Sen. Todd Young

Maddy summaryThe JUDGES Act authorizes 66 new permanent federal district court judgeships across 16 states, primarily in high-filing districts like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, to address case backlogs. It schedules appointments for 2025 and 2029, including 2 temporary judgeships in Oklahoma (with vacancies not filled after 5 years) and converts existing temporary judgeships in Missouri, Arizona, and other districts to permanent status. The bill also requires a GAO report identifying underused federal courthouses within one year. These changes directly affect the judicial capacity of specific districts, aiming to reduce pending case loads by increasing judicial staffing.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2757) freezes current payment rates for veterans' transportation services provided through "special modes" (like non-emergency medical transport) starting January 1, 2023, preventing the VA from lowering these rates without strict conditions. It directly affects veterans relying on these transportation services and the contractors providing them. The key provision allows rate increases but requires the VA to conduct a detailed economic impact review, consult with veterans' groups and industry experts, and ensure new rates cover actual costs before any decrease can occur. This aims to protect veterans' access to care by preventing rate cuts that could disrupt transportation services.

This bill authorizes the President to extend nondiscriminatory treatment (i.e., normal trade relations treatment) to products of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.

Maddy summaryThe Cooper Davis Act (S 1080) requires electronic communication service providers (like social media platforms and messaging apps) to report certain drug-related violations to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Specifically, providers must report facts or circumstances related to the unlawful sale or distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, or counterfeit controlled substances. The law mandates providers to share specific information including IP addresses, location data, and communication content when they have actual knowledge of such violations. Providers face fines up to $380,000 for willful failure to report, but the law includes privacy protections that prevent mandatory user monitoring or content scanning. This legislation creates a new reporting framework between tech companies and law enforcement to combat drug trafficking online.

Maddy summaryThe Long COVID Support Act establishes a voluntary patient registry to collect data on symptoms, treatments, and demographics of individuals with Long COVID and related conditions, with strict privacy protections. It requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to coordinate research, develop plain-language educational materials for the public and health care providers, and submit annual reports to Congress. The bill authorizes $10 million annually for 2024-2028 to fund these activities, including research on treatment disparities and provider training. This legislation directly affects people with Long COVID who choose to participate in the registry and health care providers who receive updated guidance to improve care for affected patients.

Maddy summaryS 2664, the Strengthening Taxpayer Recoveries Act, extends oversight of pandemic relief funds by renewing the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery's mandate until 2030 (from 2025) and requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to coordinate with this office. It establishes a 10-year window for prosecuting fraud related to specific relief programs, including Paycheck Protection Program loans, economic injury disaster loans, restaurant grants, and venue operator grants. The bill mandates monthly briefings to Congress on recovery efforts, annual reports on recovered funds by program type, and real-time public reporting of recovered amounts through the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee. These provisions directly affect businesses that received pandemic relief funds and aim to improve transparency and recovery of misused taxpayer dollars.

Maddy summarySRES 166 is a symbolic Senate resolution honoring the U.S. Coast Guard for its maritime border security work. It recognizes the Coast Guard's 2022 achievements, including interdicting over 330,000 pounds of narcotics, intercepting 12,500 illegal immigrants, and patrolling over 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline. The resolution expresses the Senate's gratitude to Coast Guard personnel for their "exemplary service" in safeguarding borders. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2023 aims to increase employee ownership in S corporations by making it easier for companies to adopt Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Key provisions include extending tax deferral for sales of company stock to ESOPs, creating a Treasury Department office to provide technical assistance for ESOPs, and amending small business laws to ensure ESOP-owned businesses remain eligible for small business programs. The bill also establishes a dedicated Advocate for Employee Ownership within the Department of Labor to promote ESOP adoption, provide education, and help resolve disputes related to ESOPs. This legislation directly affects S corporations considering employee ownership transitions, their employees who would become partial owners, and small businesses that want to maintain eligibility for small business programs after an ESOP transition. The bill seeks to expand a model that studies show provides employees with retirement savings and greater job stability compared to traditional companies.

Maddy summaryThe Global Press Freedom Act establishes a dedicated Office of Press Freedom within the State Department, led by an Ambassador-at-Large for Press Freedom. This official will coordinate efforts to protect journalists abroad, denounce attacks on press freedom, and engage with foreign governments and international organizations on the issue. The bill also mandates training for Foreign Service Officers on press freedom issues and requires a study evaluating the implementation of a previous press freedom law (the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act). The Ambassador must submit annual reports to Congress on the office's activities and effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThe SCORE Act of 2023 updates the Small Business Administration's SCORE program, renaming it the Supporting Coaching Opportunities for Resilient Entrepreneurs program. The bill establishes new requirements including a 5-year recompete process for the organization managing the program, performance standards for coaches, and mandates expanded online services like webinars and e-commerce tools. It creates the National Women's Business Coaches to help connect women entrepreneurs with resources and develop workshops on internet sales, e-commerce, and social media marketing. The program is set to sunset after 4 years unless reauthorized, affecting small business entrepreneurs seeking guidance, SCORE volunteers, and the Small Business Administration's operations.