Sen. Todd Young

This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.

Maddy summarySRES 20 is a Senate resolution condemning the February 1, 2021, military coup in Burma (Myanmar) and the Burmese military's detention of civilian leaders, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. It calls for the immediate, unconditional release of all detained political prisoners, restoration of the elected parliament, and accountability for military violence that has killed over 2,800 civilians since the coup. The resolution urges the U.S. government to impose targeted sanctions on the military junta, support democratic restoration, and coordinate with international partners to address humanitarian needs. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses the Senate's position but does not enact new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThe Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act of 2023 makes the 7-year tax depreciation recovery period for motorsports entertainment complexes permanent. This directly affects businesses operating racetracks and motorsports facilities by allowing them to spread the tax deduction for certain assets over seven years instead of a shorter period. The bill amends Section 168(i)(15) of the Internal Revenue Code by removing a temporary provision (subparagraph (D)) that previously limited this recovery period. As a result, these businesses will retain the 7-year tax benefit indefinitely without needing future legislative changes.

Maddy summaryThe 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act of 2023 modifies the Small Business Administration's 504 loan program to better support small manufacturers. It increases manufacturing loan amounts from $5.5 million to $6.5 million, establishes different contribution requirements (5-10% of project cost), and sets a $150,000 per job creation standard for manufacturers (compared to $75,000 for other businesses). The bill streamlines loan closing procedures with new flexibility for correcting details and reallocating costs, and requires small manufacturers to partner with resource centers like small business development centers. These changes aim to make the 504 loan program more accessible and beneficial for small manufacturing businesses.

Maddy summaryThe 504 Credit Risk Management Improvement Act of 2023 strengthens oversight of the SBA's 504 loan program by expanding the Office of Credit Risk Management's authority. It requires the Office to conduct random file reviews of 504 loan closings, report findings to certified development companies (CDCs) within 60 days, and mandate corrections for deficiencies that could cause losses to the SBA. The bill grants new enforcement tools, including fees based on CDCs' portfolio sizes (up to 1 basis point) and penalties of up to $250,000 for violations. Additionally, it directs the SBA to issue NEPA compliance rules for CDCs within 180 days, clarifying how they must meet environmental review requirements for projects.

Maddy summaryThe Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S 1203) authorizes $410.5 million annually for Peace Corps operations through fiscal year 2028 and includes numerous provisions to improve volunteer support and program operations. Key changes include increasing readjustment allowances for volunteers from $125 to $375, extending health care coverage for returning volunteers, and establishing a comprehensive zero-tolerance drug policy for volunteers. The bill also codifies special hiring preferences for returning volunteers in federal positions, creates new protections against retaliation for volunteers reporting issues, and requires the Peace Corps to develop strategies for expanding volunteer presence in Oceania. These provisions directly affect Peace Corps volunteers, returning volunteers, and Peace Corps staff by enhancing support systems and program operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of State to designate the Wagner Group as a foreign terrorist organization under existing law (Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act). It applies this designation to any affiliated or successor entities engaging in malign activities globally, including in Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East. The bill mandates an annual report to Congress on the Wagner Group's international activities and allows the President to waive sanctions if determined necessary for U.S. national security. The legislation directly affects the Wagner Group and its associated entities, imposing formal U.S. government designation as a terrorist organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage for obesity treatment. It allows more healthcare providers - including nurse practitioners, dietitians, and clinical psychologists - to offer intensive behavioral therapy for obesity, with requirements for coordination with primary care physicians. It also adds Medicare Part D coverage for FDA-approved medications used to treat obesity or manage weight in adults with related health conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure). These changes directly affect Medicare beneficiaries with obesity, aiming to improve access to proven treatment options. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on implementation progress.

Maddy summaryS 2404, the LOST Organs Act of 2023, requires the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to track and publicly report (with personal identifiers removed) the status of organs in transit from donation centers to transplant facilities. It mandates that if an organ is lost, damaged, or delayed during transport, the network must investigate the cause, identify corrective actions, and recommend updates to quality standards to prevent future issues. This bill directly affects organ procurement organizations and transplant centers by requiring greater transparency and accountability in organ transport. The key change is creating a standardized process for addressing transport failures, aiming to reduce organ loss and improve system reliability.

Maddy summaryThe Gateway to Careers Act of 2023 establishes a competitive grant program to fund career pathway partnerships between workforce development organizations and education providers (like community colleges and career schools). These partnerships must serve populations facing employment or education barriers, prioritize evidence-based approaches, and provide support services such as childcare and transportation. Grants require partnerships to develop integrated programs with clear performance metrics, tracking outcomes like credential attainment, employment rates, and earnings for participants. The program mandates annual reporting on participant demographics and results, with funds reserved for independent evaluation to identify effective practices.