Maddy summaryS 4028 authorizes $15 million annually (2025-2029) through the National Science Foundation to fund competitive grants for programs supporting women, underrepresented minorities (including Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ individuals), and people with disabilities in STEM fields. Eligible entities like universities or nonprofits can use these grants for activities such as mentoring, internships, online workshops, and outreach to K-12 students. The bill directly affects institutions applying for these grants and the students and professionals they serve in STEM education and careers. It aims to address documented gaps in STEM participation and retention through concrete, funded initiatives rather than legislative mandates.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Federal Labor-Management Partnership Council under Title 5 of the U.S. Code to advise the President on labor-management relations across the federal government. The Council, composed of agency leaders, labor representatives, and management officials, must support local partnerships, share best practices, and gather input from agencies and external experts. It requires all federal agencies (and three specific legislative branch entities: the Capitol Police, GAO, and Architect of the Capitol) to create labor-management committees that involve employees early in workplace decisions, provide dispute-resolution training, and evaluate performance improvements. Key provisions mandate pre-decisional employee input on workplace matters - regardless of bargaining status - and require agencies to resolve changes through these committees. The law aims to formalize collaborative structures to improve federal workforce operations and public service delivery.
Maddy summaryThe Upholding Human Rights Abroad Act (S 4044) requires the U.S. Department of Defense to assess the human rights records of foreign military groups before providing them with U.S. support for special operations. It prohibits using federal funds to support any foreign force or unit with credible evidence of serious human rights violations, unless waived for extraordinary circumstances or in cases like disaster relief. The bill mandates that the Defense Secretary, with the State Department, include detailed descriptions of recipients' human rights records and corrective efforts in reports. This applies to both irregular warfare and counterterrorism operations, aligning U.S. support with human rights standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies collective bargaining rules for employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by removing three outdated subsections (formerly (b), (c), and (d)) and reorganizing the remaining rules. It directly affects VHA employees and their unions, streamlining how they negotiate with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The key change simplifies the existing framework without adding new requirements or restrictions. This is a procedural adjustment to the current labor relations process for VA healthcare workers.
Maddy summaryS 4048, the North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act, increases annual funding for wetlands conservation programs. It amends the existing law to authorize up to $65 million per year (from $60 million) for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, extending the funding period beyond the previous 2021-2025 authorization. This bill directly affects the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, which provides grants to conservation projects protecting wetlands habitat across North America. The change is purely procedural, adjusting funding levels and timelines without altering program requirements or eligibility.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new job category for direct support professionals (DSPs) in the federal Standard Occupational Classification system. DSPs are workers who provide personalized care to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, helping them with daily tasks, community participation, and achieving independence goals. The bill requires the Office of Management and Budget to add a specific code (31-1123) under healthcare support occupations within 30 days of enactment. This change aims to improve data collection on DSP workforce shortages and high turnover rates, which currently affect service stability for people with disabilities. It does not change funding, services, or regulations - only how these workers are classified for statistical purposes.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 21, 2024, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors, highlighting their role in farming operations, agricultural sales (accounting for 36% of U.S. farm sales in 2022), and workforce development. The resolution encourages all citizens to acknowledge women's impact on the agricultural industry and support their participation in the field through initiatives like mentorship and education. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not create new policies or obligations but aims to raise awareness of women's roles in agriculture.
Maddy summaryThe American Innovation Act (S 3997) authorizes significant funding increases for federal science and technology programs through fiscal year 2035. It directly affects five key agencies: the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Department of Defense science programs, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. The bill sets specific annual funding levels for each agency (e.g., $9.74 billion for NSF in 2025), with automatic annual increases tied to inflation for years 2035 onward. It also exempts these appropriations from sequestration under the Balanced Budget Act, ensuring stable funding without requiring offsetting budget cuts.
Maddy summaryThe PAST Act of 2024 amends the Horse Protection Act to strengthen protections against "soring" - the deliberate infliction of pain on horses to exaggerate their gait, primarily affecting Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking Horses, and Spotted Saddle Horses at shows, exhibitions, or sales. Key provisions include defining prohibited "action devices" (like certain boots or weighted shoes), implementing stricter disqualification periods for sore horses (180 days, then 1 year, then 3 years), requiring licensed, conflict-free inspectors, and increasing penalties for violations (fines up to $5,000 per offense and up to 3 years in prison). The bill directly affects event organizers, inspectors, competitors, and horse owners by mandating new inspection protocols and enforcement. It focuses on concrete policy changes to prevent animal cruelty in the horse show industry.
Maddy summaryS.Res. 593 is a Senate resolution condemning Russia's purported suspension of the New START Treaty and its nuclear threats during the invasion of Ukraine. It calls for Russia to return to full treaty compliance - including on-site inspections - and urges the President to continue arms control discussions with Russia and China. The resolution aims to maintain strategic stability and prevent nuclear escalation, directly addressing U.S. foreign policy priorities and Russia's actions. It does not impose legal requirements but expresses the Senate's position on arms control.