Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

Maddy summaryS. RES. 32 is a non-binding Senate resolution condemning the January 8, 2023, violent insurrection in Brazil, where supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings including the presidential palace, Congress, and Supreme Court. It expresses U.S. solidarity with Brazil's people and support for safeguarding Brazil's democratic institutions following the attack. The resolution urges social media companies to address disinformation that fueled the violence and encourages U.S. officials to assist Brazilian authorities in their investigations. As a diplomatic statement - not a law - it does not impose legal requirements but formally aligns U.S. policy with Brazil's democratic defense.

Maddy summaryThe Healthy Indoor Air Act of 2023 establishes new energy efficiency standards for conventional room air cleaners - portable or wall-mounted units that plug into outlets and remove particles from indoor air. It requires these devices to meet specific energy efficiency ratings (IEF) based on their clean air delivery rate (CADR) for PM2.5 particles, with phased standards starting December 31, 2023, and stricter requirements effective December 31, 2025. The bill excludes central air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and duct systems from these rules. Manufacturers must comply with these standards for new models, while labeling requirements are delayed until 2025. This directly affects producers and sellers of conventional room air cleaners sold in the U.S.

Maddy summaryS 268 establishes federal grants to help states and Tribal entities address child care shortages in underserved areas, known as "child care deserts." The bill provides two types of grants: (1) workforce grants to fund training, credentials, and outreach for child care providers, and (2) facility grants to support construction, renovation, or expansion of child care centers and homes. Funds must supplement, not replace, existing programs like the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, and states must coordinate with workforce development initiatives. The legislation authorizes $100 million annually from 2024 to 2030 to increase access to affordable, quality child care in targeted communities.

Maddy summaryS 236, the Early Educators Apprenticeship Act, provides federal grants to partnerships between childcare providers, colleges, and other entities to create on-the-job training programs for early childhood educators. The bill directly affects childcare workers, centers, colleges, and employers by funding 75% of program costs to help workers earn certificates or degrees while working. Key provisions include requiring partnerships to prioritize rural/underserved communities, track outcomes like retention rates and credential attainment, and share data on apprentices’ long-term employment. The program aims to strengthen the early education workforce through structured training pathways, with annual reports to the Labor Secretary on program effectiveness.

Maddy summaryS 260, the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, amends Medicare rules to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify coverage for specialized diabetic shoes for beneficiaries with diabetes. This change directly affects Medicare patients requiring diabetic footwear by expanding the healthcare providers authorized to meet documentation requirements. The key provision updates Section 1861(s)(12) of the Social Security Act to include these providers where "physician" is currently listed. This simplifies access to covered footwear without altering Medicare benefits or costs.

Protect Our Citizens from Reckless Extortion of our Debt and Irresponsible Tactics Act of 2023 or the Protect Our CREDIT Act of 2023 This bill allows the President to increase the statutory debt limit unless a joint resolution of disapproval is passed by Congress and becomes law. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the President must submit to Congress a certification that specifies the existing debt, the debt limit, and the debt that will be necessary to issue during the next year to meet existing commitments. The debt limit is increased by the proposed amount, unless a joint resolution of disapproval is passed by Congress within 15 days and becomes law. Congress must consider the joint resolution using specified expedited legislative procedures. The President must submit an additional certification to Congress during the year if the debt is within $250 billion of the limit, and further borrowing is necessary to meet existing commitments. The certification must propose a new debt limit for the remainder of the year and explain any discrepancy with the earlier certification. The new debt limit also goes into effect, unless a joint resolution of disapproval is passed by Congress within 15 days and becomes law. The bill suspends the debt limit during the period in which Congress is considering a joint resolution of disapproval after the President has submitted a mid-year certification.

Maddy summaryThe JOBS Act of 2023 expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to short-term job training programs that provide 150-600 clock hours (8-15 weeks) of instruction aligned with in-demand local industries. It directly affects students enrolled in eligible career-focused programs at institutions of higher education, requiring programs to offer industry-recognized credentials and meet validation standards from employers or sector partnerships. Key provisions include mandatory industry validation of program quality, institutional credit articulation for noncredit programs, and lowering the minimum Pell Grant percentage from 10% to 5% for qualifying students. The bill ensures these programs count toward students’ total Pell Grant eligibility period while maintaining standard Pell Grant terms and conditions.

Maddy summaryS 173, "Ethan's Law," requires firearm owners to store guns securely in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals ineligible to own firearms might access them. It amends federal law to make non-compliant storage an offense punishable by a $500 fine per violation, with enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death results. The bill creates a federal grant program to support states with laws matching its secure storage requirements, offering funding incentives for states that enact similar measures. It directly affects homeowners with firearms in households containing minors or prohibited persons, aiming to reduce accidental child access and firearm-related injuries.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the President to create a strategy aimed at doubling U.S. exports to Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean within 10 years, with the goal of supporting American jobs. The strategy must be developed with input from Congress, federal agencies, development banks, and the private sector, and submitted to Congress within 180 days, followed by a progress report after 3 years. It also establishes two special coordinators (one for Africa, one for Latin America/Caribbean) to oversee implementation and mandates standardized training for U.S. officials on export financing programs. Additionally, the bill encourages the administration to lead joint trade missions to these regions within one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies timing requirements for two federal energy assistance programs. It requires the Secretary to release application guidance and publish funding allocations within 60 days of funds becoming available for both the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program. Additionally, it mandates that funds be distributed "as quickly as practicable" to states, tribes, or other recipients after they submit approved energy conservation plans. The bill directly affects states, Indian Tribes, and other direct recipients of these federal energy assistance programs by streamlining the distribution process. It is a procedural bill focused solely on timing, not altering program eligibility or funding levels.