Maddy summaryThis bill renames the "Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act" to the "Administrative False Claims Act" and updates related provisions. Key changes include raising the dollar threshold for claims from $150,000 to $1,000,000 (adjusted for inflation), requiring agencies to submit semiannual reports on case statistics, and clarifying how recovered funds are distributed to reimburse agencies first before depositing into the Treasury. It directly affects government agencies (like the Department of Justice) that handle false claims cases against contractors or individuals who submit fraudulent claims to the government. The bill focuses on procedural updates to the existing false claims framework without introducing new substantive penalties or eligibility rules.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to fund collaborative PTSD research between U.S. academic institutions and Israeli organizations. It directs the Secretary of Defense (with VA and State Department coordination) to award grants to U.S. nonprofits or universities partnering with Israeli entities on PTSD research projects. The grants require joint research agreements between U.S. and Israeli partners and mandate annual reports to Congress on project outcomes. The program is authorized for seven years from the first grant award and operates under an existing 1972 U.S.-Israel scientific cooperation agreement. It does not fund direct patient treatment or change existing VA services.
Maddy summaryS 1098, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act, changes U.S. aid rules for foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) receiving funding under the Foreign Assistance Act. It removes eligibility barriers for these NGOs if they provide health services (like counseling) using their own funds, as long as those services comply with local laws and would be legal in the U.S. It also eliminates extra restrictions on how foreign NGOs can use non-U.S. government funds for advocacy or lobbying, making these rules the same as those applied to U.S. NGOs receiving similar aid. This directly affects foreign health-focused NGOs working in international development and rights advocacy.
Maddy summaryS 1154, the Promoting Women in Aviation Act, creates a Women in Aviation Advisory Committee within the Department of Transportation. The committee, composed of up to 15 members from airlines, aviation organizations, airports, trade schools, and labor groups, will advise the Transportation Secretary and FAA on increasing women’s participation in the aviation industry. It must submit annual reports to Congress with recommendations, and the Secretary must respond within 60 days on which recommendations they will implement. The bill does not change existing laws or allocate funds but establishes a formal structure for ongoing guidance on this issue.
Maddy summaryThe Vehicle Innovation Act of 2023 establishes a consolidated program at the U.S. Department of Energy to advance vehicle technologies, directly affecting automakers, battery manufacturers, and research institutions. It authorizes $313 million to $367 million annually (2024-2028) for research, development, and commercial application of technologies aimed at improving fuel efficiency, reducing emissions, and enabling electric, hydrogen, and alternative-fuel vehicles across all sectors - including passenger cars, commercial trucks, and transit systems. Key provisions include funding for battery innovation, lightweight materials, hydrogen infrastructure, and secondary battery uses (like stationary storage), while requiring annual reports to Congress on technology adoption and U.S. manufacturing impact. The bill mandates industry partnerships and coordination to avoid duplication, emphasizing cost-effective, domestically manufactured solutions.
Maddy summaryS 1092, the Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2023, creates federal grants to expand dual enrollment and early college high school programs. It directly affects high school students, particularly those from low-income families, rural communities, and first-generation college students, by enabling them to earn college credits while still in high school. The bill authorizes grants for institutions of higher education partnering with local school districts to cover tuition, fees, books, and up to 20% of costs for transportation. Grantees must develop partnerships, design curricula, and provide outreach to increase access, with evaluations required to measure program effectiveness.
Maddy summaryThe Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act creates a federal grant program to fund public parking facilities for commercial trucks along highways and near freight facilities. It authorizes $175 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing to $320 million by 2026, to address parking shortages that impact driver safety and traffic flow. Eligible projects include building rest areas, expanding parking at truck stops or ports, and improving existing facilities, all requiring free public access and no fees for drivers. The program mandates stakeholder input from trucking companies and safety officials, with annual reports to Congress on project effectiveness and parking availability.
Maddy summaryThe Access to AEDs Act (S 1024) provides $25 million in federal funding over five years (2024-2028) to help public elementary and secondary schools improve access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training. It authorizes grants for schools to purchase AEDs, train students and staff, develop emergency response plans, and partner with health organizations - such as local hospitals or fire departments - to implement these programs. The bill also requires the creation of a national database to track school AED access and share best practices, aiming to support immediate response during cardiac emergencies. This directly affects schools, students, and school staff by enhancing preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest, which the bill cites as a leading cause of death among young athletes and children.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal "National Parkinson’s Project" under the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts across agencies in preventing, treating, and curing Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. It requires an integrated national plan, annual progress assessments, and a public Advisory Council - including patient advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers - to guide strategy and recommend actions. The project mandates data sharing among federal agencies and biannual reports to Congress evaluating federally funded Parkinson’s programs, aiming to improve care coordination, reduce financial burdens on Medicare and families, and advance research on environmental triggers. The law directly affects people living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and federal health agencies involved in research and patient services. The initiative is scheduled to sunset in 2035.
This resolution designates March 2023 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States.