Maddy summaryS 3606, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, reauthorizes federal earthquake preparedness efforts through 2028 with expanded focus on Tribal governments and seismic risk reduction. The bill requires federal agencies to develop guidelines for creating inventories of high-risk buildings, conduct seismic evaluations, and provide technical assistance to states and Tribal governments for retrofitting vulnerable infrastructure. It establishes specific funding levels including $10.59 million annually for the main program and additional funds for earthquake early warning systems, with $36 million annually for the Advanced National Seismic System. These provisions aim to improve post-earthquake functional recovery of buildings and infrastructure, reduce economic losses, and enhance community resilience in earthquake-prone areas.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 5438 establishes a new legal procedure to quickly dismiss "SLAPP" lawsuits - unfounded civil cases meant to silence public debate. It requires a 5-day notice before filing a special motion to dismiss, sets a 60-day window for such motions after a lawsuit is filed, and mandates a 90-day court ruling. If the motion succeeds, the defendant automatically receives attorney fees. This directly protects individuals, journalists, and activists speaking on matters of public concern (like government actions or community issues), excluding commercial disputes and government-related claims.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the National Apprenticeship Act to streamline healthcare apprenticeship program registration. It requires the Department of Labor to decide on healthcare apprenticeship program applications within 45 days, providing written explanations for delays exceeding that period (Section 2(a)). The bill defines "health care field" to include specific healthcare occupations like nurses and medical technicians (Section 2(b)(1)). Additionally, it mandates that all apprenticeship agreement forms, including employer and disability disclosure forms, be digitized (Section 3). These changes directly affect healthcare training programs seeking federal apprenticeship registration.
Maddy summaryS 5428 authorizes $20 million annually (2025-2027) in grants to community health providers - like Planned Parenthood and rural clinics - to expand access to preventive cancer screenings (breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine) for low-income women and women of color who face barriers to care. It also creates a 3-year training program for healthcare providers on screening best practices, cultural competency, and addressing implicit bias to improve care in underserved areas. A mandatory study will track screening access and disparities by race, income, and geography, requiring reports to Congress every five years. The bill directly targets reducing preventable cancer deaths by increasing early detection in communities disproportionately affected by health disparities.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates December 3 as National Chemical Disaster Awareness Day to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Bhopal chemical disaster in India. It aims to raise public awareness about chemical disaster risks and honor survivors' decades-long advocacy for prevention. The resolution also calls on the Department of Justice to address the Bhopal case by complying with international legal assistance requests regarding Dow Inc. (which owns Union Carbide, the company responsible for the disaster). As a non-binding Senate resolution, it does not create new laws but serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing efforts to prevent industrial chemical tragedies.
Maddy summarySRES 909 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating November 21, 2024, as "National Rural Health Day." It formally recognizes the contributions of rural health care providers and the unique challenges faced by rural communities, including hospital closures and access barriers. The resolution celebrates rural health care workers and the millions they serve, while expressing the Senate's commitment to improving rural health care accessibility and affordability. This is a ceremonial designation with no new policy or funding changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce three commemorative coins honoring Roberto Clemente: $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar clad coins, with specified quantities (50,000 gold, 400,000 silver, 750,000 half-dollars). The coins must feature Clemente’s image and include inscriptions like "Roberto Clemente" and "2027," with surcharges ($35, $10, and $5 per coin respectively) funding the Roberto Clemente Foundation for youth sports, education, and disaster relief. All coins must be sold between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2027, at face value plus surcharge, with the foundation audited for fund use. The legislation affects no citizens or policies - it solely creates a commemorative coin program.
Maddy summarySRES 914 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for National Adoption Day (November 23, 2024) and National Adoption Month (November 2024). It promotes public awareness of children awaiting adoption in foster care, celebrates adoption families, and encourages Americans to support child safety and permanency. The resolution does not create new policies or alter existing laws; it is a non-binding statement of support. It directly affects public awareness and national recognition of adoption efforts, not specific individuals or programs.
Maddy summarySRES 904 is a ceremonial Senate resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA), founded in 1949. The resolution recognizes the ABAA’s role in upholding ethical standards, supporting book collecting education, and fostering community among antiquarian booksellers. It formally requests the Senate transmit copies of the resolution to the ABAA’s leadership. This procedural resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities beyond the symbolic acknowledgment.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 902) honoring the late Senator Timothy Peter Johnson of South Dakota, who died after a long career in public service. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and send a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a formal expression of respect for a former senator. The resolution commemorates his decades of service, including his time as Chairman of the Banking Committee and his return to work after a serious health setback.