Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2024, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls" to honor victims and raise public attention. It calls on the American public and organizations to commemorate affected women (both documented and undocumented cases) and show solidarity with families. The resolution is symbolic - requiring no new funding, laws, or government action - solely aiming to increase awareness of this crisis. It directly affects Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities by acknowledging their disproportionate vulnerability to violence. The resolution references specific statistics on violent crime rates against Native women and the case of Hanna Harris, a Northern Cheyenne woman whose murder highlighted this issue.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive federal approach to improving care for women experiencing menopause and mid-life health challenges. It authorizes $25 million annually for NIH research on menopause symptoms and health impacts, $10 million for public health promotion activities, $10 million for awareness and education programs, and $10 million for training health professionals. The legislation creates Centers of Excellence in menopause care, funds evidence-based resources for health providers, and requires annual reports to Congress on progress and barriers to care. These provisions directly affect mid-life women, health care providers, medical training programs, and public health departments across the country. The bill aims to improve early detection, treatment, and management of menopausal symptoms and related chronic conditions through coordinated research, education, and care initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts specific less-than-lethal projectile devices (like certain beanbag rounds or rubber bullets) from federal firearm restrictions, taxes, and the National Firearms Act. It defines these devices as those firing at under 500 feet per second and designed not to cause death or serious injury. The exemption applies to manufacturers, importers, and law enforcement agencies purchasing or using these devices, removing tax burdens and regulatory hurdles. The law directly affects law enforcement agencies that use such tools and the companies that produce them. It makes these devices legally distinct from traditional firearms under federal law.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to publish an advance notice 90 days before proposing major regulations, giving the public earlier opportunity to comment. A "major rule" is defined as one likely to impose $100 million or more in annual economic impact, significantly increase costs for consumers or industries, or affect competition, health, safety, or the environment. The advance notice must explain the problem the rule addresses, outline regulatory alternatives considered, and cite legal authority, followed by a 30-day public comment period. Exceptions apply for routine rules, when compliance would be impractical, or if the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs deems it unnecessary.
Maddy summaryThe SMART Act of 2024 requires federal agencies to plan for and conduct post-implementation reviews of major regulations. It defines "major rules" as those with significant economic impact ($100 million+ annually), major cost increases, or substantial effects on health, safety, or competition. Agencies must create assessment frameworks before finalizing such rules and conduct reviews within 10 years to measure actual effects against predicted outcomes, including public input and cost-benefit analysis. These reviews must be published online, and agencies must justify any delays or exemptions. The law directly affects federal agencies issuing major regulations, adding a structured review process without altering the rules themselves.
Maddy summaryThe NASA SPREES Act (S 4221) allows federal agencies with existing funds for scientific or engineering research or education to transfer those funds to NASA, subject to agency head approval. It directly affects federal departments/agencies holding such funds and NASA, enabling NASA to use transferred funds for grants or cooperative agreements supporting research and education. Key provisions require NASA to report annually on these transfers (including source agencies and purposes) and submit a comprehensive report to Congress after three years detailing the program's effectiveness and challenges. The bill does not create new funding but streamlines how existing agency funds can be shared to support NASA's mission through interagency collaboration.
Maddy summaryThe MVP Act (S 4204) establishes a framework for Medicaid to use value-based purchasing (VBP) arrangements, where drug prices are tied to patient outcomes (e.g., refunds if a drug fails to work as intended). It revises Medicaid’s pricing rules to allow manufacturers to report multiple best price points for VBP drugs and adjusts how "average manufacturer price" is calculated to include outcome-based refunds or rebates. The bill also requires the federal government to issue guidance for states on implementing VBP for inpatient drugs and mandates a GAO study (reporting by 2028) to evaluate VBP’s impact on patient access, outcomes, and costs across Medicaid programs.
Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.
Maddy summaryThe Drought Resilient Infrastructure Act of 2024 authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to implement water conservation measures and prioritize water supply during droughts for projects under its management. It establishes a new program for drought resilience projects in the seven Colorado River Basin states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming), authorizing $35 million annually with a 10% non-Federal cost share requirement. The bill allows for modifications to existing projects to include features like improved water storage, removal of invasive species that worsen drought conditions (such as salt cedar), and use of natural or nature-based solutions. It also establishes a pilot program for forecast-informed reservoir operations and requires coordination with states while maintaining existing water rights and state water laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell commemorative coins honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 100,000), $1 silver coins (max 500,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all with designs reflecting soccer and the World Cup. A surcharge is added to each coin sale ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars), with all surcharge revenue going directly to FWC2026 US, Inc. to fund U.S. soccer programs, particularly youth initiatives and underserved communities. The coins may only be sold during 2026 and must cover all costs to avoid government expense.