Sen. Debbie Stabenow

Maddy summaryThe NAPA Reauthorization Act (S 133) extends the National Alzheimer’s Project through 2035, replacing previous 2025 deadlines. It requires annual progress evaluations on research, risk reduction, and health equity, with new provisions to promote healthy aging, address Alzheimer’s risk factors, and expand focus to underserved groups - including people with Down syndrome and historically high-risk populations. The bill mandates updated advisory committee membership, including individuals with Alzheimer’s diagnoses and representatives from underserved communities. These changes directly affect federal health agencies, researchers, and healthcare planning efforts focused on Alzheimer’s prevention and care.

Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to tennis legend Billie Jean King in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for gender equality in sports and society. The legislation specifically acknowledges her pivotal role in advancing women's rights, including her work leading to the passage of Title IX and her efforts to establish equal prize money in tennis. Under the bill, the Secretary of the Treasury would strike a gold medal featuring an image and inscription of Billie Jean King, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The medal would be presented by congressional leaders as a formal recognition of her contributions to American society. This is a commemorative honor, not a policy that creates new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summarySRES 878 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late actor James Earl Jones for his six-decade career in theater and film. It recognizes his iconic roles (including Darth Vader and Mufasa), his status as the first Black actor to win a Tony Award in the play category, and his EGOT achievements (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). The resolution, introduced by Senators Wicker, Hyde-Smith, Stabenow, and Peters, expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and extends admiration for his legacy as a pioneer for Black actors. Passed on September 25, 2024, it has no legal effect but serves as a formal tribute following his passing on September 9, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 887) is a symbolic Senate expression of support for designating October 7-12, 2024, as "National 4-H Week." It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the 4-H youth development program, which serves nearly 6 million young people nationwide through community-based projects in health, science, and leadership. The resolution highlights 4-H’s role in fostering youth leadership and its partnership with land-grant universities and the USDA. It directly affects the 4-H organization, its 500,000 volunteers, and the youth members participating in the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts the premium tax credit program under the Affordable Care Act to make health insurance more affordable for lower-income households. It establishes a new sliding scale for the percentage of income people pay toward premiums based on household income relative to the federal poverty line (ranging from 150% to 400% of the poverty line). For example, households earning 150-200% of the poverty line would pay 0-2% of income, while those earning 300-400% would pay 6-8.5%. The changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, and directly affect individuals purchasing health insurance through marketplace plans who qualify for these tax credits.

Maddy summaryThe Keeping Obstetrics Local Act aims to improve access to maternity care by requiring states to study costs of obstetric services and setting minimum Medicaid payment rates that are higher than current rates (starting at 150% of Medicare rates for 2026). It creates "anchor payments" for low-volume obstetric hospitals to help them stay open, requiring states to pay hospitals meeting specific criteria the difference between what they're paid and what they need to operate. The bill also mandates 12-month continuous coverage for pregnant individuals under Medicaid and CHIP, and requires hospitals to notify communities 180 days before closing obstetric units, including details on service impacts and steps to address gaps. These provisions directly affect rural hospitals, Medicaid/CHIP recipients, and pregnant individuals seeking obstetric care.

Maddy summaryS 5227, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2024, would formally grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians of Michigan, a tribe that has sought recognition since 2000 but remains unrecognized despite meeting all legal criteria under the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act. The bill directly affects the tribe's enrolled members, enabling them to access all federal services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes, including social services, education, housing, and healthcare, without requiring reservation land or specific residence locations. Key provisions include affirming federal recognition (Section 4), guaranteeing eligibility for federal programs (Section 5), requiring the tribe to establish a membership roll within 18 months (Section 7), and authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land in specified Michigan counties for the tribe (Section 8). This legislation addresses a decades-long delay in recognition that has denied the tribe access to critical federal resources and services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - 223 women who served as Army Signal Corps telephone operators in WWI. They connected 26 million calls in France, worked 12-hour shifts under combat conditions, and were denied veteran benefits for 60 years despite wearing uniforms and facing combat hazards. The medal recognizes their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and the decades-long struggle for recognition as soldiers. It directs the Treasury to strike the medal and place it in the Smithsonian for public display at institutions like the National WWI Museum.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 845) symbolically recognizes September 23-29, 2024, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week" to honor institutions serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages higher education institutions to seek support for programs addressing the needs of these student communities. The resolution highlights that these institutions enroll 46% of all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander undergraduates despite representing only 6.9% of U.S. colleges. It urges the public and organizations to observe the week with activities supporting these institutions' educational missions.