Sen. Susan M. Collins

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions Act or the SEED Act This bill expands the tax deduction for the expenses of elementary and secondary school teachers to include early childhood educators.

Maddy summarySRES 388 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating the week of September 25-29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week." It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of clean energy through symbolic designation. The resolution encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to support clean energy solutions and invest in affordable, low-emission technologies. It highlights the clean energy sector’s role in job creation (citing 8.1 million U.S. jobs in 2022) and economic growth without imposing any new requirements.

Maddy summarySRES 387 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating October 12, 2023, as "National Loggers Day" to recognize the logging industry. It honors loggers for their role in providing rural jobs, supporting forest management, and contributing to the $300 billion forest products supply chain. The resolution encourages the President to issue a similar designation but has no binding effect or new policy requirements. It directly affects the logging industry by publicly acknowledging its economic and environmental contributions. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create legal obligations or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 25-29, 2023, as "National Hazing Awareness Week" to highlight hazing prevention efforts. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the issue and encourages public awareness. The Senate emphasizes that hazing prevention requires ongoing commitment beyond a single week, urging communities to promote safety and well-being. It directly affects the general public, educational institutions, and campus communities by raising visibility for a longstanding concern.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 30% federal tax credit for owners of hydroelectric dams who make specific upgrades to their facilities. It directly affects dam operators who install qualifying improvements like fish passage systems, water quality enhancements, dam safety upgrades, or river restoration projects (such as removing obsolete structures). The credit applies to property placed in service after December 2022, requires prior approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state officials, and expires for approvals received after 2031. It also includes special provisions for small, off-grid "approved remote dams" under 20 megawatts.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax code provisions to provide financial relief for intelligence community employees who relocate for mission-critical assignments. It expands tax deductions for moving expenses and excludes certain relocation reimbursements from taxable income for non-military intelligence employees (as defined under the National Security Act of 1947). Specifically, it adds new language to tax code sections allowing these employees to deduct moving costs and excluding travel reimbursements for temporary duty on authorized intelligence activities from taxable income. These changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019, directly benefiting intelligence agency staff facing relocation due to job assignments.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Head Start and Early Head Start programs to hire college students through federal work-study programs under the Higher Education Act. It directly affects Head Start agencies, Early Head Start programs, and college students participating in work-study. Key provisions require agencies to verify compliance with safety rules before hiring students, mandate that students follow all program personnel policies, and specify that student workers cannot be left alone with children or count toward required staff-to-child ratios. The changes ensure student employment in these early childhood programs operates within existing safety and staffing standards.

American Workforce Empowerment Act  This bill expands the types of programs that tax-preferred college savings plans (i.e., 529 plans) may fund with distributions, including preapprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs, a program of high school career and technical education, and a recognized postsecondary credential.