Maddy summarySRES 104 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. It highlights that nearly 30 million Latinas live in the U.S. (1 in 6 women), emphasizing their roles across diverse fields like business (over 2 million Latina-owned businesses), military service (45,710 active-duty Latinas), arts (Selena, Rita Moreno), and essential work during the pandemic. The resolution notes ongoing challenges, including Latinas earning only 57 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men. It formally celebrates Latinas' achievements while acknowledging the need for further progress toward equality. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 737, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act, denies tax deductions for employers who spend money to influence employees about union activities or collective bargaining. It amends the tax code to make non-deductible expenses related to swaying union elections, labor disputes, or collective actions - such as anti-union consulting fees, captive audience meetings, or legal settlements over unfair labor practices. Employers must report such spending on tax returns (using new Form 6720D) and face penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to $100,000. The bill directly affects businesses that engage in union-avoidance tactics, aiming to remove tax incentives for undermining workers’ rights under labor laws.
Maddy summaryThe MINDS Act establishes a dedicated Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Coordinator at USAID to oversee the integration of mental health services across all U.S. international development and humanitarian assistance programs. It mandates that all such programs must be evidence-based, culturally competent, trauma-informed, and prioritize vulnerable groups like conflict-affected children, displaced populations, and those impacted by diseases like Ebola or COVID-19. The bill requires annual reports to Congress detailing funding, program integration progress, and barriers to implementation, with a 5-year sunset provision. This legislation directly affects USAID and State Department programming worldwide, aiming to systematically address mental health needs in global aid efforts.
Maddy summaryThe Tax Fairness for Workers Act (S 738) allows employees to deduct certain work-related expenses from their taxable income. It creates an above-the-line deduction for union dues and adds a new exception permitting miscellaneous itemized deductions for other employee expenses, such as uniforms or tools, that were previously limited. This directly affects wage-earning workers who pay union dues or have unreimbursed job costs. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022, and remove prior restrictions on these deductions.
Maddy summaryS 701, the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2023, prohibits states from imposing restrictions on abortion that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures. It protects access to abortion before fetal viability (when a fetus could survive outside the womb) by banning requirements like unnecessary in-person visits, medically inaccurate counseling, or facility restrictions not applied to similar care. Post-viability abortions remain protected when medically necessary to safeguard a patient’s life or health. The bill preempts conflicting state laws and ensures enforcement through federal courts to uphold these access protections for patients and health care providers.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins honoring working dogs, including $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar coins, to be sold starting January 1, 2025. A surcharge of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, and $5 per half-dollar coin will be added to the sale price, with all surcharge funds directed to America’s VetDogs to support its service dog programs for veterans and people with disabilities. The coins are legal tender but will only be issued for one year (2025), with production limited to specified quantities (50,000 gold, 500,000 silver, 750,000 half-dollars). The bill does not create new government programs but uses commemorative coin sales to fund existing service dog initiatives.
Maddy summaryS 722, the Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, allows individuals to use funds from 529 college savings accounts to cover career training and credentialing expenses. It expands the definition of "qualified higher education expenses" to include tuition, fees, and exam costs for recognized postsecondary credential programs (like industry certifications) that meet specific standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This directly affects workers seeking job-focused training or certifications instead of traditional college degrees, enabling them to use existing 529 savings for these expenses. The bill takes effect for expenses paid after its enactment date.
Maddy summaryThis bill eliminates waiting periods for disability benefits and Medicare coverage for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. It amends two sections of the Social Security Act to add "metastatic breast cancer" to the list of conditions (alongside ALS) that qualify for immediate access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage, bypassing the standard 24-month waiting period. Specifically, it modifies eligibility under Section 223(a) for disability benefits and Section 226(h) for Medicare coverage. The changes apply to applications or benefits filed/beginning after the bill's enactment date.
Maddy summarySRES 57 is a Senate resolution honoring David Ferdinand Durenberger, a former U.S. Senator from Minnesota (served 1978-1989). It commemorates his life and career, highlighting his role as the lead Republican sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act and his work protecting Minnesota's natural resources like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The resolution directs the Senate to formally recognize his passing and transmit a copy to his family. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor Navy pilot Everett Alvarez, Jr., for his service as a Vietnam War POW and subsequent public service. It directs the Speaker of the House and Senate President pro tempore to arrange for the medal's presentation, specifying it must bear his name and image. Bronze duplicates may be sold to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. The bill is purely ceremonial, recognizing Alvarez's 8+ years as a prisoner of war and his post-military career. It does not create new policies or affect any government programs.