Sen. Shelley Moore Capito

Maddy summaryThis bill reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived under an agreement between the U.S. and Iran, including a specific waiver related to funds from South Korea to Qatar (documented in a September 11, 2023, congressional transmission). It blocks any U.S. government action to release funds or assets to Iran under that agreement and prohibits future waivers, suspensions, or relief for these sanctions. The bill directly affects Iran's access to certain financial assets tied to the agreement. It targets concrete policy changes by reversing prior relief without altering broader sanctions frameworks.

Maddy summarySRES 398 is a Senate resolution designating September 25-29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week." It symbolically recognizes the growth of clean energy jobs (citing a 2022 report showing ~8.1 million U.S. energy sector workers) and encourages public and private support for affordable, low-emission energy solutions. The resolution has no legal force and does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups - it serves as a formal acknowledgment of clean energy’s economic and environmental role.

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Maddy summaryS.3028, the PUNISH Act of 2023, extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by preventing their modification or removal until a specified termination date. It requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress assessing whether Iran's government or affiliated entities (like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have engaged in activities such as assassinations, violence against U.S. citizens, or politically motivated detention of Iranian nationals in the U.S. The bill maintains current sanctions tied to Executive Orders 13871, 13876, 13902, and 13949, as well as sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund. These measures remain in effect until the President certifies compliance with specific conditions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

Maddy summaryThe Nutrition CARE Act of 2023 amends Medicare Part B to cover medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with eating disorders, which were previously excluded from coverage. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with eating disorders, including those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups disproportionately impacted by these conditions. The bill requires coverage for services provided by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals following referrals from physicians or psychologists, mandating a minimum of 13 hours of care in the first year (including an initial assessment) and 4 hours annually thereafter. Coverage begins January 1, 2024, and applies specifically to eating disorders as defined by the Secretary using the DSM-5 criteria.

Maddy summaryThe Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 reauthorizes and updates federal programs to address maternal mortality. It requires the CDC to annually share evidence-based best practices for preventing maternal deaths and complications with hospitals, state medical groups, and perinatal quality collaboratives. The bill also improves maternal mortality review committees by requiring them to include obstetricians/gynecologists and better coordinate with death certifiers to enhance death record accuracy. This reauthorization extends funding and program operations through 2028, directly affecting healthcare providers and public health agencies working on maternal health.

Maddy summaryS 1624, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, redirects civil monetary penalties from securities violations to fund pediatric research. It transfers fines collected from companies violating food, drug, supplement, and cosmetic regulations (under the Securities Exchange Act) into a dedicated NIH pediatric research fund. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the NIH Director to coordinate pediatric research using these funds and avoid duplication of existing efforts. It also mandates a 4-year report to Congress detailing funded projects and advancements in pediatric research. This policy change directly affects the NIH, pediatric research initiatives, and companies subject to the securities penalties.

Maddy summaryThe PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends federal funding for research and care related to preterm births and low birthweight infants through fiscal years 2024-2028, replacing previous funding periods. It updates existing programs to include screening for and treatment of chronic conditions in infant care and requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to establish an interagency working group within 18 months. The bill mandates a National Academies study to assess financial costs of preterm birth (including neonatal ICU stays and long-term family expenses), factors influencing birth rates, gaps in public health support, and research strategies for prevention, with a final report due within 24 months. This legislation directly affects federal health agencies, healthcare providers, and families caring for preterm infants by advancing evidence-based improvements in care.

Maddy summarySRES 391 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as "National Character Counts Week." It does not create new laws or obligations but encourages schools, families, youth organizations, and communities to focus on character education during that week. The resolution calls on these groups to embrace core values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and caring through events and activities. It is a non-binding recognition effort aimed at promoting character development among young people, not a policy change affecting specific individuals or programs.

Maddy summarySRES 388 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating the week of September 25-29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week." It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of clean energy through symbolic designation. The resolution encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to support clean energy solutions and invest in affordable, low-emission technologies. It highlights the clean energy sector’s role in job creation (citing 8.1 million U.S. jobs in 2022) and economic growth without imposing any new requirements.