Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summarySRES 378 is a Senate resolution designating September 25-October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the work of institutions that enroll at least 10% Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander students and highlights their role in serving over 46% of such students nationwide. The resolution encourages eligible institutions to seek federal funding and marks the 16th anniversary of the program established by the 2007 College Cost Reduction Act. It does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges these institutions' contributions to higher education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2023 as "PCOS Awareness Month" to raise public and medical awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It directly affects women and girls in the U.S. impacted by PCOS, a condition affecting 6-12% of women that causes hormonal imbalances, infertility, metabolic issues, and mental health challenges. The resolution urges improved diagnosis, treatment, and research into PCOS and its comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is a symbolic gesture with no binding legal effect, aiming to support broader education and care for those living with PCOS.

Maddy summaryThe NEWBORN Act (S 2978) establishes federal grants to fund pilot programs aimed at reducing infant mortality in high-risk areas. It authorizes $10 million annually (2023-2027) for eligible entities like county health departments, tribal organizations, or state health departments to implement programs targeting causes such as preterm birth, birth defects, SIDS, and maternal complications. These programs must include community-specific outreach, prenatal/postpartum support, rural care access, public education campaigns, and coordination with existing health services. The bill requires grantees to submit annual reports on program outcomes and limits program evaluation costs to 10% of grant funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax credit for investors who make long-term investments in qualified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), allowing them to claim 3% to 4% of their investment amount annually over a 10-year period. The credit applies to investments held for at least 10 years, with specific "credit allowance dates" marking annual eligibility, and is subject to a national annual limit of $1 billion in 2023 (rising to $2 billion yearly after 2024, adjusted for inflation). CDFIs must apply for allocation of the credit limit based on criteria like community impact, ability to attract private capital, and investment plans, with unused limits carried over to future years. The credit is integrated into the general business tax credit system and applies to investments made after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryS 2995, the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, amends the TAIPEI Act of 2019 to clarify that UN Resolution 2758 (XXVI) does not address Taiwan's representation or sovereignty. It directs U.S. officials in international organizations to resist China's efforts to distort policies affecting Taiwan's participation and encourages U.S. allies to oppose China's attempts to undermine Taiwan's international partnerships. The bill also requires annual reports detailing China's actions to challenge Taiwan's membership or observer status in international bodies. These provisions aim to strengthen Taiwan's international engagement by clarifying U.S. policy and directing diplomatic efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 17-23, 2023, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week" to recognize the work of community school coordinators nationwide. It does not create new policies or funding but symbolically honors these coordinators for their role in connecting schools with community resources. The resolution highlights their contributions to improving student attendance, academic outcomes, and family engagement, as noted in supporting studies cited in the text. It urges participation in events celebrating these coordinators but has no binding effect on law or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Head Start and Early Head Start programs to hire college students through federal work-study programs under the Higher Education Act. It directly affects Head Start agencies, Early Head Start programs, and college students participating in work-study. Key provisions require agencies to verify compliance with safety rules before hiring students, mandate that students follow all program personnel policies, and specify that student workers cannot be left alone with children or count toward required staff-to-child ratios. The changes ensure student employment in these early childhood programs operates within existing safety and staffing standards.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 361, introduced on September 26, 2023, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which established key anti-discrimination protections for people with disabilities. The resolution recognizes the Act's role in advancing civil rights through provisions like Section 504 (prohibiting disability discrimination in federally funded programs) and Section 508 (ensuring accessible technology), while calling for continued efforts to address remaining barriers. It specifically urges Federal agencies to strengthen enforcement of accessibility standards and focus on equity for people with disabilities from underserved communities, including people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and those in rural or low-income areas.

Maddy summaryS 2932, the Housing ACCESS Act, requires the federal government to create guidance helping states connect Medicaid beneficiaries (people receiving medical assistance) with housing services. It directs agencies to simplify coordination between healthcare and housing providers, develop agreements aligning eligibility and outcomes tracking, and support housing providers in seeking Medicaid reimbursement. The bill also mandates a national study to set fair reimbursement rates for housing services, aiming to ensure living wages, reduce staff turnover, and maintain a 1:15 case manager-to-client ratio. States must report on progress within two years, focusing on racial equity in housing stability and health outcomes.

Maddy summaryS 2928, the Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2023, requires federal water infrastructure projects funded through the WIFIA program to have payment and performance security to protect taxpayers. It mandates that contractors provide security covering at least 50% of the construction cost, either through state/local requirements or federal bond standards if no state rules apply. This directly affects contractors working on federally funded water projects and ensures taxpayer funds are safeguarded against project failures. The bill amends existing law to add these security requirements without altering project eligibility or environmental standards.