Maddy summaryThis bill directs federal health programs to prioritize services for racial and ethnic minority groups experiencing mental health disparities. It creates a new grant program (amending the Public Health Service Act) requiring special consideration for community health centers serving these populations, and mandates a National Institutes of Health study on disparities in mental health outcomes, including impacts of trauma and bias. The bill also requires training standards for health professionals in culturally appropriate care and funds a national outreach strategy to reduce stigma and improve access to evidence-based treatments. Key funding includes $750 million annually for the National Institute on Minority Health and $150 million for NIH mental health research through 2029.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Affordability is Access Act of 2023 requires health insurance plans to cover over-the-counter contraceptives approved by the FDA without cost-sharing (such as copays or deductibles). It directly affects millions of people, especially those who rely on birth control but face cost barriers, including low-income individuals and people in contraceptive deserts. The bill clarifies that insurance coverage must include FDA-approved OTC contraceptives even without a prescription, and it mandates retailers to provide accurate information about these products without interfering with access. Retailers may refuse to sell the product if payment cannot be made, but they cannot block access or spread misinformation.
Maddy summaryS 1703, the PACE Part D Choice Act of 2023, gives Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in PACE programs (who do not receive Medicaid) the option to choose an external prescription drug plan starting in 2025. It requires that any external plan chosen must have equal or lower estimated out-of-pocket costs and comparable federal subsidies compared to the PACE program's own drug plan. PACE programs must provide enrollment information and assistance to members, monitor drug use for those who switch, and share claims data with the external drug plan provider. This bill directly affects PACE enrollees who are Medicare-only beneficiaries seeking prescription drug coverage.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.
Maddy summarySRES 203 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month (observed in May) as a time to celebrate Jewish Americans' contributions to U.S. society and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges the community's historical impact and calls on leaders to combat antisemitism. The resolution highlights Jewish Americans' roles in government, arts, science, and their 350-year history in the U.S., while referencing rising antisemitic incidents and Holocaust awareness gaps. It aligns with annual bipartisan Senate resolutions since 2006, emphasizing education and inclusion without proposing concrete policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new 21-day administrative leave for active-duty service members to obtain reproductive care not provided at military medical facilities (such as abortions or fertility treatments like IVF), or to accompany a spouse or dependent receiving such care. It also authorizes travel and transportation allowances for this care, explicitly covering abortion and assisted reproductive technology. The bill prohibits additional requirements like mandatory counseling or chaplain consultations for requesting this leave, while prioritizing privacy for service members and their families. It defines "non-covered reproductive health care" to include specific procedures like egg retrieval, sperm processing, and in vitro fertilization, ensuring these are eligible for the new leave and travel benefits.
Maddy summaryThe Border Management, Security, and Assistance Act of 2023 provides $2.8 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish temporary processing facilities, hire additional officers, and improve border security technology, while allocating $1 billion for refugee assistance and $500 million for migration support in the Western Hemisphere. It establishes new penalties for organized smuggling of 10 or more people at once, creates offenses for monitoring law enforcement to aid smugglers, and requires electronic notice to appear systems for immigration court. The bill streamlines asylum processing by allowing employment authorization for applicants after 30 days of release and mandates staffing models for border agencies. It also requires regular reporting on fund usage and program effectiveness for the Shelter and Services Program.
This resolution supports the designation of May 7, 2023 through May 13, 2023, as Public Service Recognition Week and commends public servants for their contributions.
Maddy summarySRES 195 is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools nationwide for their contributions to education. It formally supports the 24th annual National Charter Schools Week (May 7-13, 2023), encouraging public recognition of charter schools' role in providing diverse educational options. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - it solely expresses legislative support for charter schools as part of a symbolic observance. It directly affects the charter school community by acknowledging their work during a designated national week.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 200) expresses support for designating April 30-May 6, 2023, as "National Small Business Week" to honor small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States. It recognizes that small businesses (over 33 million nationwide supporting 62 million jobs) are vital to the U.S. economy and highlights their resilience. The resolution specifically calls for celebrating their contributions, acknowledging challenges they face, and supporting efforts to improve access for underserved small businesses. As a symbolic gesture - not a law - it does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes small business impact.