Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin

Maddy summaryS 1098, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act, changes U.S. aid rules for foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) receiving funding under the Foreign Assistance Act. It removes eligibility barriers for these NGOs if they provide health services (like counseling) using their own funds, as long as those services comply with local laws and would be legal in the U.S. It also eliminates extra restrictions on how foreign NGOs can use non-U.S. government funds for advocacy or lobbying, making these rules the same as those applied to U.S. NGOs receiving similar aid. This directly affects foreign health-focused NGOs working in international development and rights advocacy.

Maddy summaryThe End Racial and Religious Profiling Act of 2023 (ERRPA) prohibits law enforcement agencies at all levels from engaging in racial profiling, defined as using race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, or sexual orientation in stops and searches without specific evidence. The bill requires federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to collect and submit data on stops and searches disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, and religion, and to implement training programs on racial profiling. It establishes grant programs to fund data collection demonstration projects and best practices development for eliminating racial profiling, with funds reserved for small and rural law enforcement agencies. The bill also mandates annual reports to Congress on racial profiling data and implementation progress, with enforcement available through civil actions for individuals or the government.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the requirement that background checks for gun sales must be completed within 10 business days. It directly affects federally licensed gun sellers who conduct these checks, eliminating the specific deadline they previously had to finalize the process. The key provision amends existing law (18 U.S.C. § 922(t)(1)) to eliminate the 10-day timeframe, allowing sellers to complete checks without that strict deadline. The bill also includes minor technical corrections to related laws like the Brady Act and Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the age limit for children to receive CHAMPVA medical benefits from 21 to 26 years old, regardless of marital status. It directly affects children of veterans who rely on the CHAMPVA program for healthcare coverage. The key provision amends Section 1781 of Title 38, U.S. Code, to extend eligibility until the child's 26th birthday. The change applies to medical care provided on or after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two specific legal authorizations for U.S. military force against Iraq: the 1991 authorization (Public Law 102-1) and the 2002 authorization (Public Law 107-243). If enacted, it would end the legal basis for military operations in Iraq under these two resolutions. The repeal directly affects the executive branch’s authority to use military force against Iraq under these specific laws. It does not create new policy but removes existing legal permissions.

Maddy summarySRES 138 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing the global risks faced by environmental defenders - individuals protecting natural resources and human rights - and commending their work. It urges the U.S. government to take specific actions, including establishing a dedicated State Department position on environmental defenders, integrating their protection into foreign policy, and using diplomatic pressure to address violence against them. The resolution also calls for ensuring U.S. aid and international financial support do not fund projects harming defenders or the environment, while highlighting the disproportionate threats in regions like Latin America and Asia. It does not create new laws but sets policy recommendations for U.S. agencies and diplomacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), ending its legal authority for future U.S. military operations. It takes effect on July 20, 2025, meaning all military actions after that date would require new congressional approval instead of relying on the 2001 law. The repeal directly affects the executive branch's ability to authorize military force without fresh legislative action, shifting the requirement for authorization to Congress. This change does not impact past military operations conducted under the 2001 AUMF.

Maddy summaryThe EACH Act of 2023 requires federal health programs - including Medicaid, Medicare, the Indian Health Service, and others - to cover abortion services regardless of income or insurance type. It directly affects millions of low-income individuals, women of color (who are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid), LGBTQ+ people, and people in states that currently restrict abortion coverage. Key provisions mandate that all federally funded health programs provide abortion coverage (Section 4), repeal a prior law restricting abortion coverage in private insurance (Section 5), and prohibit federal interference with private insurance coverage of abortion services. The bill aims to remove financial barriers to abortion care by ensuring coverage through federal programs and private plans.

Maddy summaryThe SAFEGUARD Act of 2023 prohibits U.S. arms sales to countries committing genocide or war crimes, requiring the Secretary of State to certify that such nations have taken steps toward accountability and victim compensation before allowing exports. It mandates that all arms export agreements include commitments from recipient governments to not misuse U.S. weapons for human rights violations, with the U.S. retaining the right to demand return of weapons if misuse occurs. The bill also requires the State Department to consider human rights protections and democratic practices when reviewing arms sales, and enhances congressional oversight for sales to countries with credible reports of military coup attempts or security force abuses. This directly affects U.S. arms export decisions to foreign governments and international organizations, adding human rights safeguards to the existing export control framework.

This resolution designates March 2023 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States.