Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for eligible taxpayers. It raises the maximum credit rate from 35% to 50% (with income phaseouts), doubles the annual dollar limits from $3,000/$6,000 to $8,000/$16,000 for one/two or more dependents, and makes the credit refundable for qualifying taxpayers. The credit becomes refundable, meaning families can receive payments even if they owe no income tax. The bill also includes automatic annual inflation adjustments starting in 2025 to maintain the credit's value. It directly benefits working families with childcare costs, particularly those earning between $125,000 and $400,000 in adjusted gross income.

Maddy summarySRES 530 is a Senate resolution designating January 23, 2024, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to highlight maternal health challenges in the U.S., including high mortality rates and racial disparities. It encourages federal, state, tribal, and local governments, as well as healthcare providers, to take action on improving maternal health outcomes and reducing inequities. The resolution references statistics showing Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals face significantly higher risks of maternal death and that rural communities often lack access to obstetric care, but it does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summarySRES 523 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate it to the House of Representatives and send a copy to his family, and instructs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but formally commemorates Kohl's service and legacy. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of Senators and passed unanimously on January 11, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a corporate tax penalty on large companies where the CEO's pay exceeds 50 times the pay of the average worker. For corporations with a pay ratio over 50:1, the standard 21% corporate tax rate increases by 0.5% to 5% based on how high the ratio is (e.g., 5% for ratios over 500:1). It applies only to corporations with average annual revenue over $100 million, exempting smaller businesses. The penalty takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and includes rules to prevent companies from manipulating the ratio by using contractors instead of employees.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Presidential Inaugural Committee to publicly disclose all donations and disbursements over $200, including the recipient's name, date, and purpose. It bans foreign national donations, prohibits donating in another person's name, and prevents converting donated funds to personal use. The committee must distribute any remaining funds to 501(c)(3) charities within 90 days after the inauguration, with possible extensions requiring supplemental reporting. The bill directly affects the Inaugural Committee and donors contributing $200 or more.

Maddy summaryS 3623, the Research for Healthy Soils Act, authorizes federal grants to study microplastics in biosolids applied to farmland. The bill directs research on microplastic concentrations (under 5mm), wastewater filtration methods, impacts on crops/soil health, and microplastic movement in agricultural settings. It affects agricultural researchers, wastewater treatment facilities, and farmers through potential future data on land-applied biosolids. The bill also reauthorizes existing research programs through 2028, updating a 1990 law without changing current regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal right for patients to access fertility treatments without unreasonable restrictions, protects health care providers who offer these services, and requires insurance coverage for such treatments. It guarantees patients the right to continue ongoing treatments under written agreements and retain control over reproductive materials. States cannot impose requirements that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures or that don’t significantly advance safety. Violations can be challenged in federal court by the government, patients, or providers, while states may still enforce health/safety regulations that are necessary and least restrictive.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 521) expresses the U.S. Senate's support for Taiwan's democratic institutions and its history of free elections. It commends Taiwan for holding 7 presidential and 9 legislative elections since transitioning to democracy in the late 1980s, including peaceful transfers of power between political parties. The resolution specifically highlights Taiwan's upcoming 2024 elections and reaffirms U.S. commitment to existing policy frameworks like the Taiwan Relations Act. As a symbolic resolution, it has no binding effect but formally recognizes Taiwan's democratic achievements and expresses concern over potential interference in its elections.

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 summaryThis bill retroactively restores pay, benefits, and seniority for senior military officers (O-7 rank or higher) whose promotions were delayed due to a Senate confirmation suspension starting in February 2023. It applies specifically to officers confirmed between December 5-31, 2023, who faced delays because the Senate paused its advice-and-consent process for such appointments. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to pay retroactive compensation from a defined date (the later of 30 days after Senate calendar placement or the original appointment date) and use that date for determining the officer's seniority in their new rank. It directly affects military personnel whose career progression was impacted by the confirmation delay, without creating new policy or changing appointment procedures.