Act of 2023 (S. 2228) amends federal law to streamline environmental reviews for semiconductor manufacturing projects receiving federal financial assistance. It clarifies that certain projects won't be considered "major Federal actions" under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) if they meet specific criteria: the project must have begun by December 31, 2024; federal assistance must be in loan/guarantee form; or non-loan assistance must be 10% or less of total project costs. The bill establishes categorical exclusions for environmental reviews related to semiconductor projects and designates the Department of Commerce as lead agency for these reviews. This primarily affects semiconductor manufacturers receiving federal funding under the CHIPS Act, reducing regulatory barriers for facility construction and expansion.
Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to tennis legend Billie Jean King in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for gender equality in sports and society. The legislation specifically acknowledges her pivotal role in advancing women's rights, including her work leading to the passage of Title IX and her efforts to establish equal prize money in tennis. Under the bill, the Secretary of the Treasury would strike a gold medal featuring an image and inscription of Billie Jean King, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The medal would be presented by congressional leaders as a formal recognition of her contributions to American society. This is a commemorative honor, not a policy that creates new legal requirements or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War, recognizing their life-saving medical evacuations. The medal, to be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will be displayed at the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum. The bill honors the approximately 900,000 wounded personnel these crews transported over the course of the Vietnam War, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, who relied on their rapid medical evacuation services.
Maddy summarySRES 860 designates the week of October 6-12, 2024, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious education in the United States. The resolution calls on all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate students who wish to attend religious classes during school hours through released time programs. It highlights religious education's contribution to moral, civic, and personal development, citing historical and legal references like the Pierce v. Society of Sisters and Zorach v. Clauson Supreme Court cases. The resolution is non-binding and symbolic, focusing on awareness rather than new policy requirements.