Sen. Susan M. Collins

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 880) is a symbolic Senate statement supporting afterschool programs and the annual Lights On Afterschool event on October 24, 2024. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally recognizes the value of high-quality after-school programs that provide safe, educational activities for children, complement school days, and support working families. The resolution highlights how these programs build community partnerships and develop students' academic, social, and emotional skills. It directly affects public awareness and advocacy efforts for existing afterschool initiatives, without changing any policies or programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 882) designates the week of September 23-27, 2024, as "National Clean Energy Week." It is a symbolic gesture with no binding policy changes, intended to recognize the clean energy sector's role in the U.S. economy and environment. The resolution highlights clean energy's growth, job creation (citing 8.35 million jobs in 2023), and potential for reducing emissions, but does not enact new laws or allocate funding. It encourages public support for clean energy solutions and acknowledges entrepreneurs' contributions to U.S. energy leadership.

This resolution acknowledges the 120th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and commends the organization for its work mentoring the young people of the United States and strengthening thousands of communities.

Maddy summarySRES 885 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating October 2, 2024, as "Energy Efficiency Day." It commemorates the economic and environmental benefits achieved through existing private sector innovation and federal energy efficiency policies since the 1970s, such as the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015. The resolution has no direct effect on individuals, businesses, or policy implementation - it solely encourages public observance through programs and activities. It references historical achievements like $1 trillion in annual energy cost savings and a 50% reduction in energy intensity in federal facilities. The resolution reflects bipartisan recognition of energy efficiency progress but does not create new laws or requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 887) is a symbolic Senate expression of support for designating October 7-12, 2024, as "National 4-H Week." It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the 4-H youth development program, which serves nearly 6 million young people nationwide through community-based projects in health, science, and leadership. The resolution highlights 4-H’s role in fostering youth leadership and its partnership with land-grant universities and the USDA. It directly affects the 4-H organization, its 500,000 volunteers, and the youth members participating in the program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 890) condemns Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people - including 40 U.S. citizens - and took hostages. It supports three specific outcomes: ensuring Israel's long-term security, preventing Hamas from regaining power in the region, and securing the safe return of U.S. hostages held in Gaza. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's position. The resolution was introduced by 45 Senators and passed unanimously on September 25, 2024.

Maddy summaryS 5183, the "BE GONE Act," amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of "aggravated felonies" by adding "sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence." This change directly affects non-citizens (immigrants without citizenship) convicted of these specific crimes, making them subject to mandatory deportation under current immigration law. The bill adds these offenses to the existing list of serious crimes triggering deportation, without creating new penalties or programs. It is a definitional change within existing immigration enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award Robert M. Gates, former Director of Central Intelligence and Secretary of Defense, a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his 27 years of public service to the United States. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, honors his roles in ending the Cold War, leading military transitions in Iraq/Afghanistan, and supporting veterans' welfare. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct effects beyond honoring Gates' career.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - 223 women who served as Army Signal Corps telephone operators in WWI. They connected 26 million calls in France, worked 12-hour shifts under combat conditions, and were denied veteran benefits for 60 years despite wearing uniforms and facing combat hazards. The medal recognizes their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and the decades-long struggle for recognition as soldiers. It directs the Treasury to strike the medal and place it in the Smithsonian for public display at institutions like the National WWI Museum.

Maddy summarySRES 848 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating September 23-27, 2024, as "National Hazing Awareness Week." It does not create new laws or requirements but formally recognizes the issue of hazing in college settings. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about hazing, which directly affects college students participating in campus organizations, as highlighted by statistics showing 55% of students in extracurricular activities reported experiencing hazing. The bill encourages nationwide observance through education and prevention efforts, emphasizing that awareness should extend beyond a single week.