Maddy summaryThe Smarter Sentencing Act of 2023 reduces mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain non-violent drug offenses under federal law. It redefines "courier" as someone whose role is limited to transporting drugs or money, setting lower sentencing ranges for couriers (5-10 years for first offenses, 10-20 years for repeat offenses) compared to other drug traffickers. The bill allows courts to reduce sentences for people already convicted of covered drug offenses, and directs the Sentencing Commission to update federal sentencing guidelines to align with these changes. It also requires reports on federal criminal offenses and their penalties to improve transparency. This primarily affects individuals convicted of federal drug crimes, particularly those acting as couriers or facing mandatory minimums.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2023 establishes new funding streams to prevent species from needing Endangered Species Act protection and aid recovery of already-listed species. It provides $850 million in 2024 (increasing to $1.3 billion annually after 2027) to states, territories, and tribes through a new Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount, with 15% required for endangered species recovery. The bill also creates a Tribal Wildlife Conservation Account ($97.5 million annually) and an Endangered Species Recovery Fund ($187.5 million annually), with funds to be used for habitat conservation, species management, invasive species control, and conservation education. States must use funds to implement their Wildlife Conservation Strategies, and all funding must supplement, not replace, existing conservation programs. The legislation requires annual reporting to Congress on how funds are used and progress on conservation goals.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals two specific legal authorizations for U.S. military force against Iraq: the 1991 authorization (Public Law 102-1) and the 2002 authorization (Public Law 107-243). If enacted, it would end the legal basis for military operations in Iraq under these two resolutions. The repeal directly affects the executive branch’s authority to use military force against Iraq under these specific laws. It does not create new policy but removes existing legal permissions.
Maddy summarySRES 136 is a Senate resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to communities across the United States. It highlights their service in areas like education support, disaster response, environmental protection, and assisting vulnerable populations, while encouraging the public to honor their work and consider joining national service programs. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of their impact.
Maddy summaryThe Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act creates a federal grant program to fund public parking facilities for commercial trucks along highways and near freight facilities. It authorizes $175 million for fiscal year 2024, increasing to $320 million by 2026, to address parking shortages that impact driver safety and traffic flow. Eligible projects include building rest areas, expanding parking at truck stops or ports, and improving existing facilities, all requiring free public access and no fees for drivers. The program mandates stakeholder input from trucking companies and safety officials, with annual reports to Congress on project effectiveness and parking availability.
This resolution designates March 2023 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States.
Maddy summaryThe Affordable College Textbook Act establishes a federal grant program to help colleges and universities adopt free, openly licensed textbooks (called "open textbooks") to reduce student costs. It requires institutions to publicly list textbook prices and whether materials are open textbooks on course schedules, and funds projects for creating or adapting these resources. Institutions receiving grants must make open textbooks freely available in accessible formats under reusable licenses, while tracking savings and educational impacts. The bill targets the average $1,240 annual cost for textbooks at public four-year colleges, aiming to lower expenses through expanded use of open educational resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study whether the Universal Service Fund (USF) - which helps fund broadband access in rural and low-income areas - should expand who pays into it. Within 120 days of enactment, the FCC must complete this study and report findings to Congress, then propose new rules within a year to reform the USF contribution system. The key mechanism is expanding the USF's funding base to ensure costs are shared fairly between consumers and businesses, while considering impacts on seniors. It directly affects telecom companies currently required to contribute to the USF, but does not change how the fund distributes support.
Maddy summaryS 956, the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2023, eliminates a separate premium for young adult dependents under the TRICARE Young Adult Program. It directly affects military service members' children aged 21-26 who previously paid an additional fee to remain covered after turning 21. The bill amends Title 10, U.S. Code, to remove the separate premium requirement (by striking subsection (c) of section 1110b) and adjusts related eligibility rules, simplifying coverage continuity without additional cost for these dependents.
Maddy summaryThe PRIME Act exempts certain local meat processing from federal inspection requirements. It allows custom slaughter facilities to process animals and prepare meat products for exclusive sale within the same state - either to households or to restaurants, grocery stores, or other food businesses that serve consumers directly in that state. Facilities must comply with their state's laws regarding slaughter and processing, and the bill explicitly states it does not override state regulations on meat handling or sales. This change applies only to intrastate transactions, keeping federal oversight for meat sold across state lines.