Maddy summaryThe FASD Respect Act (S.1800) establishes a new federal program within the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It directly affects individuals with FASD, their families, and healthcare providers by requiring HHS to fund research, improve diagnostic standards, and build state and tribal capacity for prevention and support services. Key provisions include creating FASD Centers for Excellence to develop culturally appropriate screening tools, train medical and social service professionals, and maintain national resource directories for FASD care. The bill mandates HHS to report on progress within four years and authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to support these efforts.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1802, the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, establishes a $50 million annual fund (2024-2028) for collaborative defense projects between the U.S. and Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directed energy. The bill directly affects U.S. defense programs and Israeli defense research entities by authorizing joint development of new warfare capabilities. Key provisions include creating the "United States-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund" under the Secretary of Defense to support projects that enhance both nations' military responses to evolving threats. The legislation builds on existing U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, such as past funding for counter-tunnel systems and drone defense technology.
Maddy summaryS 1766, the Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023, requires the Secretary of Defense to annually report detailed data on overdoses affecting military personnel (servicemembers) and their family members. The reports must include demographics, substances involved, prior mental health/substance use treatment, opioid prescriptions, naloxone use, and patterns of overdoses, while protecting privacy under HIPAA. The bill also mandates a research report assessing barriers to care and recommending improvements in mental health access, non-opioid pain management, and overdose prevention. These provisions aim to improve data-driven responses to overdoses within the military community.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands access to existing farm credit programs by adding service providers to the fishing industry as eligible borrowers. It amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to allow farm credit banks and production credit associations to extend loans to businesses that provide services directly related to the operating needs of fishery producers or harvesters (like equipment suppliers or processing services). This change specifically affects businesses supporting commercial fishing operations, not the fishermen themselves or direct fishing activities. The policy modifies current credit eligibility rules without creating new funding or programs.
Maddy summarySRES 224 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating May 2023 as "ALS Awareness Month." It recognizes the challenges of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells, noting that about 5,000 Americans are diagnosed annually and there is no cure. The resolution affirms the Senate's commitment to supporting ALS patients and caregivers, including access to treatments, research into causes, and reducing the disease's physical, emotional, and financial burdens. It does not create new laws or policies but serves to raise public awareness and honor efforts by families, researchers, and caregivers.
Maddy summarySRES 220 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. The resolution acknowledges the program's 30-year history of building security partnerships with 100 nations and expresses gratitude to National Guard members for their service in fostering these international relationships. It does not create new policy but formally honors the program's role in strengthening global security cooperation.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to fund training for law enforcement officers on interacting with people with disabilities and older adults with cognitive impairments. Nonprofit disability organizations will receive grants to develop training programs requiring at least 8 hours of mandatory training for new officers (including 4 hours of interactive learning with covered individuals) and 4 hours of annual refresher training for existing officers. The training covers communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, identifying disabilities, and community resources, with a requirement that covered individuals serve as instructors. Funded at $100 million annually through 2026, the program aims to reduce violent encounters based on findings that people with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violent crime and disproportionately affected by police violence.
Maddy summaryThe HELP Act of 2023 allocates federal funding to strengthen 211 information and referral services and 988 mental health crisis services nationwide. It requires states to coordinate these services to ensure 24/7 availability, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and reduce inappropriate 911 calls by connecting individuals with human services instead of law enforcement. The bill authorizes $550 million annually for 2024-2025 (split between 211 and 988 services) and $450 million annually for 2026-2030, with states required to establish oversight bodies to monitor service quality and racial equity. States must use funds to expand access to mental health and human services, particularly in underserved communities, while tracking how many 911 calls are diverted to appropriate services.
Maddy summaryThe Reforming Disaster Recovery Act establishes a Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund to provide grants for long-term recovery after major disasters, primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income households in communities most impacted by disasters. It creates a new Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program that requires grantees to allocate at least 70% of funds to help low- and moderate-income people, with funds distributed based on unmet needs for housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure. The bill mandates detailed planning with public input before funds are distributed, requires grantees to prioritize mitigation activities in hazard-prone areas, and includes provisions for preliminary funding to speed up recovery before final assessments are complete. It also requires annual reporting on fund usage to ensure transparency and accountability, while coordinating with FEMA and other agencies to prevent duplication of benefits.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.