Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

Maddy summaryThe NAPA Reauthorization Act (S 133) extends the National Alzheimer’s Project through 2035, replacing previous 2025 deadlines. It requires annual progress evaluations on research, risk reduction, and health equity, with new provisions to promote healthy aging, address Alzheimer’s risk factors, and expand focus to underserved groups - including people with Down syndrome and historically high-risk populations. The bill mandates updated advisory committee membership, including individuals with Alzheimer’s diagnoses and representatives from underserved communities. These changes directly affect federal health agencies, researchers, and healthcare planning efforts focused on Alzheimer’s prevention and care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop updated guidance within 90 days of enactment - revised every five years - to ensure hygienic handling of breast milk, baby formula, infant liquids, and cooling accessories during airport security screening. The guidance must be created with input from maternal health organizations and set standards to prevent contamination during re-screening. It also mandates an annual audit by the DHS Inspector General to assess compliance and evaluate how screening technologies affect these items' processing. The policy directly affects traveling parents, TSA staff, and private security companies handling infant products at airports.

Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to tennis legend Billie Jean King in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for gender equality in sports and society. The legislation specifically acknowledges her pivotal role in advancing women's rights, including her work leading to the passage of Title IX and her efforts to establish equal prize money in tennis. Under the bill, the Secretary of the Treasury would strike a gold medal featuring an image and inscription of Billie Jean King, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The medal would be presented by congressional leaders as a formal recognition of her contributions to American society. This is a commemorative honor, not a policy that creates new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War, recognizing their life-saving medical evacuations. The medal, to be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will be displayed at the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum. The bill honors the approximately 900,000 wounded personnel these crews transported over the course of the Vietnam War, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, who relied on their rapid medical evacuation services.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 42) symbolically recognizes the persistent wage gap affecting Latina women in the U.S. labor force. It designates October 3, 2024, as "Latina Equal Pay Day" to highlight that Latina women earn, on average, 51 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men working full-time. The resolution cites data showing this disparity results in Latina women losing over $1.2 million in lifetime earnings and emphasizes the broader economic and personal impacts of unequal pay. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the issue and reaffirms congressional support for closing the gender wage gap.

Maddy summarySRES 856 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating October 2024 as Filipino American History Month. It formally recognizes and celebrates the historical contributions, culture, and achievements of Filipino Americans to the United States, including their roles in military service, healthcare, labor movements, and other fields. The resolution urges the American public to observe the month with educational programs and activities to honor this community's legacy. This follows Congress's 2009 recognition of Filipino American History Month (S. Res. 298) and aligns with ongoing efforts to highlight overlooked histories.

Maddy summarySRES 857 is a Senate resolution expressing concern about the rising trend of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries. It cites data showing over 10,000 individual book bans in 2023-2024 (double the previous year), with many targeting books about race, LGBTQ+ experiences, and diverse perspectives - including classics like *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *To Kill a Mockingbird*. The resolution calls on schools and local governments to follow best practices for handling book challenges and to protect students’ access to diverse materials, while reaffirming First Amendment rights to free expression. It also designates the week of September 22-28, 2024, as Banned Books Week.

Maddy summarySRES 862 is a Senate resolution designating October 23, 2024, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day." It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about the National Marine Sanctuary System. The resolution highlights how marine sanctuaries protect biodiversity, support coastal economies, and provide recreational opportunities, while encouraging responsible engagement with these protected areas. This commemorative resolution directly affects the public by promoting recognition of marine conservation efforts.

Maddy summarySRES 870 designates the week of September 15-21, 2024, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week" in recognition of community school coordinators' roles. The resolution highlights their work in building school-community partnerships and improving student outcomes like attendance, academic achievement, and mental health support. It does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - only formally acknowledges coordinators' contributions through a symbolic designation. This procedural resolution is directed at raising awareness and encouraging public celebration of these professionals.