Maddy summaryS 5040, the "Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Online Act," targets false or misleading online promotions of prescription drugs by social media influencers and healthcare providers. It requires these individuals to include clear summaries of side effects, contraindications, and effectiveness in their posts - similar to requirements for traditional drug ads - and imposes civil penalties for violations involving knowingly false claims or material omissions. The bill also mandates new reporting for payments between drug manufacturers, healthcare providers, and influencers related to drug promotion, and directs the FDA to issue guidance on enforcement within 180 days. These changes apply to all prescription drugs covered under Medicare or Medicaid, aiming to improve transparency and safety in digital drug advertising.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act of 2024 authorizes $2 billion in federal grants to help school districts reduce class sizes in kindergarten through third grade at high-poverty public elementary schools. School districts must apply with evidence-based plans to limit classes to 18 students or fewer, focusing on hiring teachers, creating additional classroom space (with limits), and providing professional development. Priority is given to districts serving the most students from low-income families, and grants require annual reporting on progress and outcomes. The bill mandates evaluations of student achievement, teacher working conditions, and program effectiveness, with funds supplementing - rather than replacing - existing education budgets.
Maddy summaryThis bill would expand eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to include college students who meet specific criteria, such as participating in work-study programs or meeting financial requirements. It creates a demonstration program to test new ways for students to use SNAP benefits on campus, including purchasing prepared foods from campus dining facilities without needing to buy a meal plan. The bill requires federal agencies to share data to identify students who might qualify for nutrition assistance and mandates institutions of higher education to provide information about available benefits. It also authorizes $1 billion in grants over seven years to support campus-based programs addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and other basic needs for students. The bill would directly affect millions of college students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, by making it easier to access food assistance while attending college.
Maddy summaryS 4993 prohibits U.S. persons (including citizens, companies, and individuals in the U.S.) from investing in or providing services to Venezuela's energy sector, specifically targeting Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) and the Maduro government. The law bans transactions related to energy investments, operations, or financing beginning upon enactment and includes penalties for violations under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The prohibition remains in effect until the President certifies that Venezuela's government recognizes the July 28, 2024, election results showing opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez's victory. This directly affects U.S. businesses and individuals engaged in energy-related activities in Venezuela.
Maddy summaryS 4973, the "No Kings Act," removes presidential and vice presidential immunity from federal criminal prosecution, requiring such cases to be handled in federal district courts with appeals limited to the D.C. Circuit. The bill specifically bars the Supreme Court from reviewing cases involving claims of presidential immunity for official acts, including dismissals of indictments or overturning convictions. It directly affects current and former presidents and vice presidents by subjecting them to the same federal criminal accountability as all other citizens. Key provisions prevent courts from considering whether alleged crimes were part of official duties unless Congress specifies otherwise, and clarify that state criminal laws remain applicable.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a one-year window for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to file a land claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims regarding land in Illinois, based on their 1805 Treaty of Grouseland. The court gains special authority to hear this specific claim without considering time limits or delays. If the tribe does not file within one year, all other land claims by the tribe, its members, or descendants to Illinois land are permanently ended. The bill directly affects the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma's legal rights to land in Illinois under this historical treaty.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes an existing program that provides support and treatment services for law enforcement officers experiencing mental health crises. It extends the funding period for this program from 2020-2024 to 2025-2029 under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. The key mechanism is simply updating the expiration dates in the law to continue current funding without altering the program's scope or eligibility. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who access these crisis support services through participating agencies.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm that no person, including the President and other federal officials, is above the law. It would require all officials holding authority under the U.S. government to be subject to ordinary criminal prosecution for both official and unofficial actions. The amendment mandates that general laws apply to the President unless specified otherwise and grants Congress power to enforce this by, for example, extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting a sitting President during their term. If ratified by three-fourths of states, this change would become part of the Constitution, altering how federal law applies to high-level government officials.
Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.
Maddy summarySRES 804 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Edmundo González Urrutia as Venezuela's President-elect following the July 28, 2024, presidential election. The resolution states that González won "with an overwhelming number of votes" in a process the Carter Center deemed "not free nor fair" and lacking electoral integrity. It notes international concern over the election's transparency and asserts the Senate stands in solidarity with Venezuelans' democratic aspirations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not alter U.S. policy or Venezuela's political status but formally acknowledges González's victory as recognized by multiple international governments.