Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summarySRES 36 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing the Senate's support for the United States working with states, cities, Tribal nations, businesses, and institutions to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change. It urges federal, state, and local policies to reduce emissions and align with the Paris Agreement's objectives. The resolution highlights existing climate actions by states, cities, and businesses (like renewable energy commitments and the Inflation Reduction Act) but does not create new laws or funding. It serves as a symbolic statement of bipartisan support for climate action, noting the U.S. has submitted updated emissions targets to meet Paris goals.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 37) expresses the Senate's view that U.S. citizens should maintain continuous access to health information provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It references existing HHS communications like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and CDC health alerts (e.g., for avian influenza or measles) as critical tools for public health. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or requirements - it simply states a principle supporting current HHS information-sharing practices. It directly affects the public by affirming their right to rely on these established federal health communications.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to highlight maternal health challenges in the U.S. It focuses on raising public awareness about maternal mortality (with statistics showing 800 annual pregnancy-related deaths) and disparities (such as Black women facing nearly 3x higher mortality rates than White women). The resolution encourages federal, state, tribal, and local entities to take action on improving maternal care and reducing inequities, though it does not create new laws or funding. As a symbolic designation, it has no binding effect but aims to promote existing efforts like maternal mortality reviews and community-based care models.

Maddy summarySRES 33 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to honor the contributions of Muslim Americans to U.S. society. It formally supports this designation, recognizes Muslim Americans' historical and contemporary roles in fields like business, science, sports, and public service, and urges the public to observe the month with educational activities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Muslim Americans' diverse heritage and experiences. It directly affects Muslim Americans by affirming their cultural presence in the United States, though it has no legal or financial impact. The Senate passed this resolution to promote awareness of their contributions, including figures like Nobel laureates, athletes, and military veterans.

Maddy summaryS 199 would create special tax rules for "qualified residents of Taiwan" with income from U.S. sources. It would lower tax rates on interest, dividends, and royalties from 30% to 10% (15% for some dividends), provide tax relief for certain wages paid to Taiwan residents working in the U.S., and exempt income from entertainment or athletic activities up to $30,000. The bill establishes specific requirements for entities to qualify for these benefits, including ownership and income criteria. It also creates a process for the U.S. to negotiate a formal tax agreement with Taiwan to further address double taxation concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal crop insurance policy to help farmers recover from income losses caused by severe weather. It directly affects farmers growing covered crops (excluding timber, pets, or animals for show) across all 50 states and territories by offering a single index policy tied to specific weather events like drought, flooding, extreme heat, or wildfires. Key features include flexible coverage options (allowing farmers to "buy-up" to 150% or "buy-down" to 5% of median county income in 5% increments), 30-day payment timelines after weather events, and reduced paperwork. The policy prioritizes support for small-scale farms, underserved producers, and those with under $350,000 in income, with a report required within one year to guide future implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Congress to formally declare war before the U.S. can conduct a first-use nuclear strike. It prohibits federal funding for any such attack unless Congress has declared war expressly authorizing it. The bill defines "first-use" as an attack launched without prior confirmation that the U.S., its territories, or allies have already been hit by a nuclear strike. This would directly affect the President’s authority to order nuclear weapons and require congressional approval for the most significant military decision.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 28) honors women who have served in combat roles in the U.S. Armed Forces. It recognizes their contributions, bravery, and sacrifices, specifically highlighting their service since 9/11 - including over 3,000 women earning combat badges - and acknowledges the Department of Defense opening all military roles to women in 2015. The resolution has no binding policy effect; it is a symbolic gesture to celebrate their service and inspire future generations.

Maddy summaryS 118, the Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025, requires the Presidential Inaugural Committee to publicly disclose all spending of $200 or more, including the recipient's name, address, date, and purpose of each payment. It prohibits foreign national donations, bans using donor names for anonymous contributions, and prevents converting donated funds for personal expenses unrelated to the inauguration. The bill also mandates that any remaining donated funds be distributed to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity within 90 days after the inauguration, with possible extensions requiring supplemental reporting. This directly affects the Inaugural Committee and its donors by increasing financial transparency and restricting certain funding sources.

Maddy summaryThe Handgun Permit to Purchase Act establishes a federal grant program to help states, local governments, and tribes develop or improve handgun purchaser licensing systems. These licensing systems would require background checks to prevent people banned from owning firearms under federal law from purchasing handguns, along with minimum age (21+), residency verification, and reapplication every five years. The bill cites research showing that such licensing laws are linked to reduced gun homicides and suicides in states like Connecticut and Maryland. The grant program is competitive and requires applicants to already have a licensing law meeting specific standards before receiving funding.