Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin

Maddy summarySRES 408 is a non-binding Senate resolution condemning Hamas for its October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,400 Israelis and abducted nearly 200 hostages. The resolution demands Hamas immediately release all hostages, provide medical care, and cease using them as human shields, while calling on the U.S. to lead global efforts for their safe return. It specifically references Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities, the Nova music festival, and the execution of civilians, citing international law violations. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it does not impose legal requirements or directly affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the detention of pregnant, lactating, or postpartum noncitizens under U.S. immigration law, requiring immediate release unless specific, narrow exceptions apply (e.g., an immediate threat to safety). It bans physical restraints during labor, delivery, or postpartum care, mandates access to comprehensive reproductive health services - including abortion - and requires facilities to conduct biweekly reviews of detained pregnant individuals. Detention facilities must report quarterly on restraint use, detention lengths, and birth outcomes to ensure compliance. The law directly affects immigrant women in immigration custody and applies to all facilities holding such individuals under U.S. immigration authority.

Maddy summarySCONRES 7 is a Senate concurrent resolution condemning Russia’s detention of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition leader jailed for criticizing Vladimir Putin’s regime, the invasion of Ukraine, and advocating for democracy. It calls for his immediate release, urges Russia to free all political prisoners, and expresses solidarity with advocates for democratic values in Russia. The resolution specifically references Kara-Murza’s history of poisoning attempts, his arrest for "spreading false information" after speaking out, and his recent high treason charges. It does not create new laws or impose sanctions but formally expresses congressional opposition to his unjust detention.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning October 8, 2023, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week" to recognize the National Wildlife Refuge System. It encourages public events and activities to celebrate these refuges, which protect habitats, support wildlife conservation (including over 380 threatened species), and contribute to local economies through recreation and tourism. The designation highlights the system's role in providing habitat for over 850 million acres of ecosystems, supporting 41,000 jobs, and fostering community engagement through programs like the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program. It is a symbolic recognition effort with no binding policy changes or funding implications.

Maddy summarySRES 450 is a non-binding Senate resolution introduced in November 2023 that expresses the Senate's position on fair treatment for paraprofessionals (like instructional assistants) and education support staff (such as clerical, transportation, and maintenance workers) in schools. It calls for these workers to receive livable wages, affordable healthcare, job security, paid leave for school closures, and opportunities for professional growth. The resolution specifically outlines 15 key provisions the Senate believes should be implemented, including safe working conditions, representation in policy decisions, and protections against workplace hazards. As a resolution, it does not create new law but aims to highlight the Senate's support for improving conditions for over 3 million essential school workers serving 49 million students.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution approves the 2023 agreements that amend the U.S. compacts with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Palau, which govern their political and economic relationship. It authorizes continued U.S. assistance including funding for health care services, education programs, and economic development initiatives in these nations. The bill establishes new oversight mechanisms requiring regular reporting to Congress on the implementation of these agreements. It also updates procedures for managing funds and ensures that U.S. assistance remains separate from the nations' foreign debt obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to fund career training for jobs in the offshore wind industry and the broader U.S. maritime sector. The Department of Labor will award grants to eligible entities like community colleges, labor unions, and maritime training centers to develop programs that lead to recognized credentials, with priority given to serving dislocated workers (e.g., from oil/gas or fossil fuel industries), veterans, and individuals facing employment barriers. Grantees must track and report on job placement, wages, and demographic data for participants, and at least 25% of funds must support registered apprenticeships. The program is funded at $25 million annually from 2024 through 2028.

Maddy summaryThe Equal COLA Act (S 3194) changes how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated for federal retirees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). It requires that FERS annuities (retirement benefits) be adjusted each December 1 based on the annual change in the price index, rounded to the nearest 0.1%. This applies to all future COLAs, regardless of when the annuity began - whether before, on, or after the law's effective date. The bill directly affects federal retirees receiving FERS benefits, ensuring their payments rise with inflation as measured by the specified price index.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to submit detailed annual reports on program outcomes, including metrics like jobs created, new businesses started, capital secured, and participant demographics. It establishes a Data Collection Working Group to improve how SBDC data is gathered and analyzed, with a report due within 180 days of enactment. SBDCs may now use up to 10% of their budget for marketing their services, and the bill clarifies that fees from private partnerships don’t imply SBA endorsement. These changes aim to enhance transparency, data quality, and outreach for SBDCs serving small businesses nationwide.

Maddy summaryThe SCORE for Small Business Act of 2023 amends the Small Business Act to establish new requirements for the SCORE program, which provides free business counseling and mentoring to small business owners through a network of retired executives. The bill creates a formal cooperative agreement between the Small Business Administration and the SCORE Association, requiring specific financial oversight, detailed annual reporting on program effectiveness, and new standards for online services. It authorizes $18 million annually for the program (2024-2025) and mandates reporting on client demographics, program outcomes, and financial management. The bill directly affects the SCORE Association, the Small Business Administration, and small business owners who receive counseling services through the program.