This resolution designates March 2023 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States.
Maddy summaryThis bill blocks new permits for carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, and methane emissions from livestock farming. It amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit permits specifically for emissions resulting from natural biological processes in animal production. Livestock operations and producers would be directly affected, as they can no longer seek permits for these emissions under current programs. The change prevents these emissions from being regulated through standard Clean Air Act permitting processes.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals upfront origination fees for new Federal Direct student loans. It directly affects borrowers who take out these loans after March 27, 2022, by eliminating the initial fee charged when the loan is issued. The key provision removes section 455(c) of the Higher Education Act, which previously required these fees for loans under part D of title IV. The change applies to all new direct loans disbursed or consolidation applications received on or after the effective date, meaning borrowers no longer pay this specific fee.
Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 125) that expresses the U.S. Senate's support for Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 21, 2023. It recognizes social workers' contributions to improving health, well-being, and community resilience across the U.S., including their work in mental health, disaster response, and advocating for equity. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific group - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It was introduced by Senators Stabenow and Sinema and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
Maddy summaryThe Affordable College Textbook Act establishes a federal grant program to help colleges and universities adopt free, openly licensed textbooks (called "open textbooks") to reduce student costs. It requires institutions to publicly list textbook prices and whether materials are open textbooks on course schedules, and funds projects for creating or adapting these resources. Institutions receiving grants must make open textbooks freely available in accessible formats under reusable licenses, while tracking savings and educational impacts. The bill targets the average $1,240 annual cost for textbooks at public four-year colleges, aiming to lower expenses through expanded use of open educational resources.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 8) expresses Congress's formal opinion that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies - mutual aid organizations operating under IRS Section 501(c)(8) - have long provided essential community benefits. It highlights that these societies, with approximately 7 million members nationwide, contribute over $3.8 billion annually through charitable work, volunteerism, and financial security programs. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to support their mission and relieve pressure on government safety net programs. As a non-binding statement of congressional sentiment, it does not change tax law or create new obligations.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Senior Investor Taskforce within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to address challenges faced by investors aged 65 and older. The Taskforce will identify issues like financial exploitation and cognitive decline impacts, coordinate with agencies, and produce biennial reports analyzing trends, regulatory gaps, and best practices for senior investors. It also mandates a GAO study within two years to assess the economic costs and frequency of financial exploitation targeting seniors, including factors like isolation and income. The bill does not create new regulations but establishes a mechanism for ongoing analysis and reporting to inform future policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax code to boost research and development (R&D) investment by businesses. It allows companies to immediately deduct R&D costs (instead of amortizing them over 5 years) and expands refundable tax credits for small businesses, raising the annual credit cap from $250,000 to $750,000 by 2032. Small businesses with gross receipts under $15 million can now qualify for higher credit rates (up to 20% of R&D costs) and may exclude years with no R&D expenses when calculating credits. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 2022, directly benefiting R&D-focused startups and small businesses.
Maddy summaryS 838, the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023, increases Medicare coverage for clinical social workers. It raises reimbursement rates for their services under Medicare Part B from 75% to 85% of the psychologist fee schedule and removes barriers preventing coverage in skilled nursing facilities. The bill specifically expands Medicare coverage to include a defined set of clinical social work services (using specific HCPCS codes) for mental health diagnosis, treatment, and behavioral interventions. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults and people in skilled nursing facilities, by making it easier for providers to offer and bill for these mental health services starting January 1, 2024.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.
