Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax deduction for cash tips received by workers in occupations that traditionally accept tips (like servers, barbers, and nail technicians) on or before December 31, 2023. It allows a deduction of up to $25,000 per year for tips reported to employers, excluding employees earning over $250,000 from the same employer in the prior year. The Treasury must publish a list of qualifying occupations within 90 days, and the deduction applies to all taxpayers (not just itemizers). The changes take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 255) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring former U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri, who died on May 13, 2025. It recognizes his 40+ years of public service, including his roles as Missouri Governor (1973-1977, 1981-1985) and U.S. Senator (1987-2011). The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn briefly as a mark of respect and transmit a copy to his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.

Maddy summarySRES 253 is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating Pope Leo XIV on his election as Pope, recognizing him as the first U.S. citizen elected to the papacy. The resolution highlights his global role in promoting peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue, and expresses hope for continued strong U.S.-Holy See relations based on shared values. It does not create policy changes or affect any specific group, as it is a symbolic gesture of goodwill. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and unanimously adopted by the Senate on May 22, 2025.

Maddy summarySRES 214 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It celebrates the historical contributions of these communities to U.S. history and acknowledges their diverse populations, which together represent over 10% of the U.S. population. The resolution references key milestones like the 1965 Immigration Act and the 60th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Discovery mission, while noting ongoing challenges such as hate crimes. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally honors these communities' achievements and cultural significance.

Maddy summaryThis bill redefines "private duty nursing services" under Medicaid as "continuous skilled nursing services" requiring licensed nurses (RNs or LPNs) for complex-care patients needing multiple hours of daily nursing. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly "full-benefit dual eligible individuals" (those qualifying for both Medicare and full Medicaid benefits), who rely on these services. Key mechanisms include mandating licensed providers, establishing a working group to develop national quality standards within 180 days, and updating Medicaid program guidelines to include these services by 18 months. The bill also requires states to incorporate these standards into their Medicaid programs and quality measure sets.

Maddy summaryS 1878, the ATTAIN Mental Health Act, requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create a public online dashboard within two years of enactment. This dashboard will list all federal mental health and substance use disorder grant programs, including current application status (open/closed/awarded) and deadlines, and allow users to search by location or topic. It will integrate state-level grant information where available and link directly to application pages, making it easier for schools, clinics, tribal organizations, nonprofits, and other potential applicants to find funding opportunities. The dashboard must comply with accessibility standards and be updated continuously to reflect current grant opportunities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish rules allowing financial firms (like investment companies, brokers, and advisers) to deliver regulatory documents electronically to investors. Covered entities must provide initial paper copies to investors not using electronic delivery, offer a 180-day transition period, and send annual paper reminders for two years about the option to opt out of electronic delivery. Investors can always choose paper versions, and firms must ensure electronic documents are secure, readable, and reliably delivered. The SEC must finalize these rules within one year of the bill's enactment, with firms permitted to use electronic delivery immediately if the SEC misses the deadline. This changes how investors receive financial disclosures but does not alter the content or timing of required documents.

Maddy summaryThe SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025 reauthorizes and strengthens the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides free or low-cost screening and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women. The bill increases annual funding to $235 million for fiscal years 2026-2030, expands the program’s focus to include cancer prevention alongside detection and control, and adds specific requirements to reduce health disparities and improve access for underserved populations. Key provisions include updated guidelines for follow-up care, enhanced patient navigation services, and a requirement for a GAO report by 2027 assessing program eligibility, service trends, and barriers to screening. The program directly serves women across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, territories, and tribal organizations, building on its existing record of providing over 16.5 million screenings to 6.4 million people since 1991.

Maddy summaryThe Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act (S 1871) requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to create a detailed plan within 180 days of enactment for identifying, testing, and deploying new border security technologies that are safe and secure. The plan must include assessments of privacy and civil liberties impacts, coordination with DHS science and technology teams, and strategies for scaling successful pilot programs into permanent use. CBP must also establish Innovation Teams to adapt commercial technologies, report annually on their progress, and conduct cost-benefit analyses before large-scale technology deployment. This bill directly affects CBP operations and DHS technology acquisition processes, focusing on structured evaluation of emerging tools like surveillance systems, sensors, and AI-driven solutions for border security. It does not fund specific technologies but mandates a formal framework for their responsible adoption.

Maddy summaryThe SMART Prices Act (S 1836) changes how Medicare negotiates drug prices. It increases the number of drugs eligible for negotiation from 15 to 50 per year starting in 2028, shortens the time drugs must be the sole source for eligibility from 7 to 3 years, and adjusts price ceiling percentages for negotiated drugs (e.g., raising the maximum fair price from 75% to 76% for some drugs). These changes directly affect Medicare Part D beneficiaries and pharmaceutical companies by altering the negotiation process and pricing caps. The bill modifies existing Medicare drug pricing rules without creating new programs, applying to initial price negotiations beginning in 2028.