Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new nonprofit organization, the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology commercialization. The foundation will coordinate with NIST, universities, industry, and nonprofits to accelerate development of emerging technologies, while accepting private funding (excluding foreign government sources) and receiving $500,000-$1.25 million annually from NIST’s budget starting in 2025. It must operate independently of the federal government, develop a strategic plan for financial self-sufficiency within five years, and publish annual reports on activities and funding sources. The foundation will oversee programs like fellowships, facility improvements, and research commercialization, with strict conflict-of-interest rules and annual audits required.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 739) introduced by Senators Rubio, Tuberville, and others on June 18, 2024. It commemorates the second anniversary of the Supreme Court's June 24, 2022, *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* decision, which overturned *Roe v. Wade*. The resolution expresses support for the Court's ruling that the Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion, and it includes statements about protecting "unborn life" and supporting families. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to maintain a minimum "cohort repayment rate" of 15% for borrowers who took out loans to attend their institution. If an institution's repayment rate falls to 15% or below, it would lose eligibility for federal student aid programs for three years, with limited appeal options available. The bill also creates a "College Opportunity Bonus Program" that awards grants to institutions with repayment rates above 25% to support initiatives improving college access and affordability for low- and moderate-income students. These provisions will take effect starting in fiscal year 2027 for all institutions participating in federal student aid programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and updates federal efforts to support adults with congenital heart disease. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a workshop within one year of enactment, bringing together experts, adult patients, healthcare providers, and agencies to identify research gaps and address workforce shortages in treating adult congenital heart disease patients. The workshop must focus on long-term health outcomes, mental health, care access, and strategies like expanding fellowship programs. Within three years, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress detailing findings, recommendations for research and workforce improvements, and a plan for implementation. The bill directly affects adult patients with congenital heart disease, healthcare providers, and federal agencies managing related programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and extends two key mental health programs for healthcare professionals under existing law. It extends the education initiative encouraging healthcare workers to access mental health services from 2025-2029 (previously 2022-2024) and extends funding for programs promoting mental health among healthcare workforces through 2029. A new provision requires grant recipients to focus on reducing administrative burdens on healthcare workers. The bill directly affects healthcare providers (like doctors and nurses) by maintaining access to mental health support programs and streamlining administrative processes. It makes no new policy changes beyond extending existing program timelines and adding one specific requirement.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 97) seeks to block a Department of Labor rule finalized in April 2024 that redefined overtime exemptions for certain white-collar workers. The rule would have changed how employers classify executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees for overtime pay purposes. By invoking Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, this resolution aims to nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It directly affects employers and workers covered by the rule, but the resolution itself does not change existing labor standards - it only prevents the rule from being implemented.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 732) celebrates the 247th anniversary of the U.S. flag's creation (June 14, 1777) and expresses support for the Pledge of Allegiance. It affirms the Pledge's constitutionality, referencing historical context like its 1954 addition of "under God" and the 2004 *Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow* Supreme Court case. The Senate states the Pledge remains a constitutional expression of patriotism, recognizing its longstanding role in American life. This is a symbolic resolution with no policy or funding changes.
Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 96 seeks to block a Department of Education rule that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded schools (e.g., colleges, K-12 programs receiving federal aid). If approved, it would invalidate the rule published April 29, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33474), preventing it from taking effect under a congressional disapproval process. This would maintain existing nondiscrimination standards for education programs instead of implementing the new rule. The resolution directly affects all schools and programs receiving federal education funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor Marshall Walter Major Taylor, a pioneering Black cyclist who broke racial barriers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be presented to Taylor’s great-granddaughter, Karen Donovan, recognizing his achievements as a world-record-holding athlete, advocate for equality, and role model. The bill does not create new laws or policies but formally commemorates Taylor’s legacy through a symbolic tribute. It specifies that duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. The act is purely ceremonial, focusing on historical recognition rather than legislative action.
Maddy summaryS 4499, the Youth Lead Act of 2024, amends an existing provision in the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998. It extends the expiration date for grants to youth organizations from 2023 to 2029, specifically modifying Section 410(d)(2). This change directly affects organizations currently receiving or eligible for these agricultural education and youth development grants. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to the grant program's sunset date without altering funding levels or program requirements. It does not create new programs or change who qualifies for these specific grants.