Rep. Seth Moulton

Maddy summaryThe Stop the Wait Act of 2023 eliminates the current 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits by phasing it out: applications filed in 2023-2025 would face a 3-month wait, 2026 a 2-month wait, and 2027 a 1-month wait, with full elimination by January 2028. It also changes Medicare rules to allow individuals without minimum essential health coverage to receive Medicare benefits retroactively from the first month of SSDI eligibility, rather than waiting 24 months. This directly affects people under 65 applying for SSDI who lack other health insurance, ensuring they have coverage during the waiting period. The bill amends the Social Security Act to implement these changes, effective January 1, 2028.

Maddy summary# Summary of Proposed Election Reform Legislation This document outlines a comprehensive federal election reform bill with multiple titles addressing various aspects of voting rights, election administration, and election integrity. ## Key Provisions: ### 1. Democracy Restoration (Title I) - Restores voting rights to citizens with felony convictions who are not serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution - Requires states to notify individuals of restored voting rights upon release from prison, completion of probation, or sentencing - Prohibits states from conditioning voting rights on payment of fines or fees - Requires states to provide notification of voting rights to citizens with criminal convictions ### 2. Voter Identification Requirements (Title II) - Establishes a broad definition of acceptable identification documents (including utility bills, bank statements, student IDs, etc.) - Requires states to provide free identification to voters who lack one - Authorizes $5 million annually for 5 years to cover costs of providing identification - Sets procedures for provisional voting when identification is not presented ### 3. Voter List Maintenance (Title III) - Prohibits "voter caging" (using undeliverable mail to challenge voter registration) - Bans use of unverified match lists to remove voters from registration lists - Sets strict conditions for removing voters from registration lists - Requires states to provide notice to voters removed from registration lists ### 4. Election Integrity Measures (Title V) - Prohibits hindering or interfering with voter registration (Section 2001) - Restricts removal of local election administrators (Section 3001) - Prohibits harassment of election workers (Section 3101) - Bans deceptive practices in elections (Section 3201), including false statements about voting locations, eligibility, or endorsements ### 5. Additional Provisions - Requires states to provide notice of voting rights restoration to citizens - Establishes private rights of action for violations of the law - Sets criminal penalties for violations (up to $100,000 fines and 5 years imprisonment) - Includes provisions for federal funding to be contingent on compliance with voting rights restoration This legislation represents a significant overhaul of voting rights and election administration procedures across the United States, with a focus on expanding voting access, protecting voter rights, and ensuring fair election administration.

Maddy summaryHR 716, the Fair COLA for Seniors Act of 2023, changes how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated for Social Security and related benefits by using the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E) instead of the standard Consumer Price Index. This affects Social Security beneficiaries, veterans receiving disability compensation or survivor benefits, and federal retirees under the Civil Service and Military Retirement Systems. The bill requires that any COLA increase for Social Security also applies to these other benefits using the CPI-E, which better reflects inflation experienced by seniors. The change takes effect for benefit determinations starting September 2023.

Maddy summaryHR 549, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act, removes waiting periods for disability and Medicare coverage for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, it amends Social Security Act sections to allow immediate eligibility for disability insurance benefits (eliminating the standard waiting period) and immediate Medicare coverage (waiving the 24-month waiting period) for these patients. The bill directly affects individuals with metastatic breast cancer who would otherwise face delays in accessing critical benefits. These changes apply to applications filed or benefits beginning after the bill's enactment date. The law makes no other policy changes beyond these specific eligibility adjustments.

Maddy summaryThe EACH Act of 2023 would require federal health programs - including Medicaid, Medicare, the Indian Health Service, and TRICARE - to cover abortion services without restrictions. It repeals a provision in the Affordable Care Act that allowed states to limit abortion coverage in health insurance plans sold through state marketplaces. The bill also prohibits the federal government from restricting abortion coverage in private health insurance plans. This would directly affect millions of people, particularly low-income individuals and people of color, who are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid and currently face barriers to abortion care due to coverage restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe Building Safer Streets Act updates federal traffic control standards to prioritize safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and all road users. It requires the Department of Transportation to document decisions about traffic control devices, mandates a study on how local engineers use current standards, and establishes new guidance for designing streets that accommodate multiple transportation modes. The bill sets aside 10% of funding for small community projects under $1 million and requires a study on design factors contributing to fatal crashes involving vulnerable road users. These changes aim to improve street safety through clearer standards, better data collection, and more inclusive design processes for state and local transportation planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a commission to study whether the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia should be transferred to the Smithsonian Institution. The commission, composed of 8 members appointed by congressional leaders with expertise in Jewish American history and museum administration, will examine the museum's collections, financial status, governance, and feasibility of transfer within two years. The commission must submit a report detailing findings, a fundraising plan, and legislative recommendations for any potential transfer. The bill does not transfer the museum but creates a process to evaluate the possibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends funding for the existing Public Health Service Act program focused on raising public awareness about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It authorizes $33 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 to support public health education and outreach initiatives. The program directly affects public health organizations and community groups that develop and distribute educational materials about Alzheimer's prevention, diagnosis, and care. The key provision is the multi-year funding extension, ensuring continued support for nationwide awareness efforts without altering the program's core structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Southern New England Regional Commission (SERC) to support economic development across specific counties in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The commission will distribute federal grants starting in fiscal year 2025 to fund projects like transportation infrastructure, job training programs, healthcare access in distressed areas, renewable energy development, and maritime industry support. It directly affects local governments, tribes, and nonprofits in all Rhode Island counties, Connecticut’s Hartford, New Haven, Windham, Tolland, Middlesex, and New London counties, and Massachusetts’ Hampden, Plymouth, Barnstable, Essex, Worcester, and Bristol counties. The law creates a formal structure for regional collaboration on economic priorities without altering existing federal funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Foreign Agents Registration Act to require individuals who previously acted as agents for foreign governments or organizations to retroactively register with the U.S. government for any period they served in that role, even if they no longer work as agents. It directly affects past foreign agents who failed to register during their service under the 1938 law. The key provision allows the Attorney General to seek court orders mandating retroactive registration compliance for past periods, even if the person is no longer acting as an agent at the time the order is issued.