Maddy summaryS 930, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023, creates a presumption that public safety officers (such as firefighters and police) who develop specific cancers after exposure during duty have work-related injuries. It defines "exposure-related cancer" to include 22 types (like lung, leukemia, and WTC-related cancers) and presumes these cancers are work-related if officers were exposed during service, diagnosed within 15 years of retirement, and the cancer caused death or permanent disability. The bill requires the Bureau to review scientific evidence to add new cancer types to the list within 180 days of a petition. This directly affects families seeking benefits for fallen officers by shifting the burden of proof to the Bureau, not the claimants.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 722 is a Senate resolution expressing gratitude for the heroism of U.S. Armed Forces members who participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. It commemorates the 80th anniversary of this pivotal World War II operation, which helped end the war, and commends the leadership and bravery of those who fought. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging public ceremonies to honor veterans' sacrifices and recognizes France's efforts to preserve Normandy's historical sites as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor historical service and legacy.
Maddy summarySRES 385 is a non-binding Senate resolution calling for the immediate release of Evan Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen and Wall Street Journal journalist wrongfully detained by Russia since March 2023. It urges the U.S. executive branch to press Russia for his release, demands consular access for him, and condemns Russia’s detention of journalists for political purposes. The resolution also specifically calls for the release of Paul Whelan, detained since 2018, and expresses support for other U.S. citizens wrongfully held in Russia. It does not create new legal requirements but formally expresses congressional concern.
Maddy summaryS 4440, the Public Housing Emergency Response Act, authorizes $70 billion in federal funding for public housing infrastructure repairs through HUD's Public Housing Capital Fund. The bill directly affects approximately 1.2 million public housing units nationwide and their residents, who face severe health risks from aging infrastructure like lead exposure, mold, and inadequate heating. Key provisions require the funds to be allocated based on each housing authority's documented repair needs, rather than fixed formulas, and remain available until fully spent. This targets the $70 billion national backlog in capital repairs, aiming to address immediate health hazards linked to poor housing conditions.
Maddy summarySRES 707 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month in May. It formally celebrates Jewish Americans' 350+ year contributions to U.S. society, culture, and history - highlighting their roles in government, arts, science, and community service. The resolution calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society to condemn antisemitism and promote education about Jewish heritage, responding to documented rises in antisemitic incidents and Holocaust misinformation. It does not create new laws but affirms longstanding congressional recognition of this month, which has been observed annually since 2006 through presidential proclamations.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 2024 as "American Stroke Month" to raise public awareness about stroke prevention and treatment. It encourages Americans to learn stroke warning signs (like face drooping or speech difficulty), recognize risk factors (such as high blood pressure), and call 911 immediately during a stroke. The resolution also urges support for initiatives promoting stroke awareness, research, and access to quality care to reduce stroke-related deaths and disability. It does not create new laws or allocate funding, serving solely as a symbolic recognition effort.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal grants to improve mental health services in schools by targeting high-need schools (those with high poverty rates). It requires states to use funds to recruit counselors, psychologists, and social workers to meet specific staffing ratios: 250 students per counselor/social worker and 500 students per psychologist. States must provide 20% matching funds and prioritize schools with the greatest need, with annual reporting on progress toward these ratios. The bill authorizes $5 billion for fiscal year 2025 to support these efforts, aiming to increase access to school-based mental health care for students facing mental health challenges.
Maddy summaryThe End Polluter Welfare Act of 2024 eliminates numerous subsidies and financial benefits for fossil fuel companies across multiple government programs. It increases royalty rates for coal and oil/gas extraction, prohibits federal funding for fossil fuel projects through various agencies, and repeals tax provisions that previously provided advantages to the fossil fuel industry. The bill directly affects fossil fuel producers by ending royalty relief, eliminating tax deductions and credits for fossil fuel production, and requiring them to pay higher taxes on crude oil and natural gas. Key mechanisms include terminating the Office of Fossil Energy, restricting international financial institutions from funding fossil fuel projects, and modifying tax rules to eliminate special treatment for fossil fuel producers.
Maddy summaryThe GPA Act (S 4425) establishes U.S. sanctions against Georgian officials who obstruct Georgia's path to NATO and EU membership, including those involved in significant corruption or actions undermining Georgia's sovereignty. It requires the U.S. to review and potentially suspend foreign assistance to Georgia if the government continues policies that impede democratic development, such as the controversial "foreign agents bill" that restricts civil society. The legislation includes provisions to support Georgia's democratic institutions, free elections, and civil society while emphasizing U.S. support for Georgia's territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. It also mandates reports on disinformation, political prisoners, and corruption in Georgia, reflecting U.S. concerns about democratic backsliding and Georgia's relationship with Russia. The act includes a sunset provision, expiring five years after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill, S 4385 (Enhancing Oversight to End Discrimination in Policing Act), requires the Justice Department to revise consent decree procedures for law enforcement investigations to include community oversight bodies and non-law enforcement remedies like mental health support. It authorizes $445 million annually (2025-2034) for pattern-or-practice investigations and establishes a $150 million grant program for states to fund independent investigations, implement reforms, and develop community-based alternatives to policing (e.g., social workers). States receiving grants must report quarterly on fund use and progress, with strict rules preventing diversion of funds to regular law enforcement operations. The bill also expands investigations to include prosecutors/judges and mandates reporting on demographic data for cases involving rights violations.