Sen. Shelley Moore Capito

Maddy summaryThe ALIGN Act (S 1117) permanently allows businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of qualified property (like equipment or machinery) purchased and placed in service after September 27, 2017, instead of depreciating it over time. This tax provision directly affects businesses that invest in qualifying assets, reducing their taxable income in the year of purchase. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to set a 100% "applicable percentage" for these deductions, making the change permanent. Conforming updates to related tax code sections ensure the provision works with existing rules, effective as if included in prior legislation.

Maddy summaryThe RISE Act requires colleges and universities to accept multiple forms of documentation, such as past Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, to determine if a student qualifies for disability accommodations. It mandates that institutions clearly explain their accommodation processes to students and staff and report disability-related data (like enrollment numbers and accommodations provided) to federal databases. The bill also allocates $10 million for a national center to provide information and technical support to postsecondary students with disabilities. These provisions directly affect higher education institutions and students with disabilities seeking accommodations.

Maddy summaryS 1085, "Hammers' Law," amends federal law to include cruise ship voyages under the same liability limitations that currently apply to commercial aviation accidents. It defines "cruise ship" as a passenger vessel carrying at least 250 passengers with sleeping facilities, embarking/disembarking in the U.S., and not operating coastwise. The bill specifically adds "cruise ship voyage" to Section 30307 of Title 46, U.S. Code, which limits nonpecuniary damages (like loss of care or companionship) in accident lawsuits. This change directly affects passengers on qualifying cruise ships involved in accidents, extending the existing legal framework from aviation to maritime travel.

Maddy summaryThis bill maintains the National Coal Council under its existing charter (filed with Congress in 2021) and exempts it from the termination provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. It requires the Secretary of Energy to continue operating the council as a federal advisory body. The bill does not create new policies or directly affect coal industry operations, but clarifies the council's procedural status. It is a procedural measure focused on the council's administrative continuity.

Maddy summaryThe Rural Hospital Support Act (S 1110) changes how Medicare calculates payments for two types of rural hospitals: sole community hospitals (the only hospital in their area) and Medicare-dependent hospitals (which rely heavily on Medicare for revenue). It recalculates payments using a 2016 base year instead of previous periods, potentially increasing reimbursements for eligible hospitals if this results in higher payments. The bill also extends the Medicare-dependent hospital program and low-volume hospital payment increases beyond 2024, while prohibiting adjustments to these payments for years before 2015. This directly affects eligible rural hospitals by increasing their Medicare funding and providing long-term program stability.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the gross receipts threshold for most nonprofits from $5,000 to $50,000 before they must file detailed annual reports with the IRS. It exempts certain organizations, like those focused solely on investments (not lobbying or political activity), from reporting donor names and addresses. The changes apply to tax years beginning after the bill's enactment, reducing reporting burdens for smaller nonprofits and protecting donor privacy for qualifying groups. These provisions directly affect thousands of local nonprofits and community organizations that previously faced higher administrative costs.

Maddy summaryS.1135, the "Ally’s Act," requires most private health insurance plans to cover hearing implants and related services for people with hearing loss. It mandates coverage for cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, maintenance, repairs, surgical procedures, hearing assessments, and rehabilitation - without separate cost-sharing or medical necessity reviews. The law applies to group health plans, individual insurance, and employer-sponsored plans, affecting insurers and individuals diagnosed with hearing loss by a physician or audiologist. Coverage must meet the same financial and treatment standards as other medical services, with full implementation required by 2025.

Maddy summaryThe HALT Fentanyl Act (S 1141) creates a new, broader definition for "fentanyl-related substances" under the Controlled Substances Act, making many chemical variations subject to Schedule I restrictions without needing individual listing. It establishes streamlined research registration procedures for scientists studying these substances, allowing single registrations for multi-site research within institutions and creating expedited processes for new research applications. The bill also includes provisions to allow ongoing research on substances newly added to Schedule I, with specific timelines for researchers to transition to full registration. These changes aim to balance strict controls on fentanyl-related substances with the need for medical research on these compounds.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 133) honors the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. It recognizes the program’s work providing free alternative education and structured discipline to at-risk youth aged 16-18, commends over 200,000 graduates, and reaffirms Senate support for the program’s mission. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges the program’s role in helping youth develop skills through residential and mentoring phases. It was introduced by Senators Baldwin, Capito, Cassidy, and others in March 2023.

Maddy summarySRES 136 is a Senate resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to communities across the United States. It highlights their service in areas like education support, disaster response, environmental protection, and assisting vulnerable populations, while encouraging the public to honor their work and consider joining national service programs. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their impact.