Sen. Raphael G. Warnock

Maddy summaryThe Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2024 sets a yearly limit on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under most health insurance plans. Starting in 2026, individual plan members would pay no more than $2,000 annually for covered drugs, while families would pay no more than $4,000. These limits would increase each year based on inflation, adjusted using the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index. The bill applies to both individual health plans and employer-sponsored group plans covered under the Affordable Care Act. It takes effect for plans beginning after December 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to Jens Stoltenberg, former Secretary General of NATO, recognizing his leadership during his nine-year tenure. It directs the Treasury to strike the medal and allows for the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs. The medal honors Stoltenberg's role in strengthening NATO's defense spending, enlargement, and unity - particularly during Russia's invasion of Ukraine - though the bill itself creates no new policy or obligations. The award is purely ceremonial and affects only Stoltenberg as the recipient.

Maddy summaryThe Bridge to Medicaid Act of 2024 expands health insurance affordability for low-income individuals with household incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. It reduces cost-sharing for these individuals in qualified health plans during 2026-2028, creates special enrollment periods for those without minimum essential coverage, and provides additional benefits like non-emergency medical transportation for silver-level plan enrollees in 2027-2028. The bill temporarily expands premium tax credits for low-income individuals in 2026-2028 and increases federal Medicaid funding for states to 93% for 2026-2028. It also includes $105 million for outreach and education to help low-income individuals understand their coverage options and eligibility for assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 4687, authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded collectively to wildland firefighters for their service in protecting U.S. forests, grasslands, and communities from wildfires. The medal, designed by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the National Interagency Fire Center, will be presented by congressional leaders and displayed permanently at the National Interagency Fire Center for public access and research. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates at cost to the public, with proceeds covering production expenses. This commemorative measure recognizes the collective sacrifice and dedication of wildland firefighters without altering their duties or benefits.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4554) is a non-binding resolution expressing Congress's "sense" that protections for abortion access should be supported after the *Dobbs* decision and that *Roe v. Wade* protections should be restored. It does not create new laws or change existing policies; it is solely a statement of congressional opinion. The resolution directly affects no individuals or entities, as it lacks legal force. Key provisions (Section 2) state Congress supports post-*Dobbs* reproductive health care access and aims to restore *Roe*-era protections, but these are declarative statements only.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 37) recognizes the wage disparity where Black women earn 69 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men in full-time work, as highlighted by Census data. It specifically references Black Women’s Equal Pay Day (July 9, 2024), symbolizing how long Black women must work to earn what White men earned the previous year. The resolution reaffirms Congress’s support for equal pay for equal work but does not create new laws or policies. It focuses solely on acknowledging the economic impact of this gap, including estimated lifetime earnings losses of nearly $884,800 for Black women over a 40-year career. As a symbolic measure, it has no binding effect on legislation or enforcement.

Maddy summarySRES 756 is a Senate resolution designating June 19, 2024, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" to commemorate June 19, 1865 - the date Union troops announced the end of slavery in Texas. This symbolic resolution recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth, when news of emancipation reached enslaved people in the Southwestern U.S. after the Civil War. It does not create new laws or affect any group; it solely serves to honor this date as part of U.S. history and encourage nationwide observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to increase federal funding for Atlanta's stormwater management from $75 million to $100 million. It directly affects Atlanta's water infrastructure projects by providing an additional $25 million for stormwater management systems. The key provision is a straightforward funding increase within an existing section of federal law, without altering program requirements or eligibility. This change specifically applies to the City of Atlanta's water infrastructure enhancement efforts under the referenced federal statute.

Maddy summarySRES 749 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing June 2024 as "LGBTQ Pride Month." It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the contributions and struggles of LGBTQ individuals in the U.S. The resolution encourages public reflection on LGBTQ history, discrimination faced by the community, and celebration of their achievements. It directly affects public awareness and Senate recognition, with no direct impact on individuals or government programs. This is a procedural resolution, not a legislative measure with binding effects.

Maddy summaryThe Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2024 would significantly increase federal financial aid for college students by doubling the maximum Pell Grant award from current levels to $10,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year, with annual inflation-based increases reaching $14,000 by 2030-2031. The bill would make Pell Grants a mandatory program that grows with inflation (instead of relying on annual appropriations) and expand eligibility to include "Dreamer" students who came to the U.S. as children, as well as students with negative student aid indexes who would receive grants exceeding the maximum amount. It also restores the total number of semesters students can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and makes it easier for students to maintain eligibility by reducing penalties for academic progress issues. This legislation directly affects millions of undergraduate students, particularly students of color and low-income students who rely on Pell Grants to afford college.