Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a strategy by 2024 to eliminate reliance on critical minerals (like those used in defense technology) sourced from "covered countries" (defined as strategic competitors like China) by 2035. The strategy must identify vulnerabilities in current supply chains, recommend policy changes to prioritize U.S. or allied mineral sources, and evaluate using the Defense Production Act to boost domestic and allied processing capacity. It directly affects DoD contractors and subcontractors who handle these minerals in defense supply chains. Key mechanisms include assessing supply chain risks, streamlining policies, and leveraging the National Defense Stockpile to build secure mineral networks. The goal is to enhance national security by reducing dependence on adversarial nations for essential materials.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe CONNECT for Health Act of 2023 expands Medicare telehealth coverage by removing geographic restrictions, allowing services to be provided from home and other locations, and expanding who can offer telehealth services. The bill repeals the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health and allows telehealth use in hospice care recertification. It also includes program integrity measures to address inappropriate billing patterns and requires posting of telehealth service data to improve transparency. This legislation directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and telehealth technology vendors by making telehealth more accessible, particularly for rural and underserved populations, those with mobility challenges, and individuals in areas with healthcare workforce shortages.
PIGGY BANK Act or the Program to Inspire Growth and Guarantee Youth Budgeting Advice and Necessary Knowledge Act This bill requires the Department of Education to establish a pilot program for local educational agencies to carry out youth savings match programs for students in grades 9-12.
Maddy summaryThe Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2023 expands tax benefits for low-to-moderate income workers and families with children. It lowers the minimum age for the Earned Income Credit from 25 to 19 (with exceptions for students, former foster youth, and homeless youth), removes the age 65 maximum, and increases credit amounts and income thresholds. The bill also establishes a permanent system for monthly advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, with higher payments ($300 monthly) for children under age 6 compared to $250 for older children. It includes inflation adjustments to maintain the value of these credits over time and creates mechanisms for determining eligibility and recapturing payments in certain circumstances. The provisions apply to all states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends several conservation programs under the Food Security Act of 1985 to explicitly include Indian Tribes and tribal lands. It adds "tribal" before "local" and specifies that programs must consider "an area on tribal land" (as defined in the Energy Policy Act of 1992) alongside state or local areas. The changes apply to key programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, and stewardship contracts, ensuring tribal lands are recognized in conservation planning and funding decisions. This policy adjustment directly affects federally recognized tribes and USDA conservation programs by expanding eligibility criteria to include tribal lands without creating new programs or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill blocks federal airport improvement grant funds from being used for passenger boarding bridge contracts with companies linked to China or found guilty of stealing U.S. intellectual property. It requires a publicly updated list of prohibited entities - those owned by China, convicted of IP theft, or connected to such entities - updated quarterly for six months then annually. The restriction applies specifically to contracts for airport infrastructure or equipment under existing federal grant programs. This policy directly affects airports seeking funding and manufacturers of boarding bridge equipment.
Maddy summaryThe Right to Contraception Act (S 1999) establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and related information without government interference, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers who offer these services. Key provisions prohibit state or federal laws that restrict contraceptive access, single out contraceptive services, or allow provider refusals based on personal beliefs, while requiring any restrictions to be narrowly tailored to advance access. The bill preempts conflicting state laws, allows enforcement through lawsuits by affected individuals or the Attorney General, and explicitly protects access for historically marginalized groups facing barriers. It does not alter existing insurance coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act but ensures contraceptive access remains protected from restrictive state policies.
Maddy summaryS 1975, the Discharge Review Board Accountability Act of 2023, requires the Comptroller General to study how military discharge review boards implement "liberal consideration" for veterans seeking discharge upgrades. The study will assess whether boards follow guidance from the 2017 Kurta memorandum and 2014 Hagel memorandum, examine data on cases referencing these policies, and identify barriers to proper implementation. It mandates a report to Congress within 180 days of the bill's enactment, focusing on compliance with existing rules rather than changing discharge procedures. This bill does not alter military discharge policies but aims to evaluate current practices affecting veterans seeking upgraded discharges.
Maddy summaryS 305 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins (gold, silver, and half-dollar denominations) to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($5 to $35 per coin) that will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with proceeds paid directly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The coins will be sold from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the surcharge structure ensures no net cost to taxpayers by covering production expenses through sales. This bill directly affects the U.S. Mint (in coin production), the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (as recipient of funds), and the public (as potential buyers).
This resolution designates June 2023 as Great Outdoors Month. The resolution encourages all individuals in the United States to responsibly participate in recreation activities in the great outdoors.