Maddy summaryThe CREATE Act of 2023 establishes a federal interagency group within the National Science and Technology Council to coordinate research and development on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, including direct air capture, forest restoration, and ocean-based methods. It mandates four specialized working groups - focusing on oceans, terrestrial systems, geological storage, and technology - with agency representatives from departments like Energy, Agriculture, and EPA to develop strategic plans, identify cost-effective CDR approaches, and set monitoring protocols. The bill requires annual budget coordination across federal agencies to integrate funding for CDR research and development, ensuring holistic planning for projects like soil carbon management and enhanced mineralization. It directly affects participating federal agencies by creating new structural requirements for collaboration and reporting, without authorizing new funding or mandating specific CDR deployments.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 305 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins (gold, silver, and half-dollar denominations) to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($5 to $35 per coin) that will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with proceeds paid directly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The coins will be sold from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the surcharge structure ensures no net cost to taxpayers by covering production expenses through sales. This bill directly affects the U.S. Mint (in coin production), the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (as recipient of funds), and the public (as potential buyers).
Maddy summaryThe Headwaters Protection Act of 2023 reauthorizes and improves the Water Source Protection Program under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. It expands eligibility for projects to include acequia associations, stormwater/wastewater managers, land-grant mercedes, and private water delivery entities, while requiring express support from adjacent landowners for projects on their property. Key provisions mandate that projects prioritize protecting water supply/quality against drought/flood risks, use nature-based solutions (like wetland restoration), and give priority to disadvantaged communities. The bill increases annual funding to $30 million (2024-2033) and requires non-Federal partners to contribute to project costs and planning. It directly affects National Forest projects, local water infrastructure managers, and adjacent landowners within watersheds.
Maddy summaryThe Midwives for MOMS Act of 2023 provides federal grants to expand midwifery education and training. It allocates $15 million annually (2024-2028) for accredited midwifery schools and programs, and $20 million for nurse-midwifery programs in schools of nursing. Grants support student financial aid, program expansion, and training supervisors, with priority given to institutions serving health shortage areas and increasing racial/ethnic diversity in midwifery. This directly affects higher education institutions offering midwifery training and future midwives, aiming to grow the workforce in underserved communities.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage for diabetes self-management training by removing cost-sharing (100% coverage) and allowing more providers, including nurse practitioners and other qualified professionals, to deliver the services. It sets specific limits: beneficiaries receive 10 initial training hours plus up to 2 hours annually for ongoing support. The bill also establishes a pilot program (starting 2025) to test virtual training options, aiming to improve health outcomes like lower A1c levels and reduce hospitalizations. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, particularly those in rural or underserved communities seeking accessible care.
Maddy summaryS.Res. 229 designates May 2023 as "National Brain Tumor Awareness Month" in the U.S. Senate. The resolution encourages public awareness of brain tumors, supports research for better treatments, and honors individuals affected by the disease, including those living with or battling brain tumors. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the health impact of brain tumors.
Maddy summaryThis bill standardizes how whisky is classified for import tariffs by creating a single uniform 8-digit subheading (2208.30.00) for all whisky types, replacing three previous subheadings. It adds specific statistical suffixes to distinguish between whisky categories (like Irish/Scotch, Bourbon, Rye) and container sizes (under or over 4 liters), while keeping the duty rate at $2.04 per liter. The change directly affects importers, exporters, and U.S. Customs officials who process whisky shipments. It simplifies tariff classification without altering duty rates or creating new taxes. The bill takes effect 15 days after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis resolution requires the Senate and House Budget Committees to hold an annual joint hearing within 45 days of the Treasury submitting the federal government's audited financial statement. The Comptroller General will present findings from the audit and analyze the government's financial position, including deficits, surpluses, and long-term fiscal projections. The hearing must follow nonpartisan GAO standards to provide objective, fact-based information to Congress. This procedural measure affects only the Budget Committees and the Comptroller General, creating a regular process for reviewing federal finances.
Maddy summaryThe Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 extends the timeframe for individuals to file claims related to radiation exposure from nuclear testing and uranium mining operations. It increases compensation amounts for certain claims from $50,000-$75,000 to $150,000, expands eligibility criteria for leukemia and other specified diseases, and adds medical benefits for claimants. The bill extends the fund's operational period from 2 years to 19 years after enactment, allows affidavits to support claims, and creates a new $3 million annual grant program to study uranium mining's health impacts. These changes primarily affect individuals exposed to radiation during atmospheric nuclear testing (1944-1962) or who worked in uranium mines/mills (1942-1990), including miners, millers, core drillers, and their family members.
Beneficiary Enrollment Notification and Eligibility Simplification 2.0 Act or the BENES 2.0 Act This bill requires Social Security account statements for individuals attaining ages 60 to 65 to include information about Medicare eligibility, late enrollment penalties, benefit coordination, and related resources. Statements with the required information must be mailed to individuals at least three months before they turn 65; the required information must also be mailed to those who are age 65 or over and are entitled to Social Security benefits three months before their initial Medicare enrollment period begins.