Sen. Mark Kelly

Maddy summaryThe ONSHORE Act of 2023 establishes a $100 million annual grant program to fund site development for manufacturing and advanced manufacturing projects in strategically important industries. It directly supports rural, Tribal, and economically disadvantaged communities by prioritizing projects that improve infrastructure (like roads, power, and broadband), streamline permitting, and create local jobs. Grants cover 100% of costs for site readiness, including utility connections, environmental reviews, and workforce training programs. The bill prohibits funding for foreign entities of concern and limits any single industry to 20% of annual funds, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and attract foreign investment.

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 summaryS 1845, the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act, creates a new 5-year Medicare model providing community-based palliative care to beneficiaries with serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease, or dementia. It directly affects Medicare Part A enrollees with qualifying conditions, replacing the current Medicare Care Choices Model and ensuring no exclusion for prior hospice use. Key provisions require 24/7 access (including telehealth), team-based care with at least one certified palliative provider, coordination across settings (homes, hospitals, or community sites), and coverage of services like pain management, mental health support, and advance care planning. The model aims to reduce unnecessary emergency visits and hospitalizations while improving care experience for high-risk Medicare beneficiaries.

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 summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 234) designates May 2023 as "Older Americans Month" to symbolically honor older adults in the U.S. It encourages public recognition of their community contributions, opportunities for them to share wisdom with younger generations, and acknowledgment of their value to society. The resolution has no legal effect or new policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, aligning with longstanding tradition to highlight seniors' roles without altering programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThe CARE Act of 2023 modifies the VA's program supporting family caregivers of veterans. It requires the VA Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress detailing application volumes, approvals, denials, and appeals, broken down by race, gender, service era, and branch of service. The bill also establishes a process for the VA to recognize non-profit organizations and individuals who assist veterans, family members, and caregivers in navigating VA services - without charging fees for these services. These changes directly affect veterans' family caregivers and the VA's administrative procedures for eligibility assessments and appeals.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial Senate resolution designates May 21-27, 2023, as "National Public Works Week" to honor public works professionals. It recognizes their daily work maintaining infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services that support community health, safety, and resilience. The resolution urges communities to celebrate these professionals' contributions to public infrastructure and community well-being through local activities. It has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryS 1777, the Abraham Accords Cybersecurity Cooperation Act of 2023, directs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Department to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration with countries that signed the Abraham Accords (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, Israel). It authorizes joint threat information sharing, technical assistance for cyber incident response, and annual cybersecurity training exercises with these nations. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on implementation progress and plans to expand cooperation. It affects U.S. agencies and the cooperating countries by enhancing collaborative efforts to address shared threats like ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.

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.