Sen. Bill Cassidy

Maddy summaryS 4075, the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) and covered entities (such as banks or processors) from using or requiring special merchant category codes that distinguish firearms retailers from general stores. This directly affects firearms retailers (businesses selling guns or ammunition) and payment networks by preventing them from assigning codes that could flag gun purchases for tracking. The bill requires the Attorney General to investigate complaints about violations and enforce the ban, with potential court action if violations aren't fixed within 30 days. It also preempts state or local laws on this issue and mandates annual reports on enforcement efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4050) extends the construction deadline by one year for two specific hydroelectric projects on the Red River (FERC project numbers P-12756 and P-13160). It allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant this extension upon request from the project licensees, provided they demonstrate due diligence and act in the public interest. The bill also reinstates licenses for these projects if their original construction deadlines expired before the bill became law, effective from the date of expiration. It directly affects the project licensees and FERC, modifying the standard timeline under the Federal Power Act without changing the projects' fundamental requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 616) condemns Azerbaijan's detention and treatment of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a detained academic and economist, and urges his immediate release. It specifically addresses his arrest without evidence, poor prison conditions, denied medical care, and lack of fair trial access. The resolution calls for the release of all political prisoners in Azerbaijan and directs the Secretary of State to prioritize Dr. Ibadoghlu's well-being and release in diplomatic discussions with Azerbaijan. As a symbolic Senate resolution, it does not create new laws or impose sanctions but expresses U.S. government concern over human rights and academic freedom violations.

Maddy summaryS 4057, the Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act of 2024, postpones tax deadlines and refunds penalties for U.S. citizens wrongfully detained abroad or held hostage. It disregards the detention period when calculating tax penalties, interest, or late-filing fees for affected individuals and their spouses. The bill requires the State Department and Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell to identify eligible individuals by January 2025, enabling refunds for penalties paid during detention (from January 2021 through the bill’s enactment date). This applies only to tax liabilities tied to deadlines missed due to detention, not to other tax obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts veterans' disability and survivor benefits to match the cost-of-living increase for Social Security beneficiaries. Effective December 1, 2024, it requires the VA to raise payments for disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation (for spouses and children), and clothing allowances by the same percentage as the Social Security COLA announced for that year. These adjustments directly affect veterans receiving disability compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114, veterans with dependents under § 1115, surviving spouses under § 1311, and children under §§ 1313-1314. The bill ensures veterans' benefits rise automatically with the Social Security COLA, without requiring new legislative action each year.

Maddy summaryS. Res. 591 is a Senate resolution introduced on March 19, 2024, that formally reaffirms the U.S.-Canada partnership as a strategic asset for economic and national security. It highlights key economic ties, including $1.3 trillion in annual bilateral trade supporting 7.5 million U.S. jobs, and security cooperation on border management, defense, energy, and critical minerals. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws but expresses the Senate’s commitment to deepening collaboration across these areas. The resolution was sponsored by Senators Cramer, King, and others, citing shared democratic values and mutual security interests.

Maddy summarySRES 595 is a Senate resolution recognizing the service of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers across the U.S. It honors their 30-year impact, including 200,000 annual volunteers providing millions of service hours in education, disaster response, environmental protection, and community support. The resolution highlights how their work strengthens communities through programs like Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion, and notes members earned over $4.5 billion in education benefits. It encourages nationwide appreciation for their contributions and promotes continued participation in national service. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect but formally acknowledges this volunteer workforce.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends reporting requirements for Social Security trust fund finances. It requires congressional reports on the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and Disability Insurance Trust Fund to include a graph comparing two specific figures: the amount assumed under a 1985 law (section 257(b)(1) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act) and actual outlays based on current law. The change affects how the Congressional Budget Office or relevant committees present these financial reports. It does not alter Social Security benefits, eligibility, or funding levels - only the format of the information provided to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 65) seeks to disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have revised national air quality standards for tiny air particles (particulate matter), which are pollutants linked to health issues like asthma and heart disease. The EPA rule, published on March 6, 2024, proposed updating these standards to tighten pollution limits. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, maintaining the current standards without changes. This directly affects the EPA’s ability to implement the proposed revisions to air quality regulations, impacting public health protections and industry compliance requirements.

Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services Act of 2024 or the DUALS Act of 2024 This bill creates a program to provide integrated care for individuals who are fully eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (i.e., dual-eligible individuals). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must develop a set of models for states to provide integrated care coordination for dual-eligible individuals; states must choose one of these models and implement the model within four years of their selection. Benefits must include clinical health services, behavioral health services, and long-term services and supports. Care coordination plans must be based on individualized health risk assessments and involve interdisciplinary health care teams. Each individual must be assigned a care coordinator to help the individual with respect to benefits and health care decisions.  The bill provides funds for states and the CMS to implement this program. It also provides funds for outreach and other activities to raise awareness about the program. The bill also modifies Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), including by allowing those under age 55 to enroll in PACE if they are eligible for Medicare. (PACE is a program under Medicare and Medicaid that provides in-home and community services for certain individuals as an alternative to nursing home care.)