Sen. Mark Kelly

Maddy summarySCONRES 31 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing the need to improve physical access to federally funded facilities for people with disabilities. It does not create new legal requirements but formally acknowledges existing barriers and reaffirms support for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. The resolution urges federal infrastructure projects to adopt universal design principles to ensure equal access. It directly addresses people with disabilities, who face daily access challenges in public facilities, and cites statistics on disability prevalence and employment gaps. The resolution has no enforceable provisions but serves as a statement of congressional intent.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new job category for direct support professionals (DSPs) in the federal Standard Occupational Classification system. DSPs are workers who provide personalized care to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, helping them with daily tasks, community participation, and achieving independence goals. The bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to add a specific code (31-1123) under healthcare support occupations within 30 days of enactment. This change aims to improve data collection on DSP workforce shortages and high turnover rates, which currently affect service stability for people with disabilities. It does not change funding, services, or regulations - only how these workers are classified for statistical purposes.

Maddy summarySRES 567 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing the serious issue of healthcare worker burnout in the U.S. and designating March 18, 2024, as the first "Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness." It does not create new laws or funding but highlights statistics showing 50% of healthcare workers reported burnout in 2020, along with high rates of depression, violence, and intent to leave the field. The resolution calls for raising public awareness and encouraging action across sectors - including government, healthcare systems, and employers - to support worker well-being and improve patient care. It aligns with existing federal initiatives like the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act.

Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2024 amends the Horse Protection Act to strengthen protections against "soring" - the deliberate infliction of pain on horses to exaggerate their gait, primarily affecting Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses at shows, exhibitions, or sales. Key provisions include defining prohibited "action devices" (like certain boots or weighted shoes), implementing stricter disqualification periods for sore horses (180 days, then 1 year, then 3 years), requiring licensed, conflict-free inspectors, and increasing penalties for violations (fines up to $5,000 per offense and up to 3 years in prison). The bill directly affects event organizers, inspectors, competitors, and horse owners by mandating new inspection protocols and enforcement. It focuses on concrete policy changes to prevent animal cruelty in the horse show industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal funding for economic development projects by raising the federal share from 50% to 60% for most projects. It creates a new HOST (Hospitality and Outdoor-Recreation Supporting Tourism) grant program that allocates $100 million annually (2025-2029) to support tourism, outdoor recreation, and hospitality infrastructure. The bill requires 40% of HOST funds to support outdoor recreation, 20% to rural areas (with focus on distressed communities), and 5% to Tribal communities, with Tribal projects receiving 100% federal funding. It also establishes an Office of Tribal Economic Development and creates technical assistance liaisons for underresourced communities. The bill directly affects communities that rely on tourism, outdoor recreation, and hospitality sectors, particularly rural and Tribal communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal health law to create grants supporting medical student training in rural and underserved areas. It provides funding for partnerships between medical schools and community health providers (like rural clinics or federally qualified health centers) to expand clinical rotations for students in those communities. Grants last 1-5 years and require detailed plans for quality improvement, sustained access to care, and post-funding continuity. The goal is to increase long-term physician presence in high-need areas by connecting medical education with community health needs. It directly affects medical students, participating healthcare facilities, and residents of underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Secretary to evaluate current space launch regulations (part 450) for delays and uncertainty, then report findings and propose improvements. It creates a committee for industry input on rule changes and modifies licensing to accept reasonable safety plans while assigning dedicated staff to applicants. For remote sensing, it clarifies that technical instruments (e.g., for spacecraft health) aren't considered remote sensing and speeds up license reviews. The bill directly affects commercial space companies launching rockets or operating satellites.

Maddy summaryThe END FENTANYL Act (S 206) requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner to review and update inspection policies at ports of entry every three years. This ensures inspection practices can address new methods used to smuggle drugs and people across the border. After each update, the Commissioner must report changes to Congress. The bill directly affects how CBP operates at U.S. border crossings.

Maddy summaryThe Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2024 establishes a federal pilot grant program to improve recycling access in underserved communities. It authorizes $30 million annually (2023-2027) to fund competitive grants for eligible entities - including states, local governments, tribes, and public-private partnerships - to build transfer stations, expand curbside recycling, and create hub-and-spoke infrastructure networks. Grants range from $500,000 to $15 million per project, with 70% of funds reserved for single or multiple underserved communities lacking nearby recycling facilities. The program prohibits grant use for education and requires the EPA to report on outcomes, including recycling rate improvements, within two years of first grants.

Maddy summaryThe HELPER Act of 2023 creates a new FHA mortgage insurance program allowing eligible first responders and K-12 teachers to secure home loans with **no down payment**. It directly affects full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and public/private K-12 teachers who have worked in their roles for at least 4 of the past 5 years. Key provisions include requiring housing counseling, verifying employment status, and prohibiting monthly mortgage insurance premiums (replacing standard FHA requirements). The bill authorizes $660,000 for 2024 and $160,000 annually from 2025-2030 to fund this program, which expires after 5 years.