Maddy summaryS 3342, the Space Commerce Advisory Committee Act, creates a 15-member advisory committee to support U.S. commercial space activities. The committee, appointed by the Commerce Secretary and serving 4-year terms (with limited federal employee exceptions), directly advises the government on policies affecting private space companies. Its key duties include identifying challenges like international obligations, export controls, and radio spectrum access; recommending ways to promote the commercial space sector; and reviewing practices to prevent space contamination. The committee will operate for 10 years from its establishment, providing nonpartisan input to the Secretary of Commerce and Congress on fostering innovation in the U.S. commercial space industry.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe STEER Act creates a federal voucher program to help owners of Class 8 trucks (vehicles over 33,000 pounds gross weight) cover costs for installing emission-reducing active technologies. It provides tiered financial assistance based on fleet size: up to 75% of costs for small fleets (≤10 trucks) down to 67.5% for large fleets (≥101 trucks), with maximum per-unit payments ranging from $4,000 to $2,500. To qualify, applicants must install eligible technologies (like active aerodynamics or idle reduction systems) within the United States and submit detailed documentation of costs and installation locations. The program requires the Secretary of Energy to maintain a list of approved technologies and report annually to Congress on voucher awards. This directly affects commercial trucking companies, fleets, and related businesses seeking to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Maddy summaryThis bill would expand Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) services beyond current limits. Currently, Medicare Part B only covers MNT for beneficiaries with diabetes or kidney disease. The bill would add coverage for 14 additional conditions, including obesity, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and eating disorders, as defined in the law. It also broadens who can provide these services to include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and registered dietitians, not just physicians. This change would directly affect Medicare beneficiaries with these chronic conditions and the healthcare providers who deliver MNT.
Maddy summaryThis bill corrects retirement benefits for a specific group of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers hired before July 6, 2008, but who began duty on or after that date. It ensures these officers receive the minimum pension amount and are exempt from mandatory retirement rules under existing law, with retroactive pension adjustments for those who retired before the bill passed. The Homeland Security Secretary must identify eligible officers, notify them, and provide their details to the Office of Personnel Management for correction. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office review of CBP's hiring practices related to these benefits, with a report due within 18 months.
Maddy summarySRES 408 is a non-binding Senate resolution condemning Hamas for its October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,400 Israelis and abducted nearly 200 hostages. The resolution demands Hamas immediately release all hostages, provide medical care, and cease using them as human shields, while calling on the U.S. to lead global efforts for their safe return. It specifically references Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities, the Nova music festival, and the execution of civilians, citing international law violations. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it does not impose legal requirements or directly affect any individuals or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award a gold medal to the Hmong people in recognition of their service during the Vietnam War. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal and transfer it to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The medal honors the Hmong's military contributions, including fighting communist forces, gathering intelligence, and suffering high casualties. The bill specifically affects the Hmong community in the U.S. (over 327,000 people), acknowledging their historical role and displacement after the war.
Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act of 2023 This bill extends Medicare coverage for medical nutrition therapy services to beneficiaries with pre-diabetes or risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes.
Maddy summaryS 1564, the AI Leadership Training Act, requires federal agencies to provide annual training on artificial intelligence to management officials, supervisors, and other designated employees. The training covers AI fundamentals, risks, ethical considerations, federal procurement and safety practices, data risks, system failures, and mitigation strategies. The program must be updated every two years and includes metrics to track participation and gather feedback. The bill expires automatically 10 years after enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill improves housing loan access for Native American veterans living on trust land by establishing clearer requirements and expanding support services. It requires that veterans maintain meaningful ownership interests in trust land properties and creates a new relending program through Native community development financial institutions that must be at least 51% owned by Native Americans. The bill expands outreach efforts through partnerships with tribal organizations and Native housing entities to help veterans navigate mortgage processes. It also sets specific funding levels for the relending program, starting with $5 million in fiscal year 2024. These changes aim to make housing finance more accessible for Native American veterans while establishing clearer oversight and foreclosure procedures.
Maddy summarySRES 435 is a Senate resolution designating October 30 through November 4, 2023, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who own small businesses, highlighting their role in the economy (over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses employing 2.9 million people). The resolution expresses support for veterans' entrepreneurship, encourages policies reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and thanks veterans for their service through business ownership. This is a symbolic recognition with no new legal requirements or funding.