Maddy summaryThis bill delays any changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale vessel strike reduction rule (currently in 50 CFR §224.105) until two conditions are met: (1) new safety measures from the 2022 Coast Guard Act are fully developed and deployed, and (2) the Secretary submits a report to specific congressional committees detailing how these measures will shape future rule changes. It directly affects the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which manages the rule, and vessel operators in whale habitat areas. The bill does not alter the existing rule but requires NOAA to wait for specific protocols and congressional review before modifying it. This is a procedural delay focused on ensuring safety protocols are in place before rule changes occur.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates two federal grant programs to fund drone technology for infrastructure inspection and workforce training. It provides grants to state, local, tribal, or territorial governments to purchase or operate drones for inspecting critical infrastructure like bridges, power grids, and water systems, prioritizing projects in historically disadvantaged communities or addressing safety risks. Grants cover 80% of project costs, with $50 million authorized for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Additionally, it funds drone workforce training grants for educational institutions to support certified drone operators under existing FAA programs.
Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate resolution designates May 21-27, 2023, as "National Public Works Week" to honor public works professionals. It recognizes their daily work maintaining infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services that support community health, safety, and resilience. The resolution urges communities to celebrate these professionals' contributions to public infrastructure and community well-being through local activities. It has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic recognition.
Maddy summaryS 1768, the Taliban Sanctions Act of 2023, imposes U.S. sanctions on individuals and entities (including Taliban members) who support terrorism, commit serious human rights abuses, or facilitate narcotics trafficking in Afghanistan. It requires the President to block assets and deny visas to those meeting these criteria, effective 90 days after enactment. The bill also directs U.S. diplomacy to maintain UN sanctions against the Taliban and mandates regular congressional briefings on sanctions implementation and humanitarian impacts. It includes limited waivers for national security interests and specific exceptions for intelligence activities or humanitarian access.
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 summaryThe Main Street Tax Certainty Act permanently extends the 20% tax deduction for qualified business income (QBI), which currently applies to owners of pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations. The bill achieves this by amending the tax code to remove an expiration date (via striking subsection (i) of Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code). This change directly affects small business owners who rely on the QBI deduction to reduce their taxable income. The key provision eliminates uncertainty about the deduction’s future, ensuring continued eligibility without requiring future legislative action.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends Medicare reimbursement rate increases for ground ambulance services through 2028. It adjusts specific payment percentages for ambulance providers: maintaining a 26.7% rate increase for "super rural" ambulance services and setting 4.3% and 3.4% increases for other ground ambulance services during 2025-2028. These changes directly affect Medicare beneficiaries using ground ambulance services and the ambulance providers who serve them, particularly in rural areas. The bill modifies existing Social Security Act provisions to adjust payment rates without altering Medicare eligibility or coverage rules. It provides temporary rate adjustments to help sustain ambulance service availability during this period.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program to increase annual funding from $10 million to $15 million for fiscal years 2024-2028, expanding support for farmers and ranchers facing mental health challenges. It adds crisis lines to the program's services and creates new referral pathways to connect individuals with certified community clinics, rural health centers, and other approved healthcare providers. The changes directly affect agricultural workers and their families by improving access to behavioral health counseling and wellness support. Key provisions include updated funding levels and expanded partnerships with specific healthcare facilities to ensure comprehensive mental health care.
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.
Maddy summaryS 1654, the Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2023, allows credit bureaus to include positive payment history for utility and telecommunications services in consumer credit reports. It directly affects consumers who pay utility bills (electric, gas) or telecom services on time, as well as utility and telecom companies that may now report these payments to credit bureaus. The bill permits reporting of payment performance under lease agreements for housing, utility payments, and telecom contracts, but only includes payment-related details - not usage data - and prohibits reporting late payments if a consumer is on a valid payment plan. A GAO study on the bill's impact is required within two years of enactment.