Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2757) freezes current payment rates for veterans' transportation services provided through "special modes" (like non-emergency medical transport) starting January 1, 2023, preventing the VA from lowering these rates without strict conditions. It directly affects veterans relying on these transportation services and the contractors providing them. The key provision allows rate increases but requires the VA to conduct a detailed economic impact review, consult with veterans' groups and industry experts, and ensure new rates cover actual costs before any decrease can occur. This aims to protect veterans' access to care by preventing rate cuts that could disrupt transportation services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow schools to use existing federal funds for student sports clubs, teams, training, and related outdoor wellness activities. It directly affects K-12 schools by removing a previous restriction that barred such uses of ESEA funds. The key mechanism is an exception added to Section 8526(7), explicitly permitting these activities before the period ending that section. The change applies to funds already allocated under the ESEA, not creating new spending.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a provision in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to explicitly allow schools using federal funds to offer hunter safety education and similar activities like archery or culinary arts as part of approved educational programs. It directly affects schools and educational programs receiving funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by removing a previous restriction on using those funds for such activities. The key mechanism is a new exception inserted into Section 8526(7), clarifying that these educational programs remain permissible. The bill does not change funding levels or create new programs, but specifically permits existing funds to be used for these instructional activities. This is a technical amendment to clarify funding eligibility for certain educational offerings.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a national framework for peer support specialists - individuals with lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery who provide support to others. It requires the federal government to add "peer support specialist" to the standard job classification system by 2025 and creates a new Office of Recovery within SAMHSA to lead workforce development, share best practices, and support career pathways for these specialists. The bill also mandates a federal report analyzing state criminal background check policies for peer specialists, aiming to reduce barriers to certification while reviewing evidence on their effectiveness. These changes directly affect individuals seeking recovery support, their families, and the growing peer support workforce across states.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 16, 2023, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history of U.S. airborne forces. It recognizes the first official Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, and highlights the service of airborne units from World War II through modern conflicts. The resolution calls for the American public to observe the day with appropriate activities, but it does not create new laws or affect any specific group or policy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to improve support for victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. It establishes new grant programs for culturally specific services targeting underserved populations, including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities, and authorizes funding for national and tribal hotlines. The legislation prohibits discrimination in services, requires confidentiality protections for victims, and ensures no fees or income eligibility standards for assistance. It creates specific resource centers for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to reduce disparities and authorizes $270 million annually for these services through 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2647, SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023) provides federal funding to improve stillbirth data collection, research, and education. It authorizes $5 million annually for states to collect stillbirth data using existing health records while protecting privacy, $1 million for developing standardized data collection guidelines and public educational materials, and $3 million for specialized training programs in perinatal pathology and stillbirth research. The bill directly affects state health departments, medical professionals (like obstetricians and pathologists), and families impacted by stillbirth through improved data systems and educational resources. Key provisions require standardized data reporting, consultation with affected families and healthcare providers, and mandatory reports on program progress within five years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes federal funding for two diabetes programs through fiscal year 2025. It extends $170 million annually for the Special Diabetes Program for Type I Diabetes (serving people with type 1 diabetes) and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (serving Native American communities through Indian Health Service) for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The bill also provides a smaller, temporary $42.8 million allocation for October-December 2025 for both programs. All funds remain available until expended, ensuring continuous support for diabetes research, education, and care services under these specific programs.

This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.

Maddy summaryThe DOULA for VA Act of 2023 establishes a 5-year pilot program to provide doula support services to pregnant and postpartum veteran women enrolled in the VA healthcare system. It directs the VA to offer up to 10 doula sessions per veteran - including three to four sessions before birth, one during labor, and three to four postpartum sessions via VA Video Connect - through the Whole Health model. The program targets VA facilities with high or low female veteran enrollment and prioritizes consultation with veteran groups, doulas, and health equity experts. The VA must report annually on outcomes and recommend whether to expand the model, with funding authorized through 2029 and a $3,500 per veteran payment cap for services.