Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to require that clean fuel production credits only apply to fuels made from U.S.-grown raw materials (feedstocks), effective after December 31, 2024. It also extends the clean fuel production tax credit from 2027 to 2034. The policy directly affects clean fuel producers who currently use foreign-sourced raw materials, requiring them to source domestically to qualify for the credit. This change aims to support domestic agricultural and fuel production by making U.S. feedstocks a mandatory requirement for the tax incentive.

Maddy summarySRES 838 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating November 17, 2024, as "National Warrior Call Day." It aims to raise awareness about veteran and military member mental health by emphasizing the importance of peer-to-peer connections during transition from service. The resolution cites statistics showing high veteran suicide rates (33.9 per 100,000 in 2021) and encourages all Americans to reach out to veterans or active-duty personnel for support. It does not create new laws or funding but urges public engagement through "making a warrior call" to prevent isolation. This resolution directly affects public awareness and voluntary actions, not specific individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Lending Act of 2024 aims to protect consumers in small-dollar lending by implementing several key protections. It prohibits financial institutions from creating checks without a consumer's written authorization, requires small-dollar lenders (those offering credit under $5,000, adjusted annually for inflation) to register with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and bans certain fees for prepaid accounts like overdraft charges. The bill also restricts how sensitive financial information can be collected for small-dollar credit applications, requiring transparency and direct provision of credit by the entity collecting the information. Additionally, it mandates a study on small-dollar credit's impact on Native American tribes and requires the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to issue implementing rules within one year.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE for Survivors Act of 2024 establishes new protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It creates a 40-day safe leave entitlement (10 paid days) for victims to address safety needs like legal assistance, medical care, relocation, and financial services. The law prohibits employment discrimination against victims, requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations, and ensures victims can access unemployment benefits and insurance protections without discrimination. These provisions apply to all employers and insurers, with enforcement through the Department of Labor and Federal Trade Commission.

Maddy summarySRES 828 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing the chamber’s position that every person has the right to emergency health care, including abortion care, during medical emergencies. It highlights that abortion restrictions in emergencies force providers to choose between treating patients or risking criminal charges, disproportionately harming Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, low-income individuals, and LGBTQI+ patients. The resolution specifically notes that such bans create dangerous uncertainty for life-threatening conditions like severe hemorrhage, sepsis, or placenta previa. As a symbolic statement, it does not create new law or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThe SOS Campus Act requires colleges and universities receiving federal student aid to appoint an independent advocate to support students who experience sexual assault. This advocate provides 24/7 services including crisis counseling, medical referrals, legal information, and assistance navigating reporting processes, while maintaining victim confidentiality. The advocate must report to an entity outside the institution's investigation team and cannot face retaliation for representing victims. Schools must also publicly promote the advocate's services through websites, orientation materials, and campus posters.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 2695 (Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act), grants tribal law enforcement officers who contract federal law enforcement functions under the Indian Self-Determination Act the authority to enforce federal law within tribal jurisdiction. To qualify, tribal officers must complete Bureau-approved training, pass equivalent background checks, and receive certification from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, while tribes must adopt policies meeting federal standards. The bill deems these tribal officers as federal law enforcement officers for key legal purposes, including protections under Title 18 (criminal law), Title 5 (federal employee benefits), and the Federal Tort Claims Act. It requires the Secretary to establish certification procedures within two years and includes a Bridge Program for officers using state training. The bill directly affects tribal officers and tribes operating under federal law enforcement contracts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "National Voting Rights Month" to highlight historical and ongoing voting rights issues in the U.S. It encourages all Americans to support voting access and urges Congress to pass specific voting rights legislation, including the Freedom to Vote Act and the Democracy Restoration Act. The resolution also recommends that schools teach about voting history, voter suppression, and current voting restrictions. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws but aims to raise awareness about voting rights challenges.

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.

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.