Sen. Angus S. King, Jr.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 25-29, 2023, as "National Hazing Awareness Week" to highlight hazing prevention efforts. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the issue and encourages public awareness. The Senate emphasizes that hazing prevention requires ongoing commitment beyond a single week, urging communities to promote safety and well-being. It directly affects the general public, educational institutions, and campus communities by raising visibility for a longstanding concern.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a 30% federal tax credit for owners of hydroelectric dams who make specific upgrades to their facilities. It directly affects dam operators who install qualifying improvements like fish passage systems, water quality enhancements, dam safety upgrades, or river restoration projects (such as removing obsolete structures). The credit applies to property placed in service after December 2022, requires prior approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or state officials, and expires for approvals received after 2031. It also includes special provisions for small, off-grid "approved remote dams" under 20 megawatts.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add Iceland to the list of countries eligible for U.S. E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor) visas, which allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for business or investment purposes. It requires that Iceland provide similar visa access to U.S. citizens as a condition for this change. The bill directly affects Icelandic business owners and investors seeking to establish or manage U.S. operations. This is a procedural change to immigration law, not a new policy, and aims to create visa parity with other treaty partners.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces "Columbus Day" with "Indigenous Peoples’ Day" as the official federal holiday observed on the second Monday in October. It amends U.S. Code Section 6103(a) and updates all existing federal laws, regulations, and official documents to use the new holiday name instead of Columbus Day. The change directly affects federal government operations, including employee pay, public office closures, and official communications on that date.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 372) expresses concern about the rising trend of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries, citing PEN America data showing nearly 3,400 book removals affecting 1,557 titles from July 2022-June 2023. It specifically highlights disproportionate bans targeting books with LGBTQ+ themes (36%) or content about race/racism (37%), including titles like *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Maus*. The resolution urges local schools and libraries to follow established guidelines (e.g., from the American Library Association) when addressing book challenges and reaffirms support for First Amendment rights to read and access diverse perspectives. It does not create new laws but formally calls for protecting students’ access to literature reflecting diverse viewpoints.

This resolution supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.

Maddy summaryThe WELL Seniors Act of 2023 expands Medicare's annual wellness visit program to better address seniors' holistic health needs. It adds screenings for fall risk, food security, housing, transportation, and social support to the visit requirements, effective January 2024, and allows physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists to provide these visits. Providers who include these expanded elements in visits will receive a 10% bonus payment, and the visits will now qualify as telehealth services. The bill also mandates education campaigns targeting low-income and rural seniors, plus research to analyze current usage patterns and improve access.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds Medicare coverage for preventive home visits to assess safety risks and health needs. It defines a "preventive home visit" as an in-person, remote, or hybrid assessment by a qualified professional, conducted no more frequently than once every two years, focusing on fall prevention, home modifications, and nutrition referrals. Medicare will cover 100% of the cost for these visits starting January 1, 2025, using a bundled payment system. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults at risk of falls or home safety issues, by expanding access to non-clinical preventive services.

Maddy summaryS 2936 establishes the Organic Market Development Grant Program as a permanent initiative under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The bill provides federal grants to eligible entities - including organic producers, cooperatives, nonprofits, tribal governments, and processors - to expand storage, processing, and distribution capacity for certified organic products. Grants support activities like equipment upgrades, market development, compliance with organic standards, and technical assistance, with funding set at $75 million annually from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Projects can receive up to $3 million (or $100,000 for equipment-only), requiring a 50% cost match for most grants. This program directly benefits domestic organic supply chain participants seeking to grow market access and modernize operations.