Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin

Maddy summarySRES 371 is a symbolic Senate resolution supporting the designation of September 18-22, 2023, as "Malnutrition Awareness Week." It recognizes the widespread impact of malnutrition across all demographics, particularly vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and communities of color, and highlights existing federal nutrition programs. The resolution urges support for these programs, access to nutrition counseling, and awareness of malnutrition's health and economic costs, without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates July 11 as the National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide. It establishes a symbolic observance requiring all U.S. citizens, organizations, and federal, state, and local governments to recognize this day through proclamations and educational activities. The bill specifically encourages remembrance of the over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys killed in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, condemnation of genocide denial, and support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's multi-ethnic stability. It does not create new programs or alter existing laws, serving solely as a ceremonial designation.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Delaware River Basin Conservation program through 2030, extending its current deadline. It updates the basin's definition to include Maryland as a fifth participating state (previously a four-state basin) and adjusts cost-sharing rules to provide greater federal funding for projects serving small, rural, or disadvantaged communities - increasing the federal share to 90% (or up to 100% in cases of financial hardship). The changes directly affect the five basin states (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and now Maryland) and communities qualifying under the new cost-sharing provisions. The bill makes no new program creation but extends existing conservation funding mechanisms with expanded eligibility for vulnerable areas.

Maddy summarySRES 368 designates the week of September 17-23, 2023, as "Telehealth Awareness Week" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It recognizes telehealth's role in expanding healthcare access, especially during the pandemic, and urges steps to raise public awareness, highlight telehealth resources, collect usage data, and promote continued access for all communities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges telehealth's importance. It directly affects public awareness efforts and stakeholders (patients, providers, policymakers) by designating a focused week for advocacy. The bill is procedural, with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summarySCONRES 20 is a symbolic U.S. Senate concurrent resolution recognizing Chile's pro-democracy movement for ending the Pinochet dictatorship and restoring civilian government. It expresses U.S. regret for historical U.S. involvement in destabilizing Chile's democracy, including CIA activities supporting the 1973 coup and Pinochet regime. The resolution specifically calls for declassifying U.S. records related to the 1973 coup and its aftermath, marking the 50th anniversary of the event. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any group, but affirms shared democratic values with Chile.

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 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 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.

Maddy summaryThe Schedules That Work Act requires employers in retail, food service, hospitality, and cleaning industries to provide 14 days' advance notice of work schedules and pay predictability pay for last-minute changes. It gives eligible nonexempt workers the right to request schedule adjustments for family care, health needs, education, or second jobs, with employers required to grant these requests unless they have a bona fide business reason for denial. The law applies to covered employers with 15 or more workers and prohibits retaliation against employees who exercise these rights. The legislation aims to address widespread issues with unpredictable scheduling that disproportionately affect low-wage workers, particularly women and people of color, by providing greater schedule stability and control.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning September 11, 2023, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize institutions that enroll at least 25% Hispanic students. It directly affects Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which serve over 5 million students across 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The resolution calls for public observance through ceremonies and activities during that week to honor HSIs' role in advancing educational access, economic mobility, and Hispanic Heritage Month. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy impact but formally acknowledges these institutions' contributions.