Sen. Susan M. Collins

Maddy summarySJRES 4 is a joint resolution that removes the 1972 deadline for states to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was originally proposed in House Joint Resolution 208. It declares that the ERA is valid as part of the U.S. Constitution if ratified by three-fourths of states (38), regardless of the expired deadline. The resolution directly affects the ERA ratification process, making it possible for states to complete ratification without time constraints. As of 2023, 38 states had already ratified the ERA, and this resolution would finalize its inclusion in the Constitution if enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 183) is a ceremonial Senate measure celebrating the 151st anniversary of Arbor Day on April 28, 2023. It recognizes April 28, 2023, as National Arbor Day and encourages all Americans to participate in tree-planting activities. The resolution highlights Arbor Day’s history since 1872 and emphasizes community efforts in urban forestry, but it does not create new laws or policies. It directly affects the public by promoting awareness of tree planting and environmental stewardship. As a symbolic gesture, it has no binding effect on government actions or funding.

Increase Reliable Services Now Act This bill imposes limits on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement activities and hiring. The bill prohibits the IRS from hiring any person for enforcement activities until the end of a period in which the IRS has maintained for 6 consecutive months a level of access for phone lines of not less than 90%, and an average speed of answering calls in 4 minutes or less. The bill also requires that not less than 90% of regular IRS employees perform work in person at their job sites. The bill prohibits the IRS from auditing taxpayers with taxable incomes below $400,000 at a greater rate than before the enactment of this bill. Further, the IRS may not hire additional personnel (other than for return processing activities and call center operations) until its tax return processing backlog is not in excess of 5 million cases and it issues tax refunds within 6 weeks or less after receipt of a tax return.

Maddy summaryThe PREPARE Act of 2023 creates a new pre-disaster mitigation loan program for small businesses under the Small Business Administration (SBA). It allows businesses to borrow up to $500,000 to fund physical improvements that reduce future disaster damage, such as reinforcing buildings or protecting equipment. The SBA must conduct outreach to small businesses - especially in economically depressed areas - and provide technical assistance to help them apply for these loans. The bill authorizes $25 million annually from 2024 through 2028 for the program and requires annual reports tracking loan usage, geographic distribution, and cost savings avoided through mitigation efforts.

Maddy summaryS 1333, the Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2023, creates a federal pilot program to fund free or low-cost, evidence-based skills training for family caregivers of children (ages 0-9) with autism or developmental disabilities. The program awards grants to eligible organizations (like nonprofits, health centers, or community coalitions) to provide training focused on communication, social engagement, daily living skills, and behavior strategies. Key requirements include forming local community committees with caregivers, providers, and cultural representatives, and ensuring programs complement existing Medicaid or school services without replacing them. The bill authorizes $10 million annually (2024-2028) to support at least 25 grantees across 15 states, with annual evaluations to assess impacts on caregiver and child well-being.

Maddy summaryThe WIPPES Act (S 1350) requires manufacturers and retailers to label specific types of premoistened wipes with a standardized "Do Not Flush" notice and symbol. It directly affects producers of baby wipes, cleaning wipes (including bathroom and hard surface cleaners), and personal care wipes (like makeup remover or feminine hygiene wipes) that could be flushed. The law mandates clear, visible labeling on packaging according to strict placement rules (e.g., on cylindrical packaging, flexible film, or rigid containers) to ensure consumers see the warning each time a wipe is dispensed. The goal is to prevent sewer blockages and environmental harm caused by flushing these wipes, which often do not break down safely.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1314) changes the definition of "spouse" and "surviving spouse" under veterans' benefits law to remove gender restrictions. It ensures that all individuals lawfully married to a veteran - regardless of gender, including same-sex marriages - are recognized for VA benefits like survivor pensions. The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update all relevant regulations to reflect this change. It directly affects veterans and their spouses in same-sex marriages who were previously excluded from certain benefits due to outdated definitions.

Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023 This bill increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical education payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas and health professional shortage areas. Current law provides for an increase of up to 200 positions per fiscal year beginning in FY2023, with a total increase of 1,000 positions; each hospital may receive up to 25 additional positions. Current law also provides for an additional increase of up to 200 positions for FY2026, with at least 100 of these positions for psychiatry or related specialties; each hospital may receive up to 10 additional positions. The bill provides for an additional increase of 2,000 positions per fiscal year from FY2025-FY2031; during this period, each hospital may receive up to 75 additional positions in total under the bill and current law. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on strategies to increase the diversity of the health professional workforce, including with respect to representation from rural, low-income, and minority communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint three commemorative coins in 2026 to honor Golda Meir (Israel’s first female Prime Minister) and mark the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Israel relations. It specifies $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar coins bearing her image and inscriptions like "Golda Meir, Israel 75, 2026," with surcharges of $35, $10, and $5 per coin respectively. All surcharge revenue will fund Kiryat Sanz Laniado Hospital in Israel, while the coins - minted only in 2026 - will be sold as collectibles with no net cost to the U.S. government.

Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens penalties for individuals or organizations charging veterans unauthorized fees when assisting with VA benefit claims. It directly affects veterans who might be targeted by unscrupulous representatives and the representatives themselves who attempt to charge such fees. The key provision adds a new subsection (b) to Section 5905, making it illegal to solicit, charge, or receive any fee for preparing or submitting VA claims - except as allowed under specific other sections. Violations can result in fines, up to one year in prison, or both.