Maddy summaryThis bill amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to expand background check requirements. It allows businesses and organizations working with vulnerable populations (like childcare centers or youth programs) to request background checks for their contractors and for individuals they license or certify to provide care. The key change modifies the Act to include "contractors" and "licensees/certified individuals" under the definition of those requiring background checks. This directly affects organizations that hire external workers or grant credentials to caregivers, ensuring they can verify the background of these individuals. The policy change simplifies the process for these entities to conduct required checks without new federal mandates.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new protections for warehouse workers by requiring employers to provide clear written descriptions of performance quotas and workplace monitoring systems. It prohibits quotas that prevent workers from taking required breaks, using bathroom facilities, or complying with safety standards, and bans adverse employment actions based on certain types of performance data. The bill creates a new Fairness and Transparency Office within the Department of Labor to oversee enforcement, gives workers the right to request their work speed data in plain language, and adds protections against retaliation for exercising these rights. It also amends OSHA standards to improve ergonomic protections and medical treatment access for warehouse workers. The bill applies to large warehouse employers (with over 200 employees) in specific industry sectors like warehousing, distribution, and delivery services.
Maddy summaryThe Hold Corporate Criminals Accountable Act of 2024 requires federal courts to consider public interest factors before approving deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) involving corporations. It mandates independent monitoring with objective metrics for corporate compliance, transparency in federal agency settlements (requiring public posting of key details like payment amounts and terms), and extends the statute of limitations for financial crimes by 10 years. The bill directly affects corporations facing criminal charges and federal agencies negotiating settlements, requiring them to publicly disclose settlement terms and justify any confidentiality. Key provisions include new court criteria for DPAs (like victim impact and independent oversight) and annual congressional reporting on settlement agreements.
Maddy summaryThis bill would end the special trade status that allows Chinese goods to enter the United States at lower tariff rates. It would require U.S. customs to apply higher tariff rates (minimum 35% for most goods, 100% for certain specified items) to Chinese imports, with these rates phased in over five years. The legislation also creates a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers who lose sales due to retaliatory measures by China. The bill is based on findings that China has not complied with trade agreements and has engaged in practices harming U.S. businesses and workers. The legislation aims to address what Congress views as an ongoing trade imbalance and economic harm caused by China's trade practices.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in the U.S. Senate. It requests federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations to observe the month with programs aimed at increasing public awareness of childhood cancer risks. The resolution also encourages ongoing medical monitoring for childhood cancer survivors and recognizes childhood cancer as a public health priority requiring prevention and cure efforts, while honoring affected children's resilience.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. government agencies from purchasing biotechnology equipment or services from specific foreign companies tied to national security threats. It bans contracts with entities like BGI, MGI, and Wuxi Apptec (and their affiliates) that pose risks through ties to foreign adversaries, particularly regarding genetic data collection. Exceptions cover intelligence activities, overseas health care for military personnel, and publicly available genetic data. The ban takes effect 60-180 days after implementing guidance is issued, with limited waivers allowed for national security or overseas health care needs.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 5124 (Protect our Presidents Act), requires the U.S. Secret Service to provide presidential and vice-presidential candidates with security protection equivalent to that given to the sitting president. It specifically covers major party candidates who have accepted nominations at national conventions, their spouses, and the president-elect or vice president-elect. The Secret Service must report to congressional committees every 15 days during election years - detailing threat levels, security costs, personnel assigned, and any unmet security needs for each candidate. Candidates may decline the enhanced protection if they choose. The bill focuses on standardizing security protocols for candidates during elections, not on altering existing protections for current officeholders.
Maddy summaryS 3187, the Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish detailed immigration data monthly and quarterly. It mandates CBP to post on its website the number of people granted parole at ports of entry, broken down by nationality, age group (like minors or families), and location. DHS must submit quarterly reports to Congress and post them online, detailing apprehensions, processing outcomes (such as parole, removal, or asylum screenings), and demographic breakdowns along the southern border. The bill also updates annual reporting requirements to track parolees' status, including employment authorization and whether their parole ended or was extended. These requirements directly affect CBP and DHS operations, aiming to increase public and congressional transparency about border processing.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes an existing program that provides support and treatment services for law enforcement officers experiencing mental health crises. It extends the funding period for this program from 2020-2024 to 2025-2029 under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. The key mechanism is simply updating the expiration dates in the law to continue current funding without altering the program's scope or eligibility. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who access these crisis support services through participating agencies.
Maddy summaryThe SMART Leasing Act establishes a two-year pilot program allowing federal agencies to lease underutilized government properties (like buildings or land) to private entities, state/local governments, or other federal agencies at fair market value. Rental income must first cover the agency's lease costs, with any surplus funding property maintenance, upgrades, and improvements through a dedicated working capital account. The program includes strict safeguards: no leasebacks during term, a maximum of six annual leases, 15-year lease limits, and mandatory certification that leases won’t harm agency missions. Federal agencies must report annually to Congress on lease details and fund usage, with a final evaluation due two years after enactment to determine if the pilot should continue.