Sen. Martin Heinrich

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the Every Kid Outdoors program, which provides free access to national parks for fourth graders and their families, through September 30, 2031. It directly affects fourth-grade students and their families who use national parks under the program. The key change replaces the previous annual cycle (September 1 to August 31) with a fixed end date of September 30, 2031, and allows the Secretaries to determine the program's start date within a 12-month period. The amendment modifies the existing law to provide long-term stability for the program beyond its original 7-year term.

Maddy summarySRES 823 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2024) and celebrating the cultural contributions and achievements of Latinos in the United States. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges the public to observe the month through activities honoring Latino heritage. The resolution highlights Latinos' economic impact (e.g., $3.4 trillion purchasing power), demographic significance (19.5% of U.S. population), and historical military service, but these statistics serve as context, not policy changes. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal force and is intended to raise awareness, not alter government programs or funding.

Maddy summarySRES 815 designates the week beginning September 9, 2024, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize institutions that serve a significant Hispanic student population. It specifically refers to degree-granting colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment, which collectively serve over 5 million students nationwide. The resolution calls for the public and organizations to observe this week with ceremonies and activities honoring these institutions' role in expanding access to higher education, particularly for low-income and underserved students. This is a ceremonial resolution with no funding or regulatory changes; it simply provides national recognition during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Right to IVF Act This bill provides a statutory right to access fertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access fertility treatments and to make decisions about the use of their reproductive genetic material (e.g., embryos) without limitation or interference. Health care providers and insurers have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. Manufacturers of applicable drugs or devices also have the right to provide these drugs or devices. The bill supersedes state laws that limit or otherwise interfere with the provision of fertility treatments as set out under this bill, including laws that require medically unnecessary procedures or services in conjunction with fertility treatments or that restrict the ability of individuals to receive fertility treatments based on marital status or sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity). The bill does not affect state health and safety regulations for medical facilities or health care providers that are in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards and for which the purpose cannot be achieved in another, nonrestrictive manner. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, individuals, or entities that implement or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers may also bring civil actions.  In addition, the bill provides for coverage of fertility treatments under Medicare and Medicaid and for members of the uniformed services and veterans. It also requires private insurers that cover obstetrical services to also cover fertility treatments.

Maddy summarySRES 814 designates September 2024 as "National Literacy Month" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It urges federal, state, local governments, schools, libraries, nonprofits, businesses, and citizens to observe the month with programs and activities focused on literacy. The resolution highlights widespread literacy challenges in the U.S. (including low adult reading proficiency and economic impacts) but does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable requirements. It serves as a non-binding call for awareness and coordinated efforts to address literacy needs. This is a procedural resolution, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThe Carbon Scoring Act of 2024 requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to develop new modeling capabilities to track greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors (power, transportation, industry, buildings) by specific deadlines, starting with power sector models by 2025. The CBO must publish annual reports on these models and an annual emissions baseline estimate starting in 2025, including projections for climate-related costs. For bills containing climate-related provisions (like emissions taxes or caps), the CBO must provide estimates of their emissions impact and climate cost savings or expenses, calculated using the "social cost" of greenhouse gases. This bill directly affects the CBO (which receives $20 million annually for this work) and lawmakers who will use these analyses when considering climate-focused legislation.

Maddy summaryThe Promoting Service through AmeriCorps Act (PSA Act) modernizes AmeriCorps programs to make them more accessible and beneficial for participants. It creates shorter service options (1,500 hours instead of 1,700 hours), increases age eligibility for National Civilian Community Corps from 24 to 26 years old, and allows participants to choose between educational awards or stipends. The bill establishes an Office of Alumni Engagement to support former participants and creates non-competitive hiring opportunities for AmeriCorps alumni in federal positions. These changes aim to improve participant recruitment, retention, and post-service opportunities while updating program administration and funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that health insurance plans cannot discriminate against patients needing dialysis by making Medicare cover their costs instead of the plan. It specifically prohibits plans from treating dialysis services differently than other health services based on a patient's kidney disease diagnosis or treatment need. The bill amends Medicare law to ensure coverage terms for dialysis patients are not unfairly limited compared to other medical services, while still allowing plans to choose which dialysis providers they include in their networks. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the health insurance plans covering their care.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental funding to address a shortfall in the Department of Veterans Affairs' 2024 budget. It appropriates $2.285 billion for veterans' compensation and pensions and $596.969 million for readjustment benefits (such as education and housing assistance), both to remain available until spent. The bill also requires the GAO to review the funding shortfall causes, the Office of Management and Budget to revise the 2025 VA budget, and the VA Secretary to report on potential cost savings within VA's Central Office. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but ensures existing benefits can be delivered.

Maddy summaryS 4973, the "No Kings Act," removes presidential and vice presidential immunity from federal criminal prosecution, requiring such cases to be handled in federal district courts with appeals limited to the D.C. Circuit. The bill specifically bars the Supreme Court from reviewing cases involving claims of presidential immunity for official acts, including dismissals of indictments or overturning convictions. It directly affects current and former presidents and vice presidents by subjecting them to the same federal criminal accountability as all other citizens. Key provisions prevent courts from considering whether alleged crimes were part of official duties unless Congress specifies otherwise, and clarify that state criminal laws remain applicable.