Sen. Susan M. Collins

Maddy summaryThe Autism CARES Act of 2024 reauthorizes and updates federal autism programs through 2029, increasing annual funding for research and services from $23.1 million to $28.1 million. It requires new reports on developmental-behavioral pediatrician shortages and transitions for young adults with autism from school to adult services. The bill modernizes language to be more inclusive (e.g., "culturally and linguistically appropriate" instead of "culturally competent") and expands technical assistance for communication tools. These changes directly affect individuals with autism spectrum disorder, healthcare providers, and state/tribal agencies administering federal autism programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires investment companies and their transfer agents to implement safeguards for "specified adults" (individuals aged 65+ or with mental/physical impairments that limit their ability to protect their interests). It mandates that these firms request and retain contact information for a trusted person when a customer holds a direct-at-fund account, and allows them to postpone redemptions for up to 15 business days (extendable by 10 days) if they reasonably suspect financial exploitation during a redemption request. Firms must document all delays, notify designated contacts within 2 days of an extension, and hold funds in a demand deposit account during the delay. The law also requires firms to establish internal procedures for handling such cases and include redemption delay notices in prospectuses.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the CDC to establish a sepsis program team focused on improving hospital practices for early sepsis detection and treatment, with specific emphasis on pediatric cases and racial disparities. Key mechanisms include updating health data standards, requiring hospitals to adopt evidence-based protocols (like the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements), and mandating annual congressional reports on hospital adoption rates and pediatric sepsis outcomes. Hospitals may voluntarily join a "honor roll" program recognizing effective sepsis programs, while the CDC coordinates with Medicare/Medicaid to develop quality measures. The bill authorizes $20 million annually (2025-2029) to fund these initiatives, targeting hospitals and federal health agencies to reduce sepsis-related deaths.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds a provision to the Social Security Act to provide retirement benefits for U.S. citizens wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. It deems these individuals to have earned wages during their detention period - specifically, 1/12th of the national average wage index from the prior year - for each qualifying month they were unlawfully held. To qualify, applicants must submit federal agency documentation confirming their detention status and meet the definition of a "qualifying individual" under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery Act. Benefits apply only to months before retirement age, and applicants must formally apply with required documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides supplemental funding to address a shortfall in the Department of Veterans Affairs' 2024 budget. It appropriates $2.285 billion for veterans' compensation and pensions and $596.969 million for readjustment benefits (such as education and housing assistance), both to remain available until spent. The bill also requires the GAO to review the funding shortfall causes, the Office of Management and Budget to revise the 2025 VA budget, and the VA Secretary to report on potential cost savings within VA's Central Office. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but ensures existing benefits can be delivered.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary 30-member Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Reform to review how federal agencies issue regulations. The committee would examine current regulatory processes, identify rules that could be repealed, and recommend ways for Congress to review proposed regulations with significant economic impact ($50 million or more annually) before they take effect. Composed of 15 Senate members and 15 House members appointed by party leadership, the committee would operate for one year and hold hearings on regulatory burdens across different economic sectors. It would also analyze the feasibility of creating a permanent committee to review major regulations, with recommendations submitted to Congress within 90 days of its termination.

Maddy summarySRES 795 is a Senate resolution expressing strong disapproval of the Department of Education's delayed implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act for the 2024-2025 academic year. The resolution cites specific issues, including the FAFSA application launching on December 31 (instead of the usual October 1), delayed data transmission to colleges until March, and resulting financial aid delays past National College Decision Day on May 1. This directly affected students - particularly those in foster care or experiencing homelessness - by reducing their time to compare college financial options. The resolution calls on the Department to address rollout problems for future cycles and testify to Congress, but it does not create new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies tax rules for government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It amends the tax code to specify that the U.S. government or its agencies are not considered "tax-exempt entities" when applying certain rules to these GSEs' stock. The change affects how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are treated under tax law but does not create new housing programs or directly impact rural housing investments. The title "Preserving Rural Housing Investments" is misleading, as the bill addresses only a narrow tax clarification with no direct policy changes for housing. The amendment applies to taxable years ending after July 30, 2008.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the Child Care and Development Block Grant program through fiscal year 2029, providing federal funding to help low-income working families access quality child care. It requires states to develop plans with input from parents, providers, and employers, and establishes new requirements for payment rates that reflect actual costs of child care services. The bill creates a new "Child Care Supply and Facilities Grants" program to help expand child care capacity, particularly in underserved areas, and provides grants for facility renovations and expansions. It also establishes a sliding fee scale for families receiving assistance and includes new provisions to support child care provider recruitment, training, and retention. The bill directly affects low-income working parents, their children, and child care providers across all 50 states.