Maddy summaryThe PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends federal funding for research and care related to preterm births and low birthweight infants through fiscal years 2024-2028, replacing previous funding periods. It updates existing programs to include screening for and treatment of chronic conditions in infant care and requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to establish an interagency working group within 18 months. The bill mandates a National Academies study to assess financial costs of preterm birth (including neonatal ICU stays and long-term family expenses), factors influencing birth rates, gaps in public health support, and research strategies for prevention, with a final report due within 24 months. This legislation directly affects federal health agencies, healthcare providers, and families caring for preterm infants by advancing evidence-based improvements in care.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1443, the "Protecting the Border from Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act," requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a strategy within 180 days for coordinating counter-drone systems at U.S. borders. The strategy must examine current capabilities, address privacy and civil liberties protections, and assess threats from drones used for smuggling or surveillance. It also mandates annual reports to Congress for seven years on resources needed and progress. This bill directly affects federal border security agencies and aims to standardize counter-drone efforts while safeguarding community rights.
Maddy summarySRES 388 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating the week of September 25-29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week." It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of clean energy through symbolic designation. The resolution encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to support clean energy solutions and invest in affordable, low-emission technologies. It highlights the clean energy sector’s role in job creation (citing 8.1 million U.S. jobs in 2022) and economic growth without imposing any new requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the 21st Century Cures Act and the Public Health Service Act to allow federal funds to cover the cost of test strips that detect dangerous contaminants like fentanyl and xylazine in drugs before use. It directly affects organizations receiving Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grants, enabling them to use grant funds for purchasing or using these detection devices. The key provision redefines "adulterant substance detection device" to include test strips, making such devices eligible expenses under existing SAMHSA programs. This creates a concrete policy change by expanding access to harm reduction tools without altering drug laws or creating new programs.
Maddy summarySRES 377 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Restaurant Week (September 22-October 3, 2023) and honoring Hispanic restaurant owners and employees. It highlights that Hispanic individuals own 41,817 food service businesses (2020 Census) and represent 25.1% of restaurant workers, noting the industry’s role as a major economic driver and "training ground" for diverse workers. The resolution celebrates their contributions to the U.S. economy and acknowledges how the restaurant sector enables Hispanic workers to support families and pursue opportunity. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies, funding, or obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds a new exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act for certain outdoor recreational guides and outfitting employees. It exempts workers primarily employed by businesses offering outdoor guiding or outfitting services if their employer operates for fewer than seven months annually or has a seasonal revenue pattern (where six-month revenue averages don't exceed one-third of the other six months). The exemption removes the requirement for overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 per week under these specific conditions. This directly affects seasonal outdoor recreation businesses and their employees in this industry.
Maddy summaryThe Earn to Learn Act creates a federal grant program for states and nonprofits to run matched savings accounts for low-income students pursuing college or career training. For every dollar a student or family saves in a designated account, the program matches it with $8, helping build savings without increasing debt. The initiative also requires financial education and coaching to improve money management skills and reduce reliance on student loans. It targets students at eligible colleges and career training programs, aiming to minimize debt and improve long-term financial stability.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows children under 14 to get a new Social Security number if their original card was lost or stolen, compromising the number's confidentiality. Parents or guardians must provide verified evidence (under penalty of perjury) to the Social Security Commissioner showing the card was lost or stolen during delivery. The Commissioner would then reissue a new number and update the child's records to note the security breach. The change applies only to children whose numbers were issued under specific provisions for minors, not to all Social Security numbers.
Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that federal education funds can support school programs teaching archery, hunting, or other shooting sports as part of educational instruction or enrichment activities. It directly affects schools receiving federal education funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by modifying a prior restriction. The key change adds an explicit exception to the prohibition, allowing funds to cover these specific educational activities when otherwise permissible under school programs. The amendment ensures schools can offer such instruction without violating existing funding rules.
Maddy summaryThe Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023 provides fertility treatment and counseling services to active duty military members and veterans with infertility conditions, along with adoption assistance for veterans. It requires the Department of Defense to establish fertility preservation procedures before deployment or hazardous assignments, including cryopreservation and storage of reproductive genetic material at no cost to service members. The bill ensures these services are provided without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status, with specific limits on in vitro fertilization (three completed oocyte retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines). It creates coordination between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure seamless transitions of care and adds adoption assistance with a limit of three covered adoptions. The legislation specifically covers veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting reproductive health, such as spinal cord injuries, military sexual trauma, or certain mental health conditions.