Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin

Maddy summarySRES 518 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing U.S. solidarity with Guatemalans and urging the Guatemalan government to permit President-elect Bernardo Arévalo to assume office on January 14, 2024. It condemns actions by Guatemala’s Attorney General and Public Ministry - including raids on election offices, attempts to annul the August 2023 election, and threats against anti-corruption officials - as undemocratic efforts to block the peaceful transfer of power. The resolution specifically calls on Guatemala to cease intimidation of civil society, commute sentences of jailed anti-corruption advocates, and ensure the inauguration proceeds, while directing U.S. agencies to prepare for reassessing aid and considering sanctions if the transfer is obstructed. This resolution directly addresses the Guatemalan government and reflects U.S. policy concerns about democratic backsliding.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 allocates $7 billion in federal funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2024. The ACP provides internet subsidies to help low-income households afford service, directly supporting millions of qualifying families. This funding ensures the program can continue operating throughout 2024, with the money remaining available until fully spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission. It amends existing law to change the commission's termination date from an unspecified prior date to September 30, 2034. The commission, responsible for overseeing the park, will continue its work under this extension. The change directly affects the park's management structure and ongoing operations. No new policies or funding are created; the bill only prolongs the commission's existing authority.

Maddy summarySCONRES 24 is a non-binding congressional resolution condemning the Sudan conflict since April 2023, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. It directs the U.S. President to appoint a Special Envoy for Sudan and urges the State Department to review sanctions, monitor arms sales, and coordinate with allies on accountability measures. The resolution also asks international partners to impose targeted sanctions on military leaders, suspend Sudan’s UN participation until a civilian government is formed, and support humanitarian aid. As a symbolic resolution, it expresses congressional support for peace but does not create new legal obligations.

Maddy summarySRES 511 is a U.S. Senate resolution urging Senegal's government to hold free, fair, and transparent presidential elections on February 25, 2024. It directs the U.S. Secretary of State to impose consequences like visa restrictions on those undermining elections and asks USAID to support election observation, voter education, and democratic governance. The resolution specifically calls on Senegal to release arbitrarily detained protesters, respect the independent electoral commission, lift internet/social media restrictions during protests, and ensure safe voting conditions. This resolution directly addresses Senegal's government and U.S. agencies, emphasizing democratic norms without altering Senegalese law.

Maddy summaryThe Kids Online Safety Act requires social media platforms and other online services used by minors to implement safety features protecting children under 17. It mandates default privacy controls, limits addictive features like automatic media playback, restricts advertising of harmful products (tobacco, gambling, alcohol) to minors, and requires annual transparency reports about online risks. Platforms with over 10 million monthly U.S. users must provide parental tools, conduct independent audits, and make de-identified data available for research on online harms. The bill focuses on preventing mental health disorders, bullying, sexual exploitation, and addictive behaviors through platform design changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 493) expresses the U.S. Senate's support for Sri Lanka's peaceful, democratic, and economic goals. It urges the Sri Lankan government to hold free local elections, protect peaceful protests, reform security forces, address corruption, and repeal the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The resolution also calls for restoring land rights in Tamil-majority regions, implementing constitutional devolution, and cooperating with UN human rights recommendations. It specifically references Sri Lanka's economic crisis and human rights concerns as context for these recommendations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change U.S. law but formally advocates for specific actions by the Sri Lankan government.

Maddy summarySRES 494 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing the need for the federal government to develop a national biodiversity strategy. It urges the creation of a coordinated strategy to protect biodiversity, including setting goals like conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 (30x30), restoring ecosystems, and integrating indigenous knowledge. The resolution emphasizes addressing biodiversity loss that disproportionately impacts communities of color, low-income populations, and Tribal communities, while coordinating federal agency efforts with states, tribes, and private landowners. It does not create new laws but calls for a strategy to secure ecosystem services and advance U.S. leadership on global biodiversity goals.

Maddy summaryThe Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand its existing Coastal Program, focusing on protecting, restoring, and enhancing coastal ecosystems across coastal states and territories (including Alaska, Hawaii, Gulf Coast states, and territories like Puerto Rico). It provides $20-25 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to fund voluntary projects on public or private lands, including habitat assessments, restoration, and protection efforts targeting Federal trust species like endangered animals and migratory birds. The bill requires the Service to provide technical assistance, build partner capacity, and submit annual reports tracking progress, funds used, and adaptive management practices. This legislation directly affects coastal ecosystems - such as wetlands, estuaries, and mangroves - and their wildlife by establishing a structured framework for collaborative conservation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 492) honoring the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. It expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and recognizes her lifetime of humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, founding of caregiver support programs, and service with The Carter Center. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2023.