Sen. Debbie Stabenow

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 8) expresses Congress's formal opinion that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies - mutual aid organizations operating under IRS Section 501(c)(8) - have long provided essential community benefits. It highlights that these societies, with approximately 7 million members nationwide, contribute over $3.8 billion annually through charitable work, volunteerism, and financial security programs. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to support their mission and relieve pressure on government safety net programs. As a non-binding statement of congressional sentiment, it does not change tax law or create new obligations.

Maddy summarySRES 117 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging the U.S. President and Secretary of State to work with Canada to prevent permanent nuclear waste storage in the Great Lakes Basin. It specifically addresses Canada’s proposal to build a deep geological repository near Lake Huron in South Bruce, Ontario, which the resolution states could threaten the Great Lakes’ water supply. The resolution cites the basin’s importance to over 40 million people relying on it for drinking water and highlights environmental risks from potential nuclear contamination. It calls for U.S. diplomatic engagement to ensure safe, non-threatening waste storage solutions that protect the shared water resource.

Maddy summaryS 838, the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023, increases Medicare coverage for clinical social workers. It raises reimbursement rates for their services under Medicare Part B from 75% to 85% of the psychologist fee schedule and removes barriers preventing coverage in skilled nursing facilities. The bill specifically expands Medicare coverage to include a defined set of clinical social work services (using specific HCPCS codes) for mental health diagnosis, treatment, and behavioral interventions. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults and people in skilled nursing facilities, by making it easier for providers to offer and bill for these mental health services starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryS 805, the Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2023, increases penalties for importers who commit customs fraud or gross negligence. It triples civil penalties for fraudulent violations (to three times the domestic value) and raises gross negligence penalties (up to ten times the domestic value), while adding a five-year import ban for fraudulent violators and a two-year ban for gross negligence. The bill also creates a new private lawsuit mechanism, allowing U.S. manufacturers, workers, or trade groups harmed by customs violations to sue violators for triple damages plus attorney fees. Additionally, it excludes individuals or related businesses found guilty of such violations from participating in the U.S. importer of record program. This directly affects importers who violate customs laws, U.S. businesses competing with fraudulent imports, and customs enforcement processes.

Maddy summaryThe CARE for Long COVID Act establishes a national patient registry to collect data on Long COVID symptoms, treatments, and demographic information to improve understanding of the condition. It allocates $30 million for the registry in 2024, $15 million for research on healthcare disparities related to Long COVID, and $30 million annually for public and provider education programs about symptoms and treatments. The bill also creates interagency coordination to inform people about their rights in employment, education, and disability benefits related to Long COVID, with $30 million annually for this purpose. Additionally, it provides $50 million annually to support legal and social services assistance for people with Long COVID seeking disability benefits, healthcare access, and other services. The bill directly affects individuals with Long COVID, healthcare providers, and legal service organizations by improving data collection, education, and access to support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Clean Air Act to modify how the EPA grants waivers for fuel formulations. It creates a new pathway allowing fuels to enter commerce if they meet Reid Vapor Pressure standards (a measure of fuel volatility) either by matching certified vehicle fuels or by complying with existing waiver conditions. The changes directly affect fuel retailers and manufacturers seeking EPA approval for fuel blends. Key provisions update waiver procedures and clarify Reid Vapor Pressure requirements, specifically adjusting percentage thresholds and notification timelines for certain fuel types. The bill does not create new regulations but adjusts existing processes for fuel approval under the Clean Air Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to mark the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service. It specifies three coin types: up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (90% gold), 400,000 $1 silver coins (90% silver), and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins, all to be issued in 2025. A surcharge ($35 for gold, $10 for silver, $5 for half-dollars) will be added to each coin's sale price, with all funds going directly to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to support its diplomatic history preservation work. The bill ensures no net cost to the government by requiring all design, production, and marketing expenses to be recovered through coin sales.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows physical therapists to use temporary replacement providers (locum tenens) under Medicare, aligning their coverage rules with those already available to physicians. It directly affects physical therapists and Medicare beneficiaries by enabling uninterrupted access to physical therapy services during provider shortages. The key change amends Medicare rules to treat outpatient physical therapy services the same as physician services for temporary staffing purposes. This policy shift takes effect after the bill's enactment, ensuring physical therapy care can continue without disruption during staffing gaps.

Maddy summaryThis bill, S 758 (Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act), requires the removal of personally identifiable information (like Social Security numbers and passport details) from shipping manifests before they are made public. It directly affects shipping companies and government agencies handling shipment data, as they must ensure this information is scrubbed from manifests. The law adds two specific conditions under which such data cannot be disclosed: if the Treasury Secretary finds disclosure would threaten personal injury or property damage, or if the data is already exempt under federal privacy laws. The changes take effect 30 days after the bill becomes law.