Sen. Martin Heinrich

Maddy summaryThe Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2023 establishes new funding streams to prevent species from needing Endangered Species Act protection and aid recovery of already-listed species. It provides $850 million in 2024 (increasing to $1.3 billion annually after 2027) to states, territories, and tribes through a new Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount, with 15% required for endangered species recovery. The bill also creates a Tribal Wildlife Conservation Account ($97.5 million annually) and an Endangered Species Recovery Fund ($187.5 million annually), with funds to be used for habitat conservation, species management, invasive species control, and conservation education. States must use funds to implement their Wildlife Conservation Strategies, and all funding must supplement, not replace, existing conservation programs. The legislation requires annual reporting to Congress on how funds are used and progress on conservation goals.

Maddy summaryThe Rural Hospital Support Act (S 1110) changes how Medicare calculates payments for two types of rural hospitals: sole community hospitals (the only hospital in their area) and Medicare-dependent hospitals (which rely heavily on Medicare for revenue). It recalculates payments using a 2016 base year instead of previous periods, potentially increasing reimbursements for eligible hospitals if this results in higher payments. The bill also extends the Medicare-dependent hospital program and low-volume hospital payment increases beyond 2024, while prohibiting adjustments to these payments for years before 2015. This directly affects eligible rural hospitals by increasing their Medicare funding and providing long-term program stability.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to add $150 million annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. It directly affects landowners who voluntarily participate in the program by protecting wildlife habitat on their property. The key provision increases dedicated funding for this existing conservation initiative, which provides incentives for landowners to maintain or improve public access to private lands for recreational use. This change ensures sustained financial support for the program over a five-year period without altering its core structure or eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to revise its occupational classification system to properly count dual-role firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics as EMS practitioners. It directs the Secretary of Labor to add four specific job categories (including "Firefighter/EMTs" and "Firefighter/Paramedics") to the Standard Occupational Classification System within 120 days. This change directly affects the accuracy of national workforce data for EMS personnel, who respond to over 22 million emergency calls annually. The bill aims to ensure government agencies have reliable data to inform emergency preparedness and policy decisions related to public health crises and disasters. A report on implementation must be submitted to Congress within 270 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two specific legal authorizations for U.S. military force against Iraq: the 1991 authorization (Public Law 102-1) and the 2002 authorization (Public Law 107-243). If enacted, it would end the legal basis for military operations in Iraq under these two resolutions. The repeal directly affects the executive branch’s authority to use military force against Iraq under these specific laws. It does not create new policy but removes existing legal permissions.

Maddy summarySRES 136 is a Senate resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to communities across the United States. It highlights their service in areas like education support, disaster response, environmental protection, and assisting vulnerable populations, while encouraging the public to honor their work and consider joining national service programs. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their impact.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 1036, the Senior Hunger Prevention Act of 2023, aims to improve nutrition assistance access for seniors (60+) and people with disabilities by amending the Food and Nutrition Act. Key provisions include extending SNAP certification periods from 24 to 36 months, establishing a standardized medical expense deduction starting at $155 for fiscal year 2024 (adjusted annually), and creating simplified application programs (ESAP and CAP) to reduce administrative barriers for eligible households. The bill also funds a pilot program for outreach and enrollment targeting older adults, kinship families, and adults with disabilities, and expands food delivery services for eligible participants. Additional provisions increase funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program.

Maddy summaryThe Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2023 would authorize $50 million annually for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct or support research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention for fiscal years 2024 through 2029. This funding would allow the CDC to study the causes and prevention of gun violence, including evaluating safety measures and effective interventions. The research would be conducted under the Public Health Service Act, with the funding added to existing appropriations. The bill does not change current laws but provides dedicated resources for evidence-based research on gun violence as a public health issue.

Maddy summaryThe EACH Act of 2023 requires federal health programs - including Medicaid, Medicare, the Indian Health Service, and others - to cover abortion services regardless of income or insurance type. It directly affects millions of low-income individuals, women of color (who are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid), LGBTQ+ people, and people in states that currently restrict abortion coverage. Key provisions mandate that all federally funded health programs provide abortion coverage (Section 4), repeal a prior law restricting abortion coverage in private insurance (Section 5), and prohibit federal interference with private insurance coverage of abortion services. The bill aims to remove financial barriers to abortion care by ensuring coverage through federal programs and private plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal "National Parkinson’s Project" under the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts across agencies in preventing, treating, and curing Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. It requires an integrated national plan, annual progress assessments, and a public Advisory Council - including patient advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers - to guide strategy and recommend actions. The project mandates data sharing among federal agencies and biannual reports to Congress evaluating federally funded Parkinson’s programs, aiming to improve care coordination, reduce financial burdens on Medicare and families, and advance research on environmental triggers. The law directly affects people living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and federal health agencies involved in research and patient services. The initiative is scheduled to sunset in 2035.