Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies tax rules to help communities replace lead pipes in drinking water systems. It clarifies that using tax-exempt bonds to replace privately-owned lead service lines connected to public water systems does not count as "private business use" under federal tax law. This change specifically affects public water systems seeking to comply with federal lead regulations by making financing these replacements easier through tax-exempt bonds. The policy change applies to bonds issued after December 31, 2023, directly enabling more efficient funding for lead pipe removal projects.

Maddy summaryThe Tax Fairness for Workers Act (S 738) allows employees to deduct certain work-related expenses from their taxable income. It creates an above-the-line deduction for union dues and adds a new exception permitting miscellaneous itemized deductions for other employee expenses, such as uniforms or tools, that were previously limited. This directly affects wage-earning workers who pay union dues or have unreimbursed job costs. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022, and remove prior restrictions on these deductions.

Maddy summaryS 701, the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023, prohibits states from imposing restrictions on abortion that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures. It protects access to abortion before fetal viability (when a fetus could survive outside the womb) by banning requirements like unnecessary in-person visits, medically inaccurate counseling, or facility restrictions not applied to similar care. Post-viability abortions remain protected when medically necessary to safeguard a patient’s life or health. The bill preempts conflicting state laws and ensures enforcement through federal courts to uphold these access protections for patients and health care providers.

Maddy summarySRES 96 is a non-binding Senate resolution celebrating the economic contributions of women business owners in the United States. It recognizes that women-owned businesses employ over 10 million people and generate nearly $1.9 trillion in annual revenue, while commending their entrepreneurial spirit and highlighting their growth from 4.6% to 42% of all U.S. businesses since 1972. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their role in the economy. It directly affects public recognition of women entrepreneurs, not specific individuals or businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins honoring working dogs, including $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar coins, to be sold starting January 1, 2025. A surcharge of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, and $5 per half-dollar coin will be added to the sale price, with all surcharge funds directed to America’s VetDogs to support its service dog programs for veterans and people with disabilities. The coins are legal tender but will only be issued for one year (2025), with production limited to specified quantities (50,000 gold, 500,000 silver, 750,000 half-dollars). The bill does not create new government programs but uses commemorative coin sales to fund existing service dog initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2023 would repeal a 12% federal tax on new heavy trucks, tractors, and trailers. This tax, levied since 1917, currently adds $12,000 to $22,000 to the cost of a new heavy truck. The repeal would directly lower upfront costs for truck manufacturers, dealers, and trucking companies purchasing new vehicles. By removing this tax, the bill aims to make newer, cleaner trucks more affordable, encouraging the replacement of older, less efficient models.

Maddy summaryThe TRUE EQUITY Act (S 667) aims to address educational inequities by providing federal grants to states that establish independent State Oversight Boards to ensure educational equity and commit to closing achievement gaps for students of color and low-income students. The bill creates four grant programs focused on early childhood education, teacher quality, college and career readiness pathways, and student support services, requiring states to provide significant matching funds (200% for most programs) and align with specific educational equity goals. States must establish oversight mechanisms to monitor progress toward equity goals and hold school systems accountable for meeting them, with potential withholding of funds for noncompliance. The legislation directly affects states, local school districts, and students, particularly those from historically underserved communities, by providing funding for targeted educational reforms. The bill also modifies existing education laws to increase flexibility for states to consolidate funding for equitable per-pupil spending.

Maddy summarySRES 92 is a 2023 Senate resolution expressing concern about illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing in Latin America and the Caribbean. It specifically links IUU fishing to threats against security, biodiversity, and coastal livelihoods, while highlighting its connection to human trafficking and forced labor - citing that approximately 128,000 fishers globally face forced labor conditions tied to such activities. The resolution calls for stronger regional cooperation, inclusion of labor rights in IUU fishing definitions, and measures like trade agreement provisions and sanctions against entities involved in IUU fishing, particularly targeting Chinese distant-water fishing fleets. It does not create new laws but urges U.S. agencies and partner governments to take concrete steps to address IUU fishing and its associated crimes.

Maddy summarySRES 57 is a Senate resolution honoring David Ferdinand Durenberger, a former U.S. Senator from Minnesota (served 1978-1989). It commemorates his life and career, highlighting his role as the lead Republican sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act and his work protecting Minnesota's natural resources like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The resolution directs the Senate to formally recognize his passing and transmit a copy to his family. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor Navy pilot Everett Alvarez, Jr., for his service as a Vietnam War POW and subsequent public service. It directs the Speaker of the House and Senate President pro tempore to arrange for the medal's presentation, specifying it must bear his name and image. Bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. The bill is purely ceremonial, recognizing Alvarez's 8+ years as a prisoner of war and his post-military career. It does not create new policies or affect any government programs.