Sen. Gary C. Peters

Maddy summaryS 838, the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023, increases Medicare coverage for clinical social workers. It raises reimbursement rates for their services under Medicare Part B from 75% to 85% of the psychologist fee schedule and removes barriers preventing coverage in skilled nursing facilities. The bill specifically expands Medicare coverage to include a defined set of clinical social work services (using specific HCPCS codes) for mental health diagnosis, treatment, and behavioral interventions. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults and people in skilled nursing facilities, by making it easier for providers to offer and bill for these mental health services starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryS 828, the Communications Security Act, establishes a new advisory council within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address security, reliability, and seamless communication across networks. The council, requiring 90 days to form, will include industry representatives (wireless, cable, satellite providers, and equipment makers), government officials (federal, state, local, tribal), and public interest groups - excluding entities deemed "not trusted" by the FCC Chair, such as those tied to foreign adversaries. Members serve two-year terms, with specific composition rules ensuring balanced representation, and the council will advise the FCC on critical communications infrastructure issues. The bill defines "not trusted" using criteria from existing law, focusing on national security risks. This council directly affects FCC operations, major communications companies, and government agencies involved in network security.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Clean Air Act to modify how the EPA grants waivers for fuel formulations. It creates a new pathway allowing fuels to enter commerce if they meet Reid Vapor Pressure standards (a measure of fuel volatility) either by matching certified vehicle fuels or by complying with existing waiver conditions. The changes directly affect fuel retailers and manufacturers seeking EPA approval for fuel blends. Key provisions update waiver procedures and clarify Reid Vapor Pressure requirements, specifically adjusting percentage thresholds and notification timelines for certain fuel types. The bill does not create new regulations but adjusts existing processes for fuel approval under the Clean Air Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service. It specifies three coin types: up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (90% gold), 400,000 $1 silver coins (90% silver), and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins, all to be issued in 2025. A surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollars) will be added to each coin's sale price, with all funds going directly to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to support its diplomatic history preservation work. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring all design, production, and marketing expenses to be recovered through coin sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 758 (Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act), requires the removal of personally identifiable information (like Social Security numbers and passport details) from shipping manifests before they are made public. It directly affects shipping companies and government agencies handling shipment data, as they must ensure this information is scrubbed from manifests. The law adds two specific conditions under which such data cannot be disclosed: if the Treasury Secretary finds disclosure would threaten personal injury or property damage, or if the data is already exempt under federal privacy laws. The changes take effect 30 days after the bill becomes law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses congressional support for designating March 10, 2023, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and clinic staff. It recognizes their critical role in providing essential reproductive care amid heightened challenges following the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The resolution affirms Congress's commitment to protecting providers' safety and ensuring access to abortion care, while condemning the Dobbs ruling's impact on providers and patients. (Note: This is a symbolic resolution with no binding policy changes.)

Maddy summaryS 737, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act, denies tax deductions for employers who spend money to influence employees about union activities or collective bargaining. It amends the tax code to make non-deductible expenses related to swaying union elections, labor disputes, or collective actions - such as anti-union consulting fees, captive audience meetings, or legal settlements over unfair labor practices. Employers must report such spending on tax returns (using new Form 6720D) and face penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $100,000. The bill directly affects businesses that engage in union-avoidance tactics, aiming to remove tax incentives for undermining workers’ rights under labor laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare to cover genetic testing for inherited cancer risks (like BRCA mutations) for beneficiaries with a personal or family history of hereditary cancer, as defined by current medical guidelines. It also mandates coverage for risk-reducing surgeries (such as mastectomies or hysterectomies) when recommended by those guidelines, and increases the frequency of evidence-based screenings (like annual mammograms or colonoscopies) for individuals with confirmed genetic mutations. The policy change applies to Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with hereditary cancer gene mutations or at high risk due to family history, aligning coverage with established oncology standards. It does not alter existing Medicare rules but expands coverage for specific preventive services under defined clinical protocols.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023 requires the U.S. government to address forced organ harvesting by mandating annual reports on the issue in foreign countries and allowing passport denial or revocation for individuals convicted of organ trafficking. It directs the President to impose sanctions - including asset blocking and visa bans - on individuals or entities involved in forced organ harvesting, with exceptions for humanitarian aid. The bill defines "forced organ harvesting" as organ removal by coercion, deception, or abuse of power, and "trafficking" as recruiting or transporting people for organ removal through similar means. These provisions aim to hold accountable those exploiting vulnerable individuals for organ removal.