Sen. Tammy Duckworth

Maddy summarySRES 117 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging the U.S. President and Secretary of State to work with Canada to prevent permanent nuclear waste storage in the Great Lakes Basin. It specifically addresses Canada’s proposal to build a deep geological repository near Lake Huron in South Bruce, Ontario, which the resolution states could threaten the Great Lakes’ water supply. The resolution cites the basin’s importance to over 40 million people relying on it for drinking water and highlights environmental risks from potential nuclear contamination. It calls for U.S. diplomatic engagement to ensure safe, non-threatening waste storage solutions that protect the shared water resource.

Maddy summaryThe A. Donald McEachin Environmental Justice For All Act requires all federal agencies to address disproportionate environmental burdens faced by communities of color, low-income communities, Tribal and Indigenous communities, and other vulnerable populations. Key provisions include mandating federal agencies to develop environmental justice strategies, consider cumulative impacts in permitting decisions, establish an Environmental Justice Clearinghouse, and create grant programs for environmental justice communities. The bill also creates a White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council to coordinate federal efforts and requires federal employees to complete environmental justice training. It strengthens community protections under the National Environmental Policy Act by requiring agencies to assess potential impacts on environmental justice communities before approving projects. The legislation directly affects federal agencies, environmental justice communities, and communities disproportionately burdened by pollution and environmental hazards.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. foreign aid law to remove restrictions preventing federal funds from supporting abortion services as part of comprehensive reproductive health care. It directly affects U.S. international health programs and people in low- and middle-income countries who rely on U.S.-funded reproductive health services. The key provision explicitly allows foreign assistance funds to cover abortion services, training, and equipment for safe abortion care, alongside other reproductive health services. This changes how U.S. aid is allocated globally, aiming to increase access to safe abortion care in countries where it is legal.

Maddy summaryThe Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023 requires automotive manufacturers to design vehicles (starting with 2028 models) to operate with gasoline containing 10-25% ethanol (with 95+ research octane) and later 10-30% ethanol (with 98+ octane). It mandates fuel retailers to offer 95+ octane gasoline at certain outlets by 2027 and 98+ by 2032, with specific availability requirements for different retail outlet sizes. The bill also requires clear labeling at fuel pumps and on vehicles to inform consumers about fuel requirements and consequences of using lower-octane fuels. Additionally, it establishes new standards for gasoline composition, including limits on aromatic content and requirements for low-carbon octane additives.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to help states and tribal governments improve their systems for licensing firearms dealers. To qualify, a state must already have a law requiring dealers to be licensed (with licenses valid up to 3 years, regular inspections, and penalties for violations like suspension or fines). Grants, capped at $2.5 million per year, can fund developing, implementing, or evaluating these licensing programs. Recipients must report annually on inspections, violations, and license statuses, and the federal government will publish annual reports to Congress on all grant activities.

Maddy summaryThe MONARCH Act of 2023 establishes a $12.5 million annual fund to support habitat restoration for the western monarch butterfly, which has declined by over 99% in 30 years and faces imminent extinction. It provides grants to local governments, tribal agencies, and nonprofits for projects like planting native milkweed, protecting overwintering sites, and restoring breeding habitats across seven Western states (California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah). Projects must include tribal consultation, demonstrate conservation potential, and avoid conflicts with food safety practices, with the Secretary of the Interior approving proposals based on their likelihood to aid recovery. The bill requires annual public reports on project outcomes and monarch population status, ensuring transparency in conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryThe CARE for Long COVID Act establishes a national patient registry to collect data on Long COVID symptoms, treatments, and demographic information to improve understanding of the condition. It allocates $30 million for the registry in 2024, $15 million for research on healthcare disparities related to Long COVID, and $30 million annually for public and provider education programs about symptoms and treatments. The bill also creates interagency coordination to inform people about their rights in employment, education, and disability benefits related to Long COVID, with $30 million annually for this purpose. Additionally, it provides $50 million annually to support legal and social services assistance for people with Long COVID seeking disability benefits, healthcare access, and other services. The bill directly affects individuals with Long COVID, healthcare providers, and legal service organizations by improving data collection, education, and access to support services.

Maddy summaryS 817, the SVB Act, repeals Title IV of the 2018 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (Public Law 115-174). This bill restores the banking regulations that existed before Title IV was enacted, effectively undoing the 2018 changes to financial oversight. It directly affects banking regulations governing financial institutions by reverting to the prior regulatory framework. The key mechanism is the explicit repeal of Title IV and the restoration of pre-2018 provisions as if the 2018 law had never applied.

Maddy summarySRES 105 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating March 6-10, 2023, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week." It recognizes the role of social and emotional learning (SEL) in supporting students' academic success, mental wellness, and long-term well-being, as well as educators' and families' health. The resolution encourages expanding access to SEL programs and urges federal agencies to advance SEL initiatives to benefit students, parents, and communities. It does not create new laws or funding but symbolically highlights SEL's proven benefits, such as improved academic performance and stress management, based on research cited in the resolution's preamble.