Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 820) symbolically supports designating September 21-28, 2024, as "National Estuaries Week" to raise public awareness about estuaries. It highlights estuaries' ecological and economic importance - such as supporting jobs, protecting coastlines, and sustaining biodiversity - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution expresses the Senate's backing for protecting and restoring estuaries but does not impose obligations or alter existing policies. It is a procedural statement, not a substantive legislative measure.

Maddy summaryThe SIMSA Act of 2024 creates a new Schedule A for synthetic drugs that have chemical structures substantially similar to existing controlled substances but aren't yet listed in the Controlled Substances Act. It allows the Attorney General to temporarily or permanently schedule these substances based on their chemical structure and effects, with a 30-day notice period and a maximum 5-year temporary period. The bill increases penalties for violations involving Schedule A substances (up to 20 years in prison for first offenses), requires specific labeling for Schedule A substances, and establishes registration requirements for importers and exporters. It also includes provisions for research on substances newly added to Schedule A and allows for sentencing review if a substance is later descheduled.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to allow federal grantees and subgrantees to reuse excess funds originally allocated for management costs after a disaster. Specifically, it defines "excess funds for management costs" as the difference between authorized management costs and actual spending, then permits the President to make these funds available for disaster preparedness, recovery, mitigation activities, or management costs related to declared disasters. The funds can be used for 5 years after being made available and directly affect state/local governments and organizations receiving federal disaster relief under sections 403, 404, 406, 407, or 502. It does not change overall funding levels but streamlines how unused management cost funds are reallocated for future disaster needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm that no person, including the President and other federal officials, is above the law. It would require all officials holding authority under the U.S. government to be subject to ordinary criminal prosecution for both official and unofficial actions. The amendment mandates that general laws apply to the President unless specified otherwise and grants Congress power to enforce this by, for example, extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting a sitting President during their term. If ratified by three-fourths of states, this change would become part of the Constitution, altering how federal law applies to high-level government officials.

Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor U.S. and Filipino military personnel who defended Bataan, Corregidor, and Attu during World War II, as well as the impacted Saskinax̂ people of Attu who were imprisoned by Japan. The medal, designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, would be presented by congressional leaders and permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to cover production costs, with proceeds returned to the U.S. Mint. The bill recognizes historical service through a commemorative medal without creating new benefits or entitlements.

Maddy summarySRES 792 is a Senate resolution designating September 2024 as "National Child Awareness Month" to spotlight charities and youth-serving organizations across the U.S. that support children. It aims to raise public awareness of these groups and recognize their work in providing critical services like healthcare, education, and support for at-risk youth - including children experiencing homelessness, foster care, trafficking, violence, trauma, or serious health needs. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges these organizations' contributions as vital to the nation's future. This symbolic designation encourages public attention and appreciation for child-focused efforts during the school year's start in September.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 30, 2024, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to honor individuals who report government misconduct. It directs federal agencies to inform employees, contractors, and the public about their legal right to report waste, fraud, or misconduct through honest and good-faith disclosures. Agencies must also acknowledge whistleblowers' contributions to combating fraud and protecting public funds. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new legal protections or alter existing whistleblower laws. It focuses on raising awareness and recognizing the role of whistleblowers in safeguarding taxpayer resources.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4916, Credit Freeze for Newborns Act) allows parents or guardians to place a free security freeze on a child's credit report before they turn 16. It directly affects parents of newborns and minors under 16, enabling them to prevent identity theft by blocking credit access. Key provisions require credit bureaus to place the freeze within 1-3 business days of a parent's request (with proof of identity and authority) and mandate the Social Security Administration to include instructions for requesting a freeze when issuing a Social Security card to children under 16. The law streamlines the process by making freeze requests accessible at the time children receive their first Social Security number.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4917) updates securities laws to exempt certain retirement plans used by charities and educational institutions from registration requirements. It specifically clarifies that 403(b) plans meeting ERISA standards, with employer fiduciary oversight for investment choices, and pre-approved investments qualify for exemption under the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The key change removes administrative barriers for these organizations, allowing them to offer retirement plans without additional SEC registration. This directly affects non-profits, schools, and similar institutions that provide 403(b) retirement benefits to employees. The policy change streamlines access to tax-advantaged retirement options without altering plan benefits.