Maddy summaryS. RES. 715 is a non-binding Senate resolution commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square events and condemning the Chinese government's human rights abuses, including repression in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, as well as transnational repression against activists. It calls on China to conduct an independent investigation into the 1989 events, release political prisoners, and cease efforts to undermine human rights norms at the United Nations. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to use diplomatic and economic tools - such as sanctions and UN advocacy - to address these issues and support human rights defenders. This resolution expresses the Senate's position but does not impose legal requirements on China or the U.S. government.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 90) blocks a federal rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would have required health programs receiving federal funds to follow new nondiscrimination standards. It uses a specific legal process (under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code) to formally disapprove the rule, making it ineffective. The rule, published on May 6, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 37522), directly affected health programs and activities funded by the federal government. The bill does not create new policy but halts an existing rule from taking effect.
Maddy summarySRES 702 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating May 2024 as "Latin Music Appreciation Month" to recognize Hispanic and Latino Americans' contributions to U.S. musical heritage. It highlights how genres like mariachi, salsa, reggaeton, and bachata - shaped by cultural fusion - have influenced American music, dance, and entertainment. The resolution specifically acknowledges underrecognized artists and their role in enriching U.S. culture, aligning with National Hispanic Heritage Month. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally celebrates this cultural impact for the public.
Maddy summarySRES 707 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month in May. It formally celebrates Jewish Americans' 350+ year contributions to U.S. society, culture, and history - highlighting their roles in government, arts, science, and community service. The resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society to condemn antisemitism and promote education about Jewish heritage, responding to documented rises in antisemitic incidents and Holocaust misinformation. It does not create new laws but affirms longstanding congressional recognition of this month, which has been observed annually since 2006 through presidential proclamations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 2024 as "American Stroke Month" to raise public awareness about stroke prevention and treatment. It encourages Americans to learn stroke warning signs (like face drooping or speech difficulty), recognize risk factors (such as high blood pressure), and call 911 immediately during a stroke. The resolution also urges support for initiatives promoting stroke awareness, research, and access to quality care to reduce stroke-related deaths and disability. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, serving solely as a symbolic recognition effort.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as "Older Americans Month" through a ceremonial Senate action. It does not create new laws or alter existing programs, but rather formally recognizes the contributions and importance of older adults in the U.S. The resolution encourages the public to honor older individuals' achievements, share their wisdom with younger generations, and acknowledge their role as community assets. This designation aligns with the longstanding tradition started by President Kennedy in 1963, which has been observed annually since 1965.
Maddy summaryS 4418, the China Exchange Rate Transparency Act of 2024, requires the U.S. Treasury to advocate at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for greater transparency in China’s exchange rate policies and practices. Within 90 days of enactment, the Treasury must determine if China meets criteria for designation as a currency manipulator under existing law. The bill expires either 30 days after China complies with IMF transparency obligations or 7 years after enactment, whichever comes first. It directly affects U.S. diplomatic and financial engagement with China regarding currency policy.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires prime contractors working with the government to use plain writing when soliciting subcontractors, directly affecting small businesses seeking subcontract opportunities. It mandates that all subcontract solicitations and related subcontracts must be written clearly and simply, as defined by the 2010 Plain Writing Act. If a contractor fails to comply, they must provide a corrected solicitation in plain writing within 30 days of a Small Business Administration (SBA) determination. The SBA must issue regulations within 90 days to implement these requirements.
Maddy summaryThe SENIOR Act amends the Older Americans Act to specifically address loneliness among older adults, requiring the Administration on Aging to screen for loneliness (in addition to social isolation) in programs serving those with "greatest social need." It mandates a detailed report within 5 years, examining loneliness prevalence, health impacts, existing program effectiveness, and multigenerational family connections. The report must include recommendations to reduce loneliness's health effects and strengthen intergenerational family ties, with an interim update due at 2 years. This bill directly affects older individuals served by Older Americans Act programs and focuses on policy evaluation, not direct funding or new services.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 87) is a joint resolution seeking to block a specific rule issued by the Treasury Department. The rule, published May 6, 2024, established requirements for clean vehicle tax credits under IRS codes 25E and 30D, including rules about transferring credits, qualifying critical minerals/battery components, and restrictions on credits involving "Foreign Entities of Concern." The resolution would prevent this Treasury rule from taking effect by invoking a disapproval process under federal law. It directly affects the administration of federal tax credits for clean vehicles, not the credits themselves.