Sen. Chris Van Hollen

Maddy summarySRES 678 designates May 3, 2024, as "United States Foreign Service Day" to honor current and former members of the U.S. Foreign Service, including those who died while serving. The resolution recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Foreign Service (established by the Rogers Act of 1924) and acknowledges the work of approximately 16,000 Foreign Service personnel worldwide. It does not create new policies or obligations but serves as a symbolic recognition of their diplomatic, security, and humanitarian contributions.

Maddy summary# Summary of the Proposed Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Prevention Bill This document is a comprehensive legislative proposal focused on addressing substance use disorder through a public health approach rather than a criminal justice approach. The key elements include: ## Main Components (Title XXXIV of the Public Health Service Act) **Subtitle A: Local and State Grants** - Establishes a grant program for local and state entities to provide substance use disorder treatment - Requires establishment of a "planning council" for each locality - Specifies funding requirements and administrative structures **Subtitle B: State and Tribal Grants** - Creates a grant program for states and tribes to address substance use disorder - Includes requirements for planning councils and other administrative structures - Provides significant funding for these programs **Subtitle C: Other Grant Program** - Establishes a grant program for public entities, nonprofits, Indian entities, and Medicaid providers - Prioritizes organizations serving underserved populations - Includes specific requirements for applications and service delivery **Subtitle D: Innovation, Training, and Health Systems Strengthening** - Creates "Special projects of national significance" for innovative treatment models - Establishes education and training centers for health professionals - Provides funding to increase substance use disorder treatment provider capacity - Includes programs to support workers with substance use disorder ## Key Funding Authorizations The bill authorizes substantial annual funding across all subtitles: - **Subtitle A:** $4.6 billion annually (2024-2033) - **Subtitle B:** $4.6 billion annually (2024-2033) - **Subtitle C:** $1 billion annually (2024-2033) - **Subtitle D:** - Special projects: $500 million annually - Education/training: $500 million annually - Provider capacity: $50 million annually - Employee support: $40 million annually - Research: $10 million annually ## Additional Key Provisions 1. **Amendments to Controlled Substances Act:** - Requires "covered persons" (dispensers, distributors, manufacturers of schedule II controlled substances) to submit annual certifications regarding diversion controls and misbranding - Establishes civil and criminal penalties for failure to submit or submitting false certifications - Creates a "Comprehensive Addiction Resources Fund" to collect penalties and supplement substance use disorder treatment funding 2. **General Limitations on Fund Use:** - Funds can only be used for public health purposes - Prohibits use of funds for incarceration, institutionalization, or involuntary treatment of individuals with substance use disorder - Prohibits use of funds for activities inconsistent with public health purposes 3. **Federal Drug Demand Reduction Activities:** - Requires the Director of National Drug Control Policy to publish an online list of all drug control program grant programs - Mandates annual review of federally funded demand reduction activities for effectiveness and efficiency ## Overall Approach The bill represents a significant shift toward a public health model for addressing substance use disorder, emphasizing: - Treatment rather than punishment - Prevention and early intervention - Training for health professionals - Support for underserved populations - Evidence-based treatment models - Comprehensive data collection and research This legislation is designed to provide substantial, sustained funding for a comprehensive approach to the opioid crisis and broader substance use disorder treatment, with specific requirements to ensure accountability, effectiveness, and public health focus.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee all U.S. citizens of voting age the fundamental right to vote in any public election in their jurisdiction. It would prohibit denying or restricting voting rights except when a government demonstrates a "compelling interest" using the "least restrictive means," and repeal the phrase "or other crime" from the 14th Amendment’s voting rights clause. Congress would gain authority to enforce this amendment through legislation. The amendment directly affects all eligible voters nationwide and would fundamentally reshape federal and state voting rights laws.

Maddy summarySRES 505 is a Senate resolution condemning Hamas for allegedly using sexual violence and rape as a weapon of war during its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. It cites evidence gathered by Israeli authorities, including reports from over 1,500 victims and witnesses, and references the Fourth Geneva Convention which classifies rape in conflict as a war crime. The resolution calls on the international community to prioritize eliminating gender-based violence in conflicts, respond promptly to reports of such violence, and demand accountability for perpetrators. It directly honors victims of the attacks and stands with survivors and families affected by these alleged atrocities.

Maddy summaryS 4272, the Shirley Chisholm Statue Act, directs the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain and permanently place a statue of Shirley Chisholm - the first Black woman elected to Congress - in the U.S. Capitol within two years of the bill’s enactment. The bill authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to negotiate the statue agreement on behalf of the committee and specifies that funds for this purpose must be appropriated and remain available until spent. This procedural bill affects Capitol public spaces and honors Chisholm’s historical significance, with no policy changes beyond the statue’s placement.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax rules to prevent corporations from restructuring as foreign entities to avoid paying U.S. taxes. It targets companies that restructured after May 8, 2014, by requiring them to pay U.S. taxes as if they were domestic corporations unless they meet strict U.S. business activity requirements. Key provisions include raising the ownership threshold for former U.S. shareholders from 60% to 80% and mandating that at least 25% of key business metrics (like employees, compensation, assets, or income) must occur in the U.S. The law applies to tax years after 2014, with limited exceptions for corporations maintaining substantial foreign operations.

Maddy summaryThe Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act establishes a comprehensive U.S. policy framework to support democracy, economic development, and regional stability in the six Western Balkans countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). It codifies existing sanctions against those threatening regional stability, creates a 5-year strategy for economic development and democratic resilience, and authorizes programs to combat corruption, strengthen cybersecurity, and support youth leadership initiatives. Key mechanisms include requiring congressional review of certain sanctions actions, promoting regional economic integration through trade initiatives, and supporting the transition to clean energy sources to reduce dependence on Russian energy. The bill aims to counter disinformation campaigns, strengthen ties with NATO and EU institutions, and align regional efforts with European Union standards and accession requirements.

Maddy summarySRES 673 is a commemorative Senate resolution honoring the late David Hampton Pryor, who served as a U.S. Senator for Arkansas from 1978 to 1997. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and deliver a copy to his family. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing Pryor’s career as a legislator, governor, and public servant. The resolution concludes with the Senate adjourning as a mark of respect for his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 668) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring the late Senator Daniel Robert "Bob" Graham of Florida, who died on November 9, 2023. It formally expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and deliver a copy to his family. The resolution commemorates Graham's career as a Florida senator (1987-2005), governor (1979-1987), and his work on the 9/11 intelligence inquiry, but does not create any new laws or affect constituents. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to memorialize his service.

Maddy summarySRES 671 is a ceremonial Senate resolution supporting the designation of April 28-May 4, 2024, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the U.S. for their economic contributions, noting they support over 62 million jobs through 33 million businesses. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of small businesses' resilience and role in strengthening local economies. As a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, it does not impose requirements or directly affect specific entities.