Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to strengthen federal efforts addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia in marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. It requires a federal Task Force to produce a comprehensive Action Strategy every five years examining causes, ecological consequences, economic impacts, and potential solutions for HABs across diverse water systems. The bill establishes a National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network to integrate monitoring capabilities and creates a National-Level Incubator Program to develop new prevention and mitigation strategies through merit-based funding. It authorizes $19.5 million annually for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and $8 million for the Environmental Protection Agency from 2024 through 2028 to implement these initiatives, directly affecting federal agencies, coastal communities, and industries dependent on healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 820) symbolically supports designating September 21-28, 2024, as "National Estuaries Week" to raise public awareness about estuaries. It highlights estuaries' ecological and economic importance - such as supporting jobs, protecting coastlines, and sustaining biodiversity - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution expresses the Senate's backing for protecting and restoring estuaries but does not impose obligations or alter existing policies. It is a procedural statement, not a substantive legislative measure.
Maddy summarySenate Bill S 5034 creates the Office of American Energy Workers within the Treasury Department to support workers displaced by coal mine or fossil fuel plant closures. It provides up to 60 months of wage replacement (adjusted for inflation), health insurance coverage continuation, retirement savings contributions, and educational benefits for workers and their children. To qualify, workers must have been employed at a coal mine or fossil fuel facility for 12 months at 30+ hours weekly before closure. The bill also prioritizes hiring these workers for new clean energy projects funded by federal grants.
Maddy summaryThe CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act (S 5033) reauthorizes federal grants to colleges and universities to support child care for student parents. It provides $500 million annually (2025-2030) for institutions to establish or subsidize campus-based child care, sliding-fee-scale services, or before/after-school programs for eligible student parents. To qualify, students must be enrolled at participating colleges with significant Pell Grant recipients and meet specific financial criteria. Institutions must report on program outcomes, demographics, and quality standards, while prohibiting use of funds for construction (except repairs) or adding extra eligibility barriers beyond Pell Grant status.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Small Business Act to expand the definition of "disaster" to include "below average snowfall or snow cover," making winter recreation businesses eligible for Small Business Administration disaster assistance. It directly affects businesses like ski resorts, snowmobile rental shops, and other winter tourism operations that suffer financial losses due to insufficient snow. The key mechanism requires the SBA Administrator, with input from the National Weather Service, to issue implementing regulations within 90 days of the bill's enactment. This change would allow affected businesses to access federal aid previously unavailable for weather-related challenges tied to snow conditions.
Maddy summaryThe Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 requires the Secretary of Agriculture to join the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) when reviewing transactions involving U.S. agricultural land, biotechnology, or agricultural industry sectors (including transportation, storage, and processing) with foreign entities from China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran. It mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture notify CFIUS about transactions where a foreign person from one of these "covered countries" is acquiring agricultural land, and CFIUS must then determine whether to initiate a review. This applies only to transactions already reportable under the 1978 Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act and expires for any covered country once it is removed from the official list of foreign adversaries. The law directly affects foreign investors from specified countries seeking to purchase U.S. agricultural assets and the federal review process for such transactions.
Maddy summaryS 4973, the "No Kings Act," removes presidential and vice presidential immunity from federal criminal prosecution, requiring such cases to be handled in federal district courts with appeals limited to the D.C. Circuit. The bill specifically bars the Supreme Court from reviewing cases involving claims of presidential immunity for official acts, including dismissals of indictments or overturning convictions. It directly affects current and former presidents and vice presidents by subjecting them to the same federal criminal accountability as all other citizens. Key provisions prevent courts from considering whether alleged crimes were part of official duties unless Congress specifies otherwise, and clarify that state criminal laws remain applicable.
Maddy summarySRES 797 designates August 16, 2024, as National Airborne Day to honor the history and contributions of U.S. airborne forces, commemorating the first official U.S. Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940. The resolution calls on the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities recognizing airborne forces' legacy in military operations from World War II through modern conflicts. This is a symbolic, non-binding designation with no direct legal or financial impact on specific groups.
Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.
Maddy summaryThe Meat Business Innovation Act of 2024 establishes regional initiatives to support meat businesses through direct assistance and competitive grants. These initiatives, located in areas with strong livestock farming histories, will provide services like business consulting, food safety training, and research on sustainable product innovation. The program allocates $30 million annually from the Commodity Credit Corporation, prioritizing small businesses, cooperatives, and those focusing on sustainability or returning profits to farmers. It aims to modernize processing, expand market opportunities, and improve animal welfare practices without duplicating existing programs.