Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

Maddy summarySRES 705 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol. It commends the service of current and past Border Patrol agents, including honoring 155 agents who died in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for improving working conditions and retention for Border Patrol agents but does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or policy.

Maddy summarySRES 707 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month in May. It formally celebrates Jewish Americans' 350+ year contributions to U.S. society, culture, and history - highlighting their roles in government, arts, science, and community service. The resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society to condemn antisemitism and promote education about Jewish heritage, responding to documented rises in antisemitic incidents and Holocaust misinformation. It does not create new laws but affirms longstanding congressional recognition of this month, which has been observed annually since 2006 through presidential proclamations.

Maddy summaryThe Evapotranspiration Data Act establishes the OpenET Data Program, which provides free, satellite-based data on evapotranspiration (water loss from soil and plants) to water managers, farmers, and agencies. The U.S. Geological Survey will administer the program, developing data systems, testing new technologies, and coordinating with federal agencies (like NASA and NOAA) and partners (including states, tribes, and universities). The bill authorizes $23 million annually for 2024-2028 to support this work and requires a report to Congress after five years on how the data is used for water management. This data aims to improve water conservation, drought planning, and sustainable water use by offering accurate, accessible information on water consumption.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to help states combat financial fraud targeting seniors aged 62 and older. It authorizes the SEC to award competitive grants (up to $500,000 annually per state agency, or $1 million for agencies handling both securities and insurance functions) to state securities commissions and insurance departments. Grant funds can be used for hiring staff to investigate fraud, training law enforcement, creating senior education materials, and developing state anti-fraud plans - but cannot cover general administrative costs. The program, funded at $10 million yearly from 2025-2030, requires states to report on grant usage and program effectiveness through annual audits and biennial evaluations.

Maddy summarySRES 697 is a commemorative resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 2024, as "National Police Week" in the U.S. Senate. It aligns with the 1962 law authorizing the President to designate this week, honoring law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for officers, recognizes their service in protecting communities, and encourages public observance to honor their mission and sacrifices. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely ceremonial.

Maddy summarySRES 690 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating May 15, 2024, as "National Senior Fraud Awareness Day." It aims to raise public awareness about scams targeting seniors (ages 65+), such as Social Security impersonation, Medicare fraud, and tech support scams, which cost seniors an estimated $2 billion annually. The resolution encourages existing efforts to prevent these scams and improve protections but does not create new laws or funding. It highlights that seniors report significant financial losses (e.g., $1,450 median loss for those 80+) and emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement, area agencies on aging, and financial institutions to address the issue.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 692) designates May 7, 2024, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to raise public attention about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills. It highlights alarming statistics, including that illicit fentanyl was involved in 81% of drug-induced deaths among youth aged 14-23 in 2023 and that only 36% of teens were aware of fentanyl in fake pills. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges increased awareness and supports law enforcement efforts against counterfeit pills. It directly aims to educate families and young people about the risks of fake pills marketed as legitimate medications.

Maddy summarySRES 693 is a Senate resolution recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the historical contributions of these communities to U.S. history. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their achievements, growth (including demographic data and key anniversaries like the 50th anniversary of *Lau v. Nichols*), and ongoing challenges like anti-Asian hate crimes. It directly honors these communities and aims to raise awareness of their diverse impacts on American society.

Maddy summaryS 4324, the "Jobs, Not Waste Act of 2024," terminates the federal effort to build a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. It repeals key provisions of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and requires the Department of Energy to withdraw its application for a construction permit and end the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's licensing process for the site. The bill also prohibits the Department of Energy from considering Yucca Mountain for future repository use and mandates the Department of Energy to reclaim the site and address environmental impacts. Additionally, it requires a study within 180 days on alternative economic uses for the site - such as defense facilities, data centers, renewable energy, or research - based on a 2011 Government Accountability Office report. This directly affects federal agencies managing nuclear waste and the Yucca Mountain site.

Maddy summaryThe Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2024 requires the Transportation Security Administration to transition its workforce from its current personnel management system to the standard federal employee system under Title 5 of the U.S. Code by December 31, 2024, while protecting employees from pay or benefit reductions during the transition. The bill preserves existing leave, retirement benefits, and collective bargaining rights for screening agents, and includes specific provisions for Federal air marshals regarding pay and benefits. It mandates consultation with labor representatives during the transition and requires several reports on workforce conditions, including recruitment efforts, workplace safety, and employee satisfaction.