Sen. Edward J. Markey

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2918) extends the funding period for an existing public health program focused on tracking and educating about infections linked to illicit drug use and related risk factors. It amends the Public Health Service Act to change the program's authorization from 2019-2023 to 2024-2028, ensuring continued operation without altering the program's core activities. The bill directly affects the federal program itself, maintaining its current surveillance and education efforts. No new policies or changes to program scope are introduced - only a renewal of its legal authorization period.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases excise taxes on multiple tobacco products to create tax parity, meaning previously lower-taxed products will now face rates similar to cigarettes. It doubles the tax on roll-your-own tobacco ($24.78 to $49.56 per pound), sets pipe tobacco at $49.56 (up from $2.83), and significantly raises smokeless tobacco rates (e.g., from $1.51 to $26.84 per unit). The bill also imposes a new tax on nicotine for vaping products ($100.66 per 1,810 milligrams) and adds an inflation adjustment mechanism for future tax rates. These changes directly affect manufacturers and importers of tobacco products and nicotine, altering their tax liabilities under the Internal Revenue Code.

Maddy summarySRES 208 is a Senate resolution designating November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day." It encourages U.S. citizens, particularly those connected to military service, to reach out to veterans through peer-to-peer conversations to support their mental health and transition from military life. The resolution highlights veteran suicide statistics (6,146 deaths in 2020) and emphasizes that isolation - exacerbated by the pandemic - increases risks for conditions like PTSD. It does not create new programs but urges public engagement to connect veterans with support systems. This is a symbolic, awareness-raising measure with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThe AACCENT Act establishes a national network of resource centers to improve access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for the estimated 4 million Americans with significant expressive communication disabilities. It awards grants to nonprofit partnerships that must include people with communication disabilities in leadership roles, requiring centers to provide evidence-based training, technical assistance, and resources to schools, healthcare providers, employers, and communities. These centers will collect demographic data, address barriers faced by racial and ethnic minority communities, and promote awareness about the rights of people who rely on AAC. The legislation aims to eliminate communication barriers and improve equal opportunity across education, employment, healthcare, and community participation for this population.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes $30 million in 2024 humanitarian aid from USAID for Armenians in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh affected by Azerbaijan's 2020 war, 2022 attacks, and the Lachin Corridor blockade. It requires the State Department to develop a security strategy for Nagorno-Karabakh within 90 days and mandates a report on Azerbaijani atrocities committed during September 2022 and 2023 attacks. The bill also repeals restrictions on military aid to Armenia and authorizes $10 million in Foreign Military Financing for Armenia's defense. Additionally, it directs the President to impose sanctions on specific Azerbaijani officials responsible for attacks or the blockade, with possible national security waivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to create clear anti-harassment policies covering harassment based on race, sex, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics. These policies must specifically prohibit harassment occurring online (via emails, social media, or institutional networks), on campus, in dorms, and during school-sponsored activities. It also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund campus prevention programs, counseling services, and training for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. The law adds these requirements to existing federal protections under Title IX and the Civil Rights Act, without replacing them.

Maddy summaryThe Give Kids a Chance Act of 2023 amends FDA drug development rules to require new pediatric cancer studies for certain cancer drugs. It mandates that pharmaceutical companies conducting molecularly targeted cancer drug development must include pediatric studies designed to gather age-specific data on dosing, safety, and efficacy for drugs treating pediatric cancers. This applies to drugs with a single new active ingredient or combinations where each ingredient was previously approved for adult cancer treatment. The law requires FDA guidance within one year of enactment and includes reporting requirements to Congress on implementation progress and a GAO study on the policy's effectiveness. The changes apply to drug applications submitted three years after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summarySRES 353 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week of September 16-23, 2023, as "National Estuaries Week." It expresses the Senate’s support for raising public awareness about the ecological and economic importance of estuaries. The resolution highlights estuaries’ role in supporting jobs, economic output, and critical habitats, while acknowledging threats like pollution and habitat loss. This procedural resolution has no direct regulatory or funding impact - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of estuaries’ value.

Maddy summarySRES 351 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating September 25, 2023, as "National Lobster Day." It formally recognizes the cultural, economic, and culinary significance of lobster in the United States, highlighting its role in coastal communities, sustainability efforts, and traditions. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day through activities but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. It directly affects no specific group or industry, serving only as a symbolic acknowledgment. This procedural resolution was introduced by Senators King, Collins, Shaheen, and others and adopted by the Senate on September 19, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution symbolically designates September 2023 as "National Voting Rights Month" to raise awareness about voting rights history and current challenges. It recommends Congress pass specific voting rights legislation (like the Freedom to Vote Act and Democracy Restoration Act) and encourages public education on voting accessibility, registration, and historical voter suppression. The resolution has no binding effect on policy or funding - it serves as a symbolic recognition and call to action for voting rights advocacy.