Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Maddy summaryThis bill provides federal grants to states to help recruit and retain paraprofessionals - school support staff like teaching assistants - in public elementary, secondary, and preschool programs. States receive funds based on prior Title I funding and distribute them via competitive subgrants to school districts or consortia serving high-need schools (e.g., those with many low-income students or rural locations). Funds can support wage increases, bonuses, mentoring programs, professional development, and credentials like special education or English learner certifications. The bill prioritizes schools serving high-need populations and requires annual reporting on wage baselines and retention outcomes.

Maddy summaryS 3688, the FAIR Act, sets pay adjustments for federal employees in 2025. It increases base pay by 4% for most federal workers covered under statutory pay systems and prevailing rate employees (those paid according to local market rates). Additionally, it raises locality pay adjustments by 3.4% for 2025. The bill directly affects all federal employees whose pay is determined under these specific pay systems. These changes are mandated by statute and apply to calendar year 2025.

Maddy summaryThe SHIFT Act requires federal fishery managers to account for climate change impacts, such as shifting fish populations and habitat changes, when setting fishing quotas and managing coastal fisheries. It establishes a process for regional fishery councils to coordinate management when fish stocks move across state lines, including deadlines for councils to agree on a lead council or joint planning, with the Secretary stepping in if they fail to reach consensus. The bill also mandates that new fisheries or fishing gear can only be added to official management lists after councils analyze potential environmental and community impacts, and requires councils to review these lists every five years. These changes aim to improve adaptive management of fisheries in response to climate shifts while ensuring consistent oversight across state boundaries.

Maddy summarySRES 523 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate it to the House of Representatives and send a copy to his family, and instructs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but formally commemorates Kohl's service and legacy. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of Senators and passed unanimously on January 11, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a corporate tax penalty on large companies where the CEO's pay exceeds 50 times the pay of the average worker. For corporations with a pay ratio over 50:1, the standard 21% corporate tax rate increases by 0.5% to 5% based on how high the ratio is (e.g., 5% for ratios over 500:1). It applies only to corporations with average annual revenue over $100 million, exempting smaller businesses. The penalty takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and includes rules to prevent companies from manipulating the ratio by using contractors instead of employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Presidential Inaugural Committee to publicly disclose all donations and disbursements over $200, including the recipient's name, date, and purpose. It bans foreign national donations, prohibits donating in another person's name, and prevents converting donated funds to personal use. The committee must distribute any remaining funds to 501(c)(3) charities within 90 days after the inauguration, with possible extensions requiring supplemental reporting. The bill directly affects the Inaugural Committee and donors contributing $200 or more.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal right for patients to access fertility treatments without unreasonable restrictions, protects health care providers who offer these services, and requires insurance coverage for such treatments. It guarantees patients the right to continue ongoing treatments under written agreements and retain control over reproductive materials. States cannot impose requirements that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures or that don’t significantly advance safety. Violations can be challenged in federal court by the government, patients, or providers, while states may still enforce health/safety regulations that are necessary and least restrictive.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates federal grants to help states establish or improve Seal of Biliteracy programs for high school students. It requires states to recognize students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and a second language (including Native American languages, American Sign Language, or classical languages) through speaking and writing skills. The program must ensure equitable access for English learners, students with disabilities, and Native language speakers, including those in tribal schools. States receiving grants must use funds for program administration, outreach, and subsidizing testing for low-income students, with $10 million authorized annually from 2024-2028.

Maddy summaryS 1507, the POWER Act, authorizes $20 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2023 to provide grants to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies. The grants allow agencies to purchase chemical screening devices and train personnel to identify substances like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other narcotics. Agencies must certify that at least one employee will be trained to operate the devices and interpret results, and must share devices with neighboring agencies when applicable. Recipients must submit annual reports on how funds were used to meet identified needs, such as improving substance identification speed and officer safety.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (not a law with policy changes). It commemorates the 80th anniversary of the 1943 Magnuson Act repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The Senate resolution symbolically acknowledges the historical injustice of the exclusion laws and reaffirms commitment to civil rights for Asian Americans. It does not create new policies or directly affect any individuals or groups.