Maddy summaryS 3187, the Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish detailed immigration data monthly and quarterly. It mandates CBP to post on its website the number of people granted parole at ports of entry, broken down by nationality, age group (like minors or families), and location. DHS must submit quarterly reports to Congress and post them online, detailing apprehensions, processing outcomes (such as parole, removal, or asylum screenings), and demographic breakdowns along the southern border. The bill also updates annual reporting requirements to track parolees' status, including employment authorization and whether their parole ended or was extended. These requirements directly affect CBP and DHS operations, aiming to increase public and congressional transparency about border processing.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid health home services to specifically include individuals with sickle cell disease, starting January 1, 2025. It requires states to provide mandatory dental and vision services to these patients under special Medicaid plans, regardless of whether the state offers such services to other Medicaid enrollees. States must also report annually on care quality, access, and costs for this population. The bill provides federal guidance on best practices for implementing these specialized plans, based on medical guidelines and patient input. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with sickle cell disease who are already eligible for state Medicaid coverage.
Maddy summarySRES 823 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2024) and celebrating the cultural contributions and achievements of Latinos in the United States. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges the public to observe the month through activities honoring Latino heritage. The resolution highlights Latinos' economic impact (e.g., $3.4 trillion purchasing power), demographic significance (19.5% of U.S. population), and historical military service, but these statistics serve as context, not policy changes. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal force and is intended to raise awareness, not alter government programs or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Helping Small Businesses THRIVE Program" within the Small Business Administration to help eligible small businesses manage volatile input costs for essential commodities like fuel. It allows qualifying small businesses (excluding financial institutions or those operating less than a year) to enter into agreements with the SBA to lock in prices for covered commodities (starting with gasoline and diesel, plus up to three additional commodities) for periods of 60 days to 3 years. The program offers futures purchase agreements and call options to protect against price spikes exceeding 10%, with all costs passed directly to participants. The SBA must report annually on participation, agreements, and program impact to Congress.
Maddy summaryThis bill restricts federal funding for organizations that care for unaccompanied alien children and have been identified by the Department of Justice as engaging in misconduct involving children. It prohibits using fiscal year 2025 Health and Human Services funds for new contracts or agreements with such entities, unless the Attorney General certifies the organization has resolved the misconduct issues. The restriction applies specifically to entities found to facilitate illegal sexual abuse, harassment, or misconduct toward children in their care. This policy directly affects child care providers receiving federal funds, requiring DOJ findings and Attorney General certification before funding can resume.
Maddy summaryS 5074, the PRO Veterans Act of 2024, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide quarterly briefings to Congress about its budget and any shortfalls for three years after enactment. It prohibits bonuses for senior VA and Office of Management and Budget employees during fiscal years when the VA requests additional funding outside standard budget processes, aiming to prevent spending during budget gaps. The bill also mandates a report to Congress detailing all VA positions created since October 2022, including job descriptions, pay, bonuses, and remote work policies. These provisions apply directly to VA and OMB senior leadership and end after three years.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to strengthen federal efforts addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs) and hypoxia in marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. It requires a federal Task Force to produce a comprehensive Action Strategy every five years examining causes, ecological consequences, economic impacts, and potential solutions for HABs across diverse water systems. The bill establishes a National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network to integrate monitoring capabilities and creates a National-Level Incubator Program to develop new prevention and mitigation strategies through merit-based funding. It authorizes $19.5 million annually for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and $8 million for the Environmental Protection Agency from 2024 through 2028 to implement these initiatives, directly affecting federal agencies, coastal communities, and industries dependent on healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 820) symbolically supports designating September 21-28, 2024, as "National Estuaries Week" to raise public awareness about estuaries. It highlights estuaries' ecological and economic importance - such as supporting jobs, protecting coastlines, and sustaining biodiversity - without creating new laws or funding. The resolution expresses the Senate's backing for protecting and restoring estuaries but does not impose obligations or alter existing policies. It is a procedural statement, not a substantive legislative measure.
Maddy summarySRES 814 designates September 2024 as "National Literacy Month" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It urges federal, state, local governments, schools, libraries, nonprofits, businesses, and citizens to observe the month with programs and activities focused on literacy. The resolution highlights widespread literacy challenges in the U.S. (including low adult reading proficiency and economic impacts) but does not create new laws, funding, or enforceable requirements. It serves as a non-binding call for awareness and coordinated efforts to address literacy needs. This is a procedural resolution, not a policy change.
Maddy summaryThe Promoting Service through AmeriCorps Act (PSA Act) modernizes AmeriCorps programs to make them more accessible and beneficial for participants. It creates shorter service options (1,500 hours instead of 1,700 hours), increases age eligibility for National Civilian Community Corps from 24 to 26 years old, and allows participants to choose between educational awards or stipends. The bill establishes an Office of Alumni Engagement to support former participants and creates non-competitive hiring opportunities for AmeriCorps alumni in federal positions. These changes aim to improve participant recruitment, retention, and post-service opportunities while updating program administration and funding mechanisms.