Maddy summaryThe Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2024 allows individuals convicted of certain Federal offenses (level A or B) or arrested for specific offenses (level A or C) to have their convictions vacated or arrest records expunged if their criminal activity was directly related to being a victim of human trafficking. The bill establishes a legal process where trafficking survivors can file motions with courts, supported by their testimony, to clear their records without needing to prove other persons were convicted. Courts must review these motions using a preponderance of evidence standard and may grant relief if the survivor demonstrates their offense was a direct result of trafficking. The law also creates a presumption of duress for trafficking survivors in court proceedings and requires U.S. attorneys to receive training on human trafficking indicators. Additionally, it mandates reports to Congress on the implementation and impact of the law, including the number of survivors filing motions and court outcomes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 658 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 2024 as "Financial Literacy Month." It does not create new laws or funding but calls on federal, state, local, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to observe the month with awareness activities. The resolution cites statistics on financial challenges (like 5.9 million unbanked households and rising student debt) to emphasize the importance of financial education. It aims to raise public awareness about personal financial education's role in making sound money decisions and building wealth, without mandating any specific actions.
Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.
Maddy summarySJRES 73 is a joint resolution introduced by Senators Rubio, Cotton, and others seeking to disapprove a federal rule issued by multiple agencies, including Education, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, regarding partnerships with faith-based and neighborhood organizations. The rule, published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2024, would have established guidelines for these partnerships. If passed, this resolution would block the rule from taking effect by invoking a standard congressional disapproval process under federal law. The resolution is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Maddy summaryS 4163, the Ammunition Supply Chain Act, requires the Secretary of the Army to submit a report within 180 days of enactment on U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities for nitrocellulose and related components used in ammunition manufacturing. The report must address improving sourcing of smokeless gunpowder materials, reducing single-point failure risks in facilities, mitigating disruptions from global demand, and leveraging private sector capacity. This bill directly affects the Department of Defense and ammunition manufacturers by mandating an assessment of supply chain risks. It does not enact new policy but requires a detailed evaluation to strengthen ammunition production reliability.
Maddy summaryThis bill protects three state programs that handle permits for dredging and filling projects in waterways. It prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from revoking approvals for Michigan’s, New Jersey’s, and Florida’s programs without new congressional action. The law specifically requires Congress to pass a new law if the EPA wants to withdraw approval, though it allows EPA to act if a state fails to properly administer its program. This applies to existing state programs under the Clean Water Act, ensuring they remain operational without federal interference unless Congress explicitly authorizes changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 72) seeks congressional disapproval of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requiring companies to standardize climate-related financial disclosures for investors. If passed, it would block the SEC’s rule (published March 28, 2024) from taking effect, directly affecting public companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. The resolution uses a specific legal process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to invalidate the rule without altering its content. It does not create new regulations but halts the implementation of the SEC’s existing climate disclosure proposal.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell commemorative coins honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 100,000), $1 silver coins (max 500,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all with designs reflecting soccer and the World Cup. A surcharge is added to each coin sale ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars), with all surcharge revenue going directly to FWC2026 US, Inc. to fund U.S. soccer programs, particularly youth initiatives and underserved communities. The coins may only be sold during 2026 and must cover all costs to avoid government expense.
Maddy summaryThe Higher Education Innovation Act creates an alternative authorization system for higher education institutions, allowing "innovation authorizers" to approve institutions based on performance metrics rather than traditional accreditation. Institutions must meet specific standards related to student learning, completion rates, and affordability to receive Federal Pell Grant funding. The bill establishes a "pay for performance" system where institutions may need to cover upfront costs that can be reimbursed if they meet performance targets over time. The program is set to expire 5 years after enactment, with institutions required to renew authorization every 5 years. This system aims to ensure institutions meet quality standards before receiving federal funding.
Maddy summarySRES 645 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating April 20-28, 2024, as "National Park Week." It does not create new laws or affect any group directly; instead, it formally recognizes this week to highlight the National Park System. The resolution encourages the public to responsibly visit, experience, and support national parks, referencing the system’s history, visitor statistics (325 million visits in 2023), and economic impact ($50.3 billion in 2022). As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to promote awareness of national parks.