Maddy summaryThe Restore Honor to Service Members Act of 2023 establishes a Department of Defense "Tiger Team" to help former service members with certain discharge characterizations (discharged under pre-2011 policies like "former section 654") seek review of their military records. The team will collaborate with veterans' groups, the VA, and other stakeholders to identify eligible veterans, contact them about the review process, and simplify the request by removing documentation requirements. It mandates regular reports to Congress on outreach efforts, the number of veterans contacted, and outcomes, including how many received honorable discharge upgrades. The bill also clarifies that veterans' benefits from the change in discharge status apply from the effective date of the review, not retroactively.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SRES 475) honoring the late basketball coach Bobby Knight. It recognizes his career achievements, including three NCAA championships at Indiana University, his 902 career coaching wins, high player graduation rates, and his 2023 passing. The resolution expresses the Senate's appreciation for his legacy, dedication to basketball, and impact on players and Indiana University. As a non-binding honor, it has no policy effects or direct impact on any individuals or institutions.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to treat certain recreational trailers and campers the same as other vehicles for business financing purposes. It adds a specific definition to the tax code, including trailers or campers designed for temporary living (recreation, camping, or seasonal use) that are towed by or attached to a motor vehicle. This change directly affects RV dealerships and owners of qualifying vehicles by allowing them to use standard business financing tax rules. The policy change applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2022.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 43) is a joint resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans. It targets a specific rule (88 Fed. Reg. 43820, July 10, 2023) affecting borrowers in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. If passed, the resolution would make this rule void, preventing it from taking effect. The resolution uses a specific procedural mechanism under Title 5 of U.S. Code to achieve this disapproval. It directly impacts student loan borrowers who rely on income-driven repayment options.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 466) urges the U.S. Senate to provide advice and consent for ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a treaty the U.S. has not joined despite being a party to related 1958 conventions. By ratifying UNCLOS, the U.S. would gain full participation in international ocean governance forums, strengthen its legal position on maritime disputes (such as in the South China Sea and Arctic), and improve its ability to defend U.S. interests in ocean-related negotiations. The resolution emphasizes that current U.S. non-participation limits its influence in resolving territorial conflicts and managing critical maritime resources.
Maddy summaryS 3296, the Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act, increases tax-free educational benefits for employees by raising the annual exclusion limit from $5,250 to $12,000 for tax years 2024-2025. It expands eligible expenses to include education-related tools and technology (like computers, software, internet access, and trade-specific equipment) required for job training, certification, or career advancement. The bill allows employees to retain these tools after completing training, and applies to employer-provided education assistance paid on or after the bill's enactment date. This directly affects workers in skilled trades and professions seeking certification or career progression through employer-supported programs.
Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 49 seeks congressional disapproval of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that would have established a new standard for determining when two or more companies are considered "joint employers" under labor law. The rule, published in October 2023, would have affected businesses with complex employment structures, such as franchisors and contractors, by altering how joint employer liability is assessed for wage, hour, and union representation matters. If passed, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving the previous standard for joint employer determinations. The bill was introduced by Senators Cassidy, Manchin, Braun, McConnell, Marshall, Cramer, Capito, and Paul and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Maddy summarySRES 408 is a non-binding Senate resolution condemning Hamas for its October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,400 Israelis and abducted nearly 200 hostages. The resolution demands Hamas immediately release all hostages, provide medical care, and cease using them as human shields, while calling on the U.S. to lead global efforts for their safe return. It specifically references Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities, the Nova music festival, and the execution of civilians, citing international law violations. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it does not impose legal requirements or directly affect any individuals or policies.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 455) recognizes the 40th anniversary of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), the 30th anniversary of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), and the 20th anniversary of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES). It acknowledges these U.S. Department of State programs, which connect American youth with international peers through educational exchanges in Germany, former Soviet states, and Muslim-majority countries. The resolution encourages continued congressional and presidential support for these exchanges, which aim to build mutual understanding and develop future leaders through cultural and educational experiences. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policies.
Maddy summaryThe MERIT Act (S 3232) prohibits colleges and universities from using an applicant’s relationship to alumni or donors as the main factor in admissions decisions. It defines "preferential treatment" as making admissions choices based solely on such connections and allows institutions to consider "demonstrated interest" (e.g., why a student values the school) if criteria are clear, public, and equally accessible to all applicants. The bill also ensures faith-based institutions can follow religious admissions policies and requires the Department of Education to report on compliance efforts and conduct a feasibility study on collecting data about admissions practices tied to alumni/donor relationships. This law directly affects all higher education institutions receiving federal funding under the Higher Education Act.